Post by ajk on Jan 19, 2013 0:50:18 GMT -5
"You must be mistaken." Chunchu doesn't believe Deokman--doesn't think that Mishil would even try to become ruler. "Either that or she's nuts." As Deokman points out, though, Mishil has basically running the country anyway. "But the strength of my reign will be built on a new foundation: the power of the people." I'm not strong enough to top her yet, she says, but I will get there and I must. And you must work with me to make it happen. "That's why I'm offering you my hand." What does she really think he'll say, as smug as he is?
"Then you're really gonna?" Hajong asks Mishil what Sejong, Seolwon and Bojong are thinking but not saying. Yes, she says; I've put one king after another on the throne so "Now it's my turn." Then, stunningly, she kneels in front of them, right there on the ground in the plaza! "Help me," she says to the four.
Deokman pays a visit to the Hwarang headquarters. Yushin and Alcheon ask her about Mishil--yes, it's true, she's going to try it--and about Chunchu. "He's resourceful and strong," Deokman tells them; "I believe he'll make the right choice." Then she asks Bidam about this Yeom Jong character she just met. Bidam tells her (and us) that he thinks he first met Chunchu in China. "He figured out Chunchu's plan before anyone else." And he has "people providing him information from all over," which is how he helped Munno with the completion of the Geographical Survey. He's got useful intelligence on all of the nobles." Now THERE'S quite a piece of information, an immensely valuable potential resource for Deokman...but can she trust him? "As much as any merchant, I suppose," Bidam says. "You can trust him to serve his own interests." But he does good work, Bidam assures her of that. Then she explains to them how she and Chunchu inadvertently opened Mishil's eyes to the opportunity of her taking official power.
Now Misaeng is in the plaza, where Mishil has left and her four men are standing there in somewhat of a state of disbelief. Misaeng is rattled by Mishil's goal, too. The lack of a more supportive reaction is surprising...Finally Seolwon speaks up for her. "Her dreams are our dreams," he argues. But Hajong is concerned that even for Mishil, this won't be an easy thing to pull off. And then Sejong shocks us: "Mishil is evil." Huh? "What kind of woman makes a man want HER more than he wants a throne?" And adds, "Can we even call ourselves men?" "That may be the biggest fantasy of all," Seolwon answers, and Sejong laughs heartily. "Can't argue with that," he says...and it's interesting to hear the two of them poke a little fun at themselves; we haven't seen this before. Sejong sighs and looks up at the night sky. "I'll follow Mishil," he decides. Now it's a matter of how to get her there.
So how will Mishil try to pull this off? Deokman and friends are still talking. It won't be a military grab. Deokman says it's not her style, and Yushin agrees, pointing out that as with Jinji's deposal, "Mishil insists on legitimacy above all else." At this point she has so much clout and so many connections, she hardly needs military force.
Seolwon tells Sejong, Hajong and Bojong the same thing. But Hajong brings up a good point, surprisingly for him(!): "The people like us because we're not royals," he says (and we don't know if that's true but I guess we have to take it on faith), but if Mishil becomes the ruler, "what will the people think THEN?" (Sort of like everybody wanting the backup quarterback to play.) Will she depose Jinpyeong? Not likely; with Jinji there were grounds for deposal, but Jinpyeong none exist. "Kill him and make a phony will?" That's Hajong, back to his idiot self; Sejong scolds him for even saying such a thing. Then, finally, Misaeng says what should have been obvious to all of them immediately. "We'll take the direct route: go through the Council. That's the best bet for Mishil." Of course it is; it's just a matter of convincing enough of the nobles, and most are already her allies. Duh!
"It will cause a rift among the nobles." So Deokman doesn't think it's "Duh!" In fact, Alcheon even says flat-out that "Very few of the nobles would choose Mishil as a ruler." Bidam even adds, "They'd prefer the princess over Mishil." Really? "I'm counting on that," Deokman says. "She's the strongest candidate, but the very act of stepping forth will weaken her position." Hmmm, they must know things that we don't. Then Deokman and Yushin talk cryptically about something they've got cooked up and ready to go. One part of it needs to be changed, Deokman says, and "The timing and delivery must be perfect." What's this about?
"Reforms?" Deokman has gone to see her father; Seohyeon and Yongchun are with him. She wants to talk about revisions to the tariff system. "The nobles won't be happy about it," the king says. Deokman argues that the royal house will be butting heads with the nobles for the foreseeable future anyway, and this "will show the people that the royal house is working for them." And then she tells them, to their great surprise, about Mishil likely making a run for the throne herself. These tariff reforms, she argues, will put Mishil at a disadvantage. That's not clear at all--how is that going to happen?
Now Deokman and her entourage are headed somewhere...to a building where the Shilla Land Register is being examined. This isn't in the palace, though; it seems to be out a ways somewhere. At least a dozen men are poring over numerous volumes of written material. There's Seolji, of all people, and now here's Wolya; they seem to be supervising this. Wolya tells Deokman that Bidam is in another room "figuring out which nobles to investigate." (This would seem the kind of thing that Chunchu could really help with, doesn't it?)
So she and Yushin and Alcheon go into the room where Bidam is. The weird guy doesn't exactly seem the best choice for investigative detail work...but there he is, poring over records. "I've gathered Yeom Jong's intelligence reports on some 1000 nobles," he reports. Deokman tells him to compile "land holdings, sources of income, and financial ties. Even ties to Goguryeo and Baekje." And don't just do the nobles; also do the regional political leaders. Already in progress, he replies. She reminds them all to keep this work hush-hush for now. (Which must be why this is all taking place in an outlying village...but it would seem difficult to keep something secret when a royal princess goes to an outlying village in broad daylight.) Then, one more instruction for Yushin and Alcheon: "Order the king's meals and medicines to be prepared separately." Yikes--really? "We can't be sure," Deokman says; "with Mishil in the running we have to anticipate everything." Well, she was prepared to do it once before with Jinheung....
Well, looky here; Mishil's men are doing much the same work. They're studying the backgrounds of all of the nobles to figure out which ones would be likely to support Mishil and which ones would support Deokman. (What about Chunchu? Oops.) "We need reliable numbers," Seolwon says. Who doesn't. Misaeng observes that only 35 of the nobles control 2000 households or more. "They have the true power," he observes. And Hajong adds that around 25 of those 35 are on their side. There are 200 or so nobles who control 300 households or more, and around 450 who control 100 households or more. And that doesn't include the regional lords and officeholders--"Oh, there's a lot of 'em," Misaeng sighs, looking at the list; "why bother?" But Seolwon and Sejong think they could turn out to be important. The problem is how to know who they'll all support? Hajong has an idea: he and Misaeng will simply marry off their unmarried kids to secure their support! Yecch. But Seolwon likes that. "Whatever it takes to win them to our side." "I get smarter and smarter," Hajong squeals with delight. (Yeah, that's a real high bar you're clearing, isn't it.) Misaeng looks at him. "About time, you getting smarter." YES! You are correct sir.
"What do you think?" Mishil is sitting in that open-air roofed patio where we've seen before. And she's asking Chilsuk, of all people, what he thinks of her plan. "It's my lot to serve, my lady." That's what you had to figure he'd say. "I have no property to protect. No family that needs me. My only legacy in life is what you do." He says it so blankly, and without looking at her, it sounds almost a little bitter...and she picks up on that: "Sounds like you blame me." "Not at all," he says, and she tells him it wouldn't change anything if he did (although I'm not so sure; she has been very good to him). Now Seolwon arrives and presents her with a scroll; it's their assessment of the nobles' collective support and opposition to her potential rule. She takes the scroll and says it may prove useful, but adds, "But I refuse to compete for the throne." The statement startles Seolwon--and us. How does she plan to not have to compete for it? Then Seolwon asks an overdue question: What about Chunchu? Mishil just smiles. Uh-oh. Nobody wants to be on the other end of that smile, we know that....
Yeom Jong is showing Chunchu the written presentation of Deokman's proposed tariff reforms. He thinks it's well done and carefully documented, clearly. The twerp looks it over. "She's pulling a Chunchu, I think." Doesn't explain that. But he does wonder why he's heard nothing more lately about Sejong and Seolwon, or Mishil either for that matter...and at that he suddenly bolts from the room...
...and goes to see Mishil's men. They receive him cordially, trying to put the awkwardness of the whole marriage thing behind them. But Chunchu really just wants to see Mishil.
So he goes to where she is. Chilsuk lets him pass and he goes into the patio. Mishil receives him cordially and congratulates him on his wedding. Says his mother would have liked to have been there, which gets no response. "Our fates are intertwined, in a way," Mishil says. She mentions King Jinji, Chunchu's grandfather...then Kim Yongsu, his father...then Cheonmyeong, his mother...and then she leans forward, puts her hand on his shoulder and whispers into his ear: "I killed them all." Chunchu's eyes widen. Mishil smiles. "Why, you ask?" No, he didn't ask, but she'll tell him anyway: "Because they tried to control me with false notions of royal chauvinism." Her voice rises in intensity and volume: "They didn't fight with all their might and strength." Chunchu stands there paralyzed. "It cost them their lives. See that you don't make the same mistake." Yikes! "I've spent my life trying to be queen. I've fought with my whole being, my whole heart, my very life. You can cringe and beg if you fear me. If you want vengeance you can risk your life with the little princess." Those are your two options. "Fight for your life. or die." Welcome to the big leagues, twerp.
Chunchu leaves, almost wobbly from the confrontation and visibly unnerved. He goes to see Deokman, and finds her in the royal shrine praying before her sister's picture. He turns to leave her but she notices him and calls out to him. He didn't want to interrupt her but "I get the idea you're trying to divide your enemies," he tells her. "Pulling a Chunchu, are you." She smiles and admits it! I learned that from you, she says...and from Mishil. "Isolate them; leave them nowhere to turn." "I wonder who will win," he says blankly, and turns to go. "Help me," Deokman says; "I need you." "Make my choice and fast, is that it?" No, that's not it. I came to the capital, Deokman tells him, "for vengeance. Not just on Mishil, but on the king too. On all of Shilla." I trusted no one and was "filled with hate and poison. You were the same, weren't you?" He's surprised by the insight, or looks that way. "But Chunchu, it doesn't work that way. Without trust you can't even get started. But we can start. Together." It's not much of an appeal, is it. By now she should be pitching a much better argument.
Evening, in the royal apothecary: Yushin enters, bringing Sohwa with him, and tells the pharmacists that Sohwa will oversee the preparation of the king's medicines. "Keep a careful record of all deliveries," Sohwa instructs. And she'll be the one to bring the medicines to the king herself.
Yushin tells the king and queen this, and of course they trust Sohwa completely. Manmyeong is with them, and Yushin asks her to oversee the royal kitchen and the preparation of the king's meals. And adds that she's to serve as food taster! And Sohwa is to serve as medicine taster. (Now wait just a darned minute--there would be designated tasters. Certainly not a noble's wife and a princess's adoptive mother. This better not get either of them killed. Ugh.) Seohyeon adds that the king's security has been increased as well.
A windy morning. "You've come to see for yourself?" Deokman is out in the same village as before, where Yushin receives her. He tells her she doesn't look well, and she does look sort of tired and haggard. It was her words with Chunchu yesterday; that's what's bothering her. "Nothing will change his mind," she says sorrowfully. Yushin urges patience.
They go in to look at the progress of the records analysis. Turns out that most of the nobles have landholdings that produce 3000 sacks of rice or more. But so what--is that figure of any use? No, Deokman says, because...and at that moment Chunchu walks in. "Because that won't divide our enemies." Needless to say, they're all surprised to see him just walk in on them...but why is he here? "Most of them," he says, about those 3000-sack nobles, "re of lower rank, or merely provincials. You need the majority of the nobles to support you. But we must assess which criteria are most likely to divide our enemies evenly." See, the twerp IS good at this stuff. "That's the key to an effective schism, don't you think?" Yushin stares at him like he's grown a second head. "After all," he continues," isn't the ultimate goal to win the nobles to Deokman's side?" Baffled looks from most everyone, except for Bidam's hilarious wow-that's-good-even-for-HIM wide eyes, and Deokman's smiling proudly at him.
Deokman and Chunchu go outside to talk. "Accepting my help," Chunchu says, "means accepting all that I've done, poison and all." That's pretty much the case with everyone around me, Deokman answers. "I have to be big enough to accept everyone." And adds that if I let you down, then you feel free to leave. Then the twerp very softly says Mishil's name. "Can you beat her?" And then out of nowhere, starts to cry over his mother! "Have you wept as much as I have?" For a moment Deokman looks almost as confused as the rest of us are at just how this all came out of nowhere like turning on a switch...but she puts his hand on his shoulder, and then hugs him as she starts to cry as well, as a really sappy song swells up. (This complete 180° turn by Chunchu was awfully abrupt.)
Later on, they're all back at it, sorting through more records. And they've found the magic number: 5000 sacks. That's the threshold number they're looking for. This is the key to the reform proposal that Deokman will be giving to the Council tomorrow, we learn. And now she's ready. She looks confident.
"Tax reform?!" Here we are at the Council meeting, king and all, and Deokman has raised the subject to general unhappiness and grumbling. Looks like a whole lot of nobles from the outlying areas are here to watch and listen. Many unfamiliar faces. Deokman explains that King Jinheung distributed lands to the populace but gradually the nobles have come to control most of that land. "This dishonors the late king's wish to strengthen Shilla by uniting the people." And the population's standard of living is deteriorating, she adds. (Good to know; we don't know enough about the country in general.) "Demanding the same tariff percentage from everyone is ridiculous." She argues that those at or above the 5000-sacks-of-rice level should pay a higher tax rate. Then she opens a scroll and starts to read from it: 5000-7000 sacks 6%; 7000-9000 sacks 7%; 9000-12,000 sacks 8%; over 12,000 sacks 9%. Hajong starts to object but Deokman plows right on, explaining that below 5000 sacks the rates will drop: 500-5000 sacks 2%; and under 500 sacks 1%. Now it's Misaeng complaining: "You'd decrease the tariff from the low-class bums and add the difference to OUR percentage?" Yep, you got it. Before anybody else can chime in, the king immediately says he intends to enact the proposal and calls upon the Council to pass it right here and now. The nobles present are buzzing over this, but interestingly enough there seem to be as many smiling faces among the Council as there are frowning faces. Looks like Deokman's side has picked the right number! Mishil has been sitting opposite Deokman and taking this all in, and as usual maintains her poker face. (Major continuity error here: whatever the current rate is (presumably 5%), it's far lower than the rate in Episode 39 when the citizens rioted in Ankang Province. Then the royal house was taking half.)
Now we're in a village somewhere; the DFers have just posted a public notice of the new tariff proposal and are explaining it to the villagers. "The great Princess Deokman did this for you," Jukbang makes sure they know. But it still has to pass the Council, and the villagers are VERY doubtful that those "mucky-muck rich farts" will pass it. Especially since it goes against their own interests. But they certainly hope it does, and in the next breath they're all cheering out loud for Deokman. And the villagers treat the DFers to a meal. Santak the annoying Hwarang is also there and reaches new heights of annoying--mocking Deokman's idea and mooching food.
Word of the cheering-villagers strategy has gotten back to Mishil's cabal. The men are sitting there and trying to make sense of it. Hajong says with amazement, "Does she WANT to make enemies of the nobles?" Of course not, Seolwon answers--and then to their surprise, spells it all out. "She wants to cause dissension." Just like Chunchu did with his wedding, setting Sejong and Seolwon at each other. "She plans to make a schism between the nobles." Which is why she looked for that magic number. Some of them will like the proposal and others won't. "Our little princess is getting smarter," Seolwon says. (And clearly he's no dummy either.)
Now Bojong and his elite Hwarang allies are grumbling, too, accusing Deokman of making change for the sake of change. Of course, they come from wealthy families who will have to pay higher tariffs, don't they now. But what's this--Bakui ventures a contrary thought! The wealthiest paying a little more, "that's not so unfair, is it?" Dukchung immediately accuses him of siding with Deokman, but Bakui says it makes sense from all sides. And adds, "The rich nobles have had it pretty good until now, haven't they?" Confused silence. (Great scene--insight into just how the dissension might develop.)
Later, elsewhere, we see Imjong and Wolya, along with Wang Yun and Piltan, (yes it's a strange combination,) asking Ho Jae for his opinion. Remember, he works in the revenue office now. Ho Jae, to his credit, says he thinks it's a good plan. "But the Council, well..." He adds that his father, who we haven't met, sent a letter announcing that he'll be at the Council meeting. "He asked that I inform the prime minister." And he heads off to do so. Imjong and Wang Yun go with him. Wolya turns to leave. "Wait," Piltan says; "do you have a moment?" What's this about?
Nighttime: Ho Jae has gone to Sejong's house--and has asked him to support the tariff reform! It surprises Sejong, and surprises Hajong even more. Wang Yun also speaks up in its favor; says his father supports it. We learned in Ep41 that his father is a good friend of Sejong's, so this carries weight. And also there and speaking up is an older man we haven't seen before, possibly a noble from the provinces. Ho Jae means business. "This is a formal request, sir."
The king and queen, Seohyeon and Manmyeong and Yongchun, discuss what's happening and realize that "the princess's plan is working" and the haves and have-nots are at odds. Still, the Council isn't likely to approve the reform and Deokman doesn't expect them to anyway. "Two votes for and eight against," Yongchun summarizes, but they all know that those eight no votes won't be viewed favorably by the people and the less wealthy nobles. Which is the whole point of doing this.
Same evening: Wolya has brought Piltan to see Yushin. Why? Piltan looks around nervously, and then slips Yushin an envelope. "My father requests that you deliver this to the princess." Well! This is surprising.
"The less wealthy nobles may be planning something." Yushin has brought Alcheon with him to see Deokman and shares his suspicions. Alcheon says his father will be attending the meeting. Then Deokman opens the envelope. Jujin (Piltan's father) wants to meet with Deokman tomorrow. He's a 5000-sack noble and as we've learned, controls a big military force near the capital...so he's more than meeting with. Yushin adds that many other nobles have asked to attend the meeting. Deokman smiles; does she see a riot coming?
Mishil very well may...she's sitting alone thinking this all through...then her cabal arrives, with Sejong and Hajong complaining about the pressure they're getting from various nobles to pass the reform. "Deokman is a fine student, it can't be denied," Mishil says. Seolwon adds that he's lobbied some nobles personally but isn't sure they won't support the reform anyway. Mishil sits there silently, seemingly more focused on admiring Deokman's strategy than on its consequences to her allies. She does enjoy the maneuvering for its own sake, doesn't she. Hajong and Misaeng start whining about how the people will hate them for rejecting the reform, but Mishil doesn't care about that: "Yes," she says sarcastically, "perish the thought that the people should hate us." Oh wait, maybe not sarcastically. She tells them, "So at the Council--you will all vote in favor." Doink! Three of the four men think she's gone bonkers. Only Seolwon sits silently and tries to figure out her strategy. She tells Sejong to see "Sueul"; Seolwon to see "Jinchun"; Misaeng to see "Simbo"; and Hajong to see "Sungsin"--I guess these are names of other Council members in her eight whom we've never properly met. Mishil has papers already prepared to be taken to each of them. "Deliver them personally. Ask that they respond by 2 a.m." They sit there confused. "What are you waiting for? NOW."
Still nighttime: Deokman, with Alcheon, is overlooking the ceremonial Hwarang arena. Because of the huge expected attendance, they're preparing the arena to hold tomorrow's Council meeting there.
And here we go...Meeting time. The Council has gathered; Mishil is waiting; Deokman makes her entrance, retinue in tow. Deokman sits and the meeting begins. Sejong gets right to it; calls immediately for a vote. "You've all given it considerable thought," he says; "no need to belabor the point." As we've seen before, they vote by tossing wooden sticks into the center of the table. Stunningly, nine "yes" sticks are thrown in, and one "no" from a councillor whose name we don't know yet. Nine to one--a huge shock to everyone watching. BUT--and of course there's a catch--"Shilla tradition," Sejong announces, "requires a unanimous vote. The tariff reform resolution is denied." Even the usually unflappable Seohyeon shakes his head and sighs. Yushin turns to Alcheon and acknowledges the strategy: "Mishil worked it so no one can blame them." Yes she did, except for the one. Deokman sits there staring at Mishil with her spoiled-brat-denied-a-cookie look on her face. Come on, Deokman, you can't be that naive, can you? Maybe not...She stands up. "I call for another vote," she says. Sejong tells her that Council procedures forbid such a thing. "This vote," she answers, "is on a separate issue." Huh? "I propose that the requirement of a unanimous vote be changed to a majority vote." Everyone present--EVERYONE--looks around with wonder like this is the first time the idea has ever been conceived (ugh). Sejong objects: "Unanimous voting has a long tradition in the Council. You dare challenge the Council laws?" Deokman fires back that the Council is alone among all of Shillan governmental institutions in requiring unanimity. And it ensures "that any issue the Council disagrees on will be denied. This stands in the way of progress. It serves only a handful of wealthy nobles." Now that gets a big positive reaction from the accumulated crowd. "The princess is right!" Buzzing, buzzing, more buzzing. Mishil looks at her, almost with appreciation and enjoyment of her playing the game.
"Then you're really gonna?" Hajong asks Mishil what Sejong, Seolwon and Bojong are thinking but not saying. Yes, she says; I've put one king after another on the throne so "Now it's my turn." Then, stunningly, she kneels in front of them, right there on the ground in the plaza! "Help me," she says to the four.
Deokman pays a visit to the Hwarang headquarters. Yushin and Alcheon ask her about Mishil--yes, it's true, she's going to try it--and about Chunchu. "He's resourceful and strong," Deokman tells them; "I believe he'll make the right choice." Then she asks Bidam about this Yeom Jong character she just met. Bidam tells her (and us) that he thinks he first met Chunchu in China. "He figured out Chunchu's plan before anyone else." And he has "people providing him information from all over," which is how he helped Munno with the completion of the Geographical Survey. He's got useful intelligence on all of the nobles." Now THERE'S quite a piece of information, an immensely valuable potential resource for Deokman...but can she trust him? "As much as any merchant, I suppose," Bidam says. "You can trust him to serve his own interests." But he does good work, Bidam assures her of that. Then she explains to them how she and Chunchu inadvertently opened Mishil's eyes to the opportunity of her taking official power.
Now Misaeng is in the plaza, where Mishil has left and her four men are standing there in somewhat of a state of disbelief. Misaeng is rattled by Mishil's goal, too. The lack of a more supportive reaction is surprising...Finally Seolwon speaks up for her. "Her dreams are our dreams," he argues. But Hajong is concerned that even for Mishil, this won't be an easy thing to pull off. And then Sejong shocks us: "Mishil is evil." Huh? "What kind of woman makes a man want HER more than he wants a throne?" And adds, "Can we even call ourselves men?" "That may be the biggest fantasy of all," Seolwon answers, and Sejong laughs heartily. "Can't argue with that," he says...and it's interesting to hear the two of them poke a little fun at themselves; we haven't seen this before. Sejong sighs and looks up at the night sky. "I'll follow Mishil," he decides. Now it's a matter of how to get her there.
So how will Mishil try to pull this off? Deokman and friends are still talking. It won't be a military grab. Deokman says it's not her style, and Yushin agrees, pointing out that as with Jinji's deposal, "Mishil insists on legitimacy above all else." At this point she has so much clout and so many connections, she hardly needs military force.
Seolwon tells Sejong, Hajong and Bojong the same thing. But Hajong brings up a good point, surprisingly for him(!): "The people like us because we're not royals," he says (and we don't know if that's true but I guess we have to take it on faith), but if Mishil becomes the ruler, "what will the people think THEN?" (Sort of like everybody wanting the backup quarterback to play.) Will she depose Jinpyeong? Not likely; with Jinji there were grounds for deposal, but Jinpyeong none exist. "Kill him and make a phony will?" That's Hajong, back to his idiot self; Sejong scolds him for even saying such a thing. Then, finally, Misaeng says what should have been obvious to all of them immediately. "We'll take the direct route: go through the Council. That's the best bet for Mishil." Of course it is; it's just a matter of convincing enough of the nobles, and most are already her allies. Duh!
"It will cause a rift among the nobles." So Deokman doesn't think it's "Duh!" In fact, Alcheon even says flat-out that "Very few of the nobles would choose Mishil as a ruler." Bidam even adds, "They'd prefer the princess over Mishil." Really? "I'm counting on that," Deokman says. "She's the strongest candidate, but the very act of stepping forth will weaken her position." Hmmm, they must know things that we don't. Then Deokman and Yushin talk cryptically about something they've got cooked up and ready to go. One part of it needs to be changed, Deokman says, and "The timing and delivery must be perfect." What's this about?
"Reforms?" Deokman has gone to see her father; Seohyeon and Yongchun are with him. She wants to talk about revisions to the tariff system. "The nobles won't be happy about it," the king says. Deokman argues that the royal house will be butting heads with the nobles for the foreseeable future anyway, and this "will show the people that the royal house is working for them." And then she tells them, to their great surprise, about Mishil likely making a run for the throne herself. These tariff reforms, she argues, will put Mishil at a disadvantage. That's not clear at all--how is that going to happen?
Now Deokman and her entourage are headed somewhere...to a building where the Shilla Land Register is being examined. This isn't in the palace, though; it seems to be out a ways somewhere. At least a dozen men are poring over numerous volumes of written material. There's Seolji, of all people, and now here's Wolya; they seem to be supervising this. Wolya tells Deokman that Bidam is in another room "figuring out which nobles to investigate." (This would seem the kind of thing that Chunchu could really help with, doesn't it?)
So she and Yushin and Alcheon go into the room where Bidam is. The weird guy doesn't exactly seem the best choice for investigative detail work...but there he is, poring over records. "I've gathered Yeom Jong's intelligence reports on some 1000 nobles," he reports. Deokman tells him to compile "land holdings, sources of income, and financial ties. Even ties to Goguryeo and Baekje." And don't just do the nobles; also do the regional political leaders. Already in progress, he replies. She reminds them all to keep this work hush-hush for now. (Which must be why this is all taking place in an outlying village...but it would seem difficult to keep something secret when a royal princess goes to an outlying village in broad daylight.) Then, one more instruction for Yushin and Alcheon: "Order the king's meals and medicines to be prepared separately." Yikes--really? "We can't be sure," Deokman says; "with Mishil in the running we have to anticipate everything." Well, she was prepared to do it once before with Jinheung....
Well, looky here; Mishil's men are doing much the same work. They're studying the backgrounds of all of the nobles to figure out which ones would be likely to support Mishil and which ones would support Deokman. (What about Chunchu? Oops.) "We need reliable numbers," Seolwon says. Who doesn't. Misaeng observes that only 35 of the nobles control 2000 households or more. "They have the true power," he observes. And Hajong adds that around 25 of those 35 are on their side. There are 200 or so nobles who control 300 households or more, and around 450 who control 100 households or more. And that doesn't include the regional lords and officeholders--"Oh, there's a lot of 'em," Misaeng sighs, looking at the list; "why bother?" But Seolwon and Sejong think they could turn out to be important. The problem is how to know who they'll all support? Hajong has an idea: he and Misaeng will simply marry off their unmarried kids to secure their support! Yecch. But Seolwon likes that. "Whatever it takes to win them to our side." "I get smarter and smarter," Hajong squeals with delight. (Yeah, that's a real high bar you're clearing, isn't it.) Misaeng looks at him. "About time, you getting smarter." YES! You are correct sir.
"What do you think?" Mishil is sitting in that open-air roofed patio where we've seen before. And she's asking Chilsuk, of all people, what he thinks of her plan. "It's my lot to serve, my lady." That's what you had to figure he'd say. "I have no property to protect. No family that needs me. My only legacy in life is what you do." He says it so blankly, and without looking at her, it sounds almost a little bitter...and she picks up on that: "Sounds like you blame me." "Not at all," he says, and she tells him it wouldn't change anything if he did (although I'm not so sure; she has been very good to him). Now Seolwon arrives and presents her with a scroll; it's their assessment of the nobles' collective support and opposition to her potential rule. She takes the scroll and says it may prove useful, but adds, "But I refuse to compete for the throne." The statement startles Seolwon--and us. How does she plan to not have to compete for it? Then Seolwon asks an overdue question: What about Chunchu? Mishil just smiles. Uh-oh. Nobody wants to be on the other end of that smile, we know that....
Yeom Jong is showing Chunchu the written presentation of Deokman's proposed tariff reforms. He thinks it's well done and carefully documented, clearly. The twerp looks it over. "She's pulling a Chunchu, I think." Doesn't explain that. But he does wonder why he's heard nothing more lately about Sejong and Seolwon, or Mishil either for that matter...and at that he suddenly bolts from the room...
...and goes to see Mishil's men. They receive him cordially, trying to put the awkwardness of the whole marriage thing behind them. But Chunchu really just wants to see Mishil.
So he goes to where she is. Chilsuk lets him pass and he goes into the patio. Mishil receives him cordially and congratulates him on his wedding. Says his mother would have liked to have been there, which gets no response. "Our fates are intertwined, in a way," Mishil says. She mentions King Jinji, Chunchu's grandfather...then Kim Yongsu, his father...then Cheonmyeong, his mother...and then she leans forward, puts her hand on his shoulder and whispers into his ear: "I killed them all." Chunchu's eyes widen. Mishil smiles. "Why, you ask?" No, he didn't ask, but she'll tell him anyway: "Because they tried to control me with false notions of royal chauvinism." Her voice rises in intensity and volume: "They didn't fight with all their might and strength." Chunchu stands there paralyzed. "It cost them their lives. See that you don't make the same mistake." Yikes! "I've spent my life trying to be queen. I've fought with my whole being, my whole heart, my very life. You can cringe and beg if you fear me. If you want vengeance you can risk your life with the little princess." Those are your two options. "Fight for your life. or die." Welcome to the big leagues, twerp.
Chunchu leaves, almost wobbly from the confrontation and visibly unnerved. He goes to see Deokman, and finds her in the royal shrine praying before her sister's picture. He turns to leave her but she notices him and calls out to him. He didn't want to interrupt her but "I get the idea you're trying to divide your enemies," he tells her. "Pulling a Chunchu, are you." She smiles and admits it! I learned that from you, she says...and from Mishil. "Isolate them; leave them nowhere to turn." "I wonder who will win," he says blankly, and turns to go. "Help me," Deokman says; "I need you." "Make my choice and fast, is that it?" No, that's not it. I came to the capital, Deokman tells him, "for vengeance. Not just on Mishil, but on the king too. On all of Shilla." I trusted no one and was "filled with hate and poison. You were the same, weren't you?" He's surprised by the insight, or looks that way. "But Chunchu, it doesn't work that way. Without trust you can't even get started. But we can start. Together." It's not much of an appeal, is it. By now she should be pitching a much better argument.
Evening, in the royal apothecary: Yushin enters, bringing Sohwa with him, and tells the pharmacists that Sohwa will oversee the preparation of the king's medicines. "Keep a careful record of all deliveries," Sohwa instructs. And she'll be the one to bring the medicines to the king herself.
Yushin tells the king and queen this, and of course they trust Sohwa completely. Manmyeong is with them, and Yushin asks her to oversee the royal kitchen and the preparation of the king's meals. And adds that she's to serve as food taster! And Sohwa is to serve as medicine taster. (Now wait just a darned minute--there would be designated tasters. Certainly not a noble's wife and a princess's adoptive mother. This better not get either of them killed. Ugh.) Seohyeon adds that the king's security has been increased as well.
A windy morning. "You've come to see for yourself?" Deokman is out in the same village as before, where Yushin receives her. He tells her she doesn't look well, and she does look sort of tired and haggard. It was her words with Chunchu yesterday; that's what's bothering her. "Nothing will change his mind," she says sorrowfully. Yushin urges patience.
They go in to look at the progress of the records analysis. Turns out that most of the nobles have landholdings that produce 3000 sacks of rice or more. But so what--is that figure of any use? No, Deokman says, because...and at that moment Chunchu walks in. "Because that won't divide our enemies." Needless to say, they're all surprised to see him just walk in on them...but why is he here? "Most of them," he says, about those 3000-sack nobles, "re of lower rank, or merely provincials. You need the majority of the nobles to support you. But we must assess which criteria are most likely to divide our enemies evenly." See, the twerp IS good at this stuff. "That's the key to an effective schism, don't you think?" Yushin stares at him like he's grown a second head. "After all," he continues," isn't the ultimate goal to win the nobles to Deokman's side?" Baffled looks from most everyone, except for Bidam's hilarious wow-that's-good-even-for-HIM wide eyes, and Deokman's smiling proudly at him.
Deokman and Chunchu go outside to talk. "Accepting my help," Chunchu says, "means accepting all that I've done, poison and all." That's pretty much the case with everyone around me, Deokman answers. "I have to be big enough to accept everyone." And adds that if I let you down, then you feel free to leave. Then the twerp very softly says Mishil's name. "Can you beat her?" And then out of nowhere, starts to cry over his mother! "Have you wept as much as I have?" For a moment Deokman looks almost as confused as the rest of us are at just how this all came out of nowhere like turning on a switch...but she puts his hand on his shoulder, and then hugs him as she starts to cry as well, as a really sappy song swells up. (This complete 180° turn by Chunchu was awfully abrupt.)
Later on, they're all back at it, sorting through more records. And they've found the magic number: 5000 sacks. That's the threshold number they're looking for. This is the key to the reform proposal that Deokman will be giving to the Council tomorrow, we learn. And now she's ready. She looks confident.
"Tax reform?!" Here we are at the Council meeting, king and all, and Deokman has raised the subject to general unhappiness and grumbling. Looks like a whole lot of nobles from the outlying areas are here to watch and listen. Many unfamiliar faces. Deokman explains that King Jinheung distributed lands to the populace but gradually the nobles have come to control most of that land. "This dishonors the late king's wish to strengthen Shilla by uniting the people." And the population's standard of living is deteriorating, she adds. (Good to know; we don't know enough about the country in general.) "Demanding the same tariff percentage from everyone is ridiculous." She argues that those at or above the 5000-sacks-of-rice level should pay a higher tax rate. Then she opens a scroll and starts to read from it: 5000-7000 sacks 6%; 7000-9000 sacks 7%; 9000-12,000 sacks 8%; over 12,000 sacks 9%. Hajong starts to object but Deokman plows right on, explaining that below 5000 sacks the rates will drop: 500-5000 sacks 2%; and under 500 sacks 1%. Now it's Misaeng complaining: "You'd decrease the tariff from the low-class bums and add the difference to OUR percentage?" Yep, you got it. Before anybody else can chime in, the king immediately says he intends to enact the proposal and calls upon the Council to pass it right here and now. The nobles present are buzzing over this, but interestingly enough there seem to be as many smiling faces among the Council as there are frowning faces. Looks like Deokman's side has picked the right number! Mishil has been sitting opposite Deokman and taking this all in, and as usual maintains her poker face. (Major continuity error here: whatever the current rate is (presumably 5%), it's far lower than the rate in Episode 39 when the citizens rioted in Ankang Province. Then the royal house was taking half.)
Now we're in a village somewhere; the DFers have just posted a public notice of the new tariff proposal and are explaining it to the villagers. "The great Princess Deokman did this for you," Jukbang makes sure they know. But it still has to pass the Council, and the villagers are VERY doubtful that those "mucky-muck rich farts" will pass it. Especially since it goes against their own interests. But they certainly hope it does, and in the next breath they're all cheering out loud for Deokman. And the villagers treat the DFers to a meal. Santak the annoying Hwarang is also there and reaches new heights of annoying--mocking Deokman's idea and mooching food.
Word of the cheering-villagers strategy has gotten back to Mishil's cabal. The men are sitting there and trying to make sense of it. Hajong says with amazement, "Does she WANT to make enemies of the nobles?" Of course not, Seolwon answers--and then to their surprise, spells it all out. "She wants to cause dissension." Just like Chunchu did with his wedding, setting Sejong and Seolwon at each other. "She plans to make a schism between the nobles." Which is why she looked for that magic number. Some of them will like the proposal and others won't. "Our little princess is getting smarter," Seolwon says. (And clearly he's no dummy either.)
Now Bojong and his elite Hwarang allies are grumbling, too, accusing Deokman of making change for the sake of change. Of course, they come from wealthy families who will have to pay higher tariffs, don't they now. But what's this--Bakui ventures a contrary thought! The wealthiest paying a little more, "that's not so unfair, is it?" Dukchung immediately accuses him of siding with Deokman, but Bakui says it makes sense from all sides. And adds, "The rich nobles have had it pretty good until now, haven't they?" Confused silence. (Great scene--insight into just how the dissension might develop.)
Later, elsewhere, we see Imjong and Wolya, along with Wang Yun and Piltan, (yes it's a strange combination,) asking Ho Jae for his opinion. Remember, he works in the revenue office now. Ho Jae, to his credit, says he thinks it's a good plan. "But the Council, well..." He adds that his father, who we haven't met, sent a letter announcing that he'll be at the Council meeting. "He asked that I inform the prime minister." And he heads off to do so. Imjong and Wang Yun go with him. Wolya turns to leave. "Wait," Piltan says; "do you have a moment?" What's this about?
Nighttime: Ho Jae has gone to Sejong's house--and has asked him to support the tariff reform! It surprises Sejong, and surprises Hajong even more. Wang Yun also speaks up in its favor; says his father supports it. We learned in Ep41 that his father is a good friend of Sejong's, so this carries weight. And also there and speaking up is an older man we haven't seen before, possibly a noble from the provinces. Ho Jae means business. "This is a formal request, sir."
The king and queen, Seohyeon and Manmyeong and Yongchun, discuss what's happening and realize that "the princess's plan is working" and the haves and have-nots are at odds. Still, the Council isn't likely to approve the reform and Deokman doesn't expect them to anyway. "Two votes for and eight against," Yongchun summarizes, but they all know that those eight no votes won't be viewed favorably by the people and the less wealthy nobles. Which is the whole point of doing this.
Same evening: Wolya has brought Piltan to see Yushin. Why? Piltan looks around nervously, and then slips Yushin an envelope. "My father requests that you deliver this to the princess." Well! This is surprising.
"The less wealthy nobles may be planning something." Yushin has brought Alcheon with him to see Deokman and shares his suspicions. Alcheon says his father will be attending the meeting. Then Deokman opens the envelope. Jujin (Piltan's father) wants to meet with Deokman tomorrow. He's a 5000-sack noble and as we've learned, controls a big military force near the capital...so he's more than meeting with. Yushin adds that many other nobles have asked to attend the meeting. Deokman smiles; does she see a riot coming?
Mishil very well may...she's sitting alone thinking this all through...then her cabal arrives, with Sejong and Hajong complaining about the pressure they're getting from various nobles to pass the reform. "Deokman is a fine student, it can't be denied," Mishil says. Seolwon adds that he's lobbied some nobles personally but isn't sure they won't support the reform anyway. Mishil sits there silently, seemingly more focused on admiring Deokman's strategy than on its consequences to her allies. She does enjoy the maneuvering for its own sake, doesn't she. Hajong and Misaeng start whining about how the people will hate them for rejecting the reform, but Mishil doesn't care about that: "Yes," she says sarcastically, "perish the thought that the people should hate us." Oh wait, maybe not sarcastically. She tells them, "So at the Council--you will all vote in favor." Doink! Three of the four men think she's gone bonkers. Only Seolwon sits silently and tries to figure out her strategy. She tells Sejong to see "Sueul"; Seolwon to see "Jinchun"; Misaeng to see "Simbo"; and Hajong to see "Sungsin"--I guess these are names of other Council members in her eight whom we've never properly met. Mishil has papers already prepared to be taken to each of them. "Deliver them personally. Ask that they respond by 2 a.m." They sit there confused. "What are you waiting for? NOW."
Still nighttime: Deokman, with Alcheon, is overlooking the ceremonial Hwarang arena. Because of the huge expected attendance, they're preparing the arena to hold tomorrow's Council meeting there.
And here we go...Meeting time. The Council has gathered; Mishil is waiting; Deokman makes her entrance, retinue in tow. Deokman sits and the meeting begins. Sejong gets right to it; calls immediately for a vote. "You've all given it considerable thought," he says; "no need to belabor the point." As we've seen before, they vote by tossing wooden sticks into the center of the table. Stunningly, nine "yes" sticks are thrown in, and one "no" from a councillor whose name we don't know yet. Nine to one--a huge shock to everyone watching. BUT--and of course there's a catch--"Shilla tradition," Sejong announces, "requires a unanimous vote. The tariff reform resolution is denied." Even the usually unflappable Seohyeon shakes his head and sighs. Yushin turns to Alcheon and acknowledges the strategy: "Mishil worked it so no one can blame them." Yes she did, except for the one. Deokman sits there staring at Mishil with her spoiled-brat-denied-a-cookie look on her face. Come on, Deokman, you can't be that naive, can you? Maybe not...She stands up. "I call for another vote," she says. Sejong tells her that Council procedures forbid such a thing. "This vote," she answers, "is on a separate issue." Huh? "I propose that the requirement of a unanimous vote be changed to a majority vote." Everyone present--EVERYONE--looks around with wonder like this is the first time the idea has ever been conceived (ugh). Sejong objects: "Unanimous voting has a long tradition in the Council. You dare challenge the Council laws?" Deokman fires back that the Council is alone among all of Shillan governmental institutions in requiring unanimity. And it ensures "that any issue the Council disagrees on will be denied. This stands in the way of progress. It serves only a handful of wealthy nobles." Now that gets a big positive reaction from the accumulated crowd. "The princess is right!" Buzzing, buzzing, more buzzing. Mishil looks at her, almost with appreciation and enjoyment of her playing the game.