Post by ajk on Jan 25, 2013 23:20:09 GMT -5
"Nine to one?" Bidam apparently wasn't at the meeting. Neither was Chunchu. But Yeom Jong was and he's filling them in. Bidam isn't at all surprised. "That Mishil, I swear, she's ready for anything." And about this majority-rule business? "They can't agree on a simple tariff reform," Yeom Jong observes. "Majority rule? Forget it." But as Chunchu points out, the lower-rank nobles who stood to benefit from the tariff reform aren't happy right now, so this is Deokman's chance to capitalize on that.
Back at the meeting (so it's not over): Now they're voting on majority rule. Just like you expect--eight no-sticks tossed in and two yes-sticks. So much for that. Sejong announces the results, and gavels the meeting over. We see the predictable reactions from everyone present. Again Deokman with the angry, frustrated stare at Mishil, who smiles back at her. But Deokman doesn't believe this is over; losing this battle today wasn't the point.
Some of the nobles from the outlying regions leave the meeting together, complaining about making the long trip for nothing. (One of them is the man who went with Ho Jae to lobby Sejong last night.) But they realize the absurd voting system: "Nothing will change as long as they have unanimous voting."
"What are you rambling about now?" Look at this--now the elite Hwarang are starting to get testy with one another. Dukchung takes something Wang Yun said the wrong way, as an insult about his family's wealth. But Wang Yun argues that "The small landholders are as loyal as the rich families." Dukchung counters, "You want everyone to own the same amount of land?" More of this same friction we started to see in the last episode. Interesting....
The king and queen weren't at the meeting either. But Seohyeon and Yongchun are filling them in. "The unanimous voting rule," Maya points out, "hasn't changed in 700 years." But Seohyeon speculates that Deokman's purpose was to get the nobles upset, which it seemed to do. Uh-oh, suddenly the king is coughing and showing signs of illness again.
Now yet another scene with Deokman and her retinue running into Mishil and her retinue. Words back and forth about the unanimity rule. "The Council's main role," Deokman says, "seems to be protecting its own interests." But Mishil argues that Deokman herself benefits from the rule. "Suppose the nobles united in a vote to depose you. How would that be?" WELL! Deokman never thought about that, as her blank look shows. "It would only take six votes to force your abdication." (Of course, the rule could and should have exceptions, but Mishil's statement is valid because Deokman didn't propose any.) Deokman has to concede the point. "You're right. I've benefitted, as well." "Rules and regulations," Mishil tells her, "are double-edged swords. They can always cut both ways." And now Deokman asks her for advice to defeat her (yes, that's right): "Then do you suggest we NOT use rules and regulations against our enemies?" Mishil actually starts to answer her...but then stops, and laughs out loud. "You almost got me talking! You have a knack for getting the truth out of others. You almost had me." She excuses herself and leaves. Clearly, Deokman is still far too clueless to be running anything, much less a nation.
Oh no, it's Santak the annoying Hwarang. Heckling the DFers. "You lost. Losers!" And he looks to be a squad leader now, too--he has several other Hwarang from his corps with him. But Jukbang has to point out to him that he personally would have gained from the reform. "Not too bright--don't know what's good for you." The DFers shake their heads at him, and Godo adds, "Better you not open your yap, huh?" (THAT would pass unanimously, no doubt.) And as the DFers walk away, Jukbang delivers a couple of smacks to his head for "not showing proper respect" to a sergeant. But how about this--gradually he seems to be realizing that yes, it would have been better for him if the reform had passed. The divergence of opinion continues....
"The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of tariff reform." And it rolls on--Bakui says so to Seokpum, who snaps at Bakui for saying such a thing. Bakui says the reform would have helped Seokpum's family, but Seokpum can only see this as an attempt to weaken Mishil, nothing more. Bakui has to remind him that both of their families took a bath during the grain-market fiasco. Maybe so, but Seokpum cautions him that their positions and their families' wealth are thanks to Mishil and he'd best remember that.
Apparently the lower-ranking nobles are REALLY unhappy. Hajong reports to Mishil and Sejong that large numbers of them are standing around the capital and complaining about the unanimity rule. Like a 700-year rule could be changed just like that? "No," Mishil answers..."But it should be abolished sooner or later." What? "The truth is, the whole Council has grown rather useless." Doink! That doesn't sit too well with her husband the Council head who's sitting right there! "It's true," she continues. "If I take the throne, the Council will be the first thing to go." Oh THAT's not going to go over well; how's she going to manage that? She smiles at Sejong. "Not just yet, of course."
But surprisingly, Chunchu has proposed the same thing to Deokman, to Mishil's and Alcheon's (and our) great surprise: "We'll have to disband the Council sooner or later, won't we?" Deokman smiles at him. "I've had the same thought." Pressed for an explanation, she says, "We live in a time of social upheaval. In Shilla you have to act decisively and quickly." That's not much of an explanation--and it's the same sort of power grab that Mishil envisions!
Seolwon has brought Mishil a document that he worked on most of last night. It's some sort of proposal...Mishil looks at it. "This is a low and cowardly plan." Apparently it is. "Of course it is," he acknowledges without batting an eye. She nearly busts out laughing. And then says, "But it could stand to be even more cowardly, more contemptible." He agrees. "I'll give it more thought." She touches the paper to a candle and watches the paper burn. "It should be so vile, so contemptible...that anyone who learns of it will know the value of vulgarity." Whatever this is about, Mishil wants it to happen tomorrow.
Now Mishil is sitting by herself, out on her covered patio. Misaeng pays her a visit. "Mishil, must you?" A little awkward for him to say so, but "It doesn't seem to suit YOU." "Whatever people say, I believe history will vindicate you. But this may ruin all of that." Whatever this plan is, it must be very, very sleazy if it's even bothering Misaeng this much. "People criticize you; they fear you; but you've never acted without justification." His words have an impact on her; we can see that. "But this...there's no justification for this." He's not angry; actually being very honest and calm. Mishil stands up. "Once, just once, I acted without justification." And then mentions Sadaham's name; her love for him and how much it damaged her. Since then, she says, "I've never done anything without a reason." Which confuses Misaeng all the more: "Then why this, why now?" But she says this is like the other time: "I'd sacrifice everything for my dream." Even her reputation, apparently. "And if it shatters, it will shatter brilliantly, like jade. That's why."
Piltan's father and Wang Yun's father have come to see Deokman. They're both sub-5,000 sack earners, we learn (which is kind of a surprise, given Piltan's position in the military and that Wang Yun's father is Sejong's good friend). Deokman receives them cordially. They thank her for her attention to the welfare of the middle-class nobles. But Deokman tells them that it's the nobles who will be the real force in reforming the government, and says she hopes they'll help her do so.
Unfortunately, one of the two--Jujin, Piltan's father--goes right to Sejong and tells her what Deokman said. "She insists it is a tool for protecting the rich." Sejong tells him, "I hope you realize this is just a ploy to cause dissension among the nobles." He doesn't answer. "Don't let her influence you." I won't, he assures Sejong. "But this plan of yours could cost me my life." Sejong assures him that it won't, because his military unit is supposed to keep the capital secure. "How is this NOT part of your duty?" Boy, this gets uglier and uglier every time it comes up.
Nighttime: Yeom Jong is with a few of his men; they're out in the countryside somewhere. A fairly large party of maybe twenty people is coming up the road to meet them. And there's a gama. It opens up. Mishil! Certainly not what Yeom Jong was expecting; he shakes off his obvious momentary shock and drops to his hands and knees, as do his men. Mishil walks over to him, and he tells her he was expecting Misaeng only. She says she wanted to meet him. "You've helped us in the past...and so I've come to value the work you've done for us. I trust we'll have a relationship of mutual respect." Which pleases Yeom Jong to no end; he's practically giddy. What can he do for her? "You're friends with Bidam, is that right?" The point being? "Take him on a little pleasure cruise tomorrow and the day after." As in, 100 miles from the capital. "Someplace where the mountains and water are pleasant." She tosses a bag of expense money at him. And if he refuses? "Then you'll have to MAKE him go." Yeah, sure--gonna have to drug him because he's a hard guy to outfight, to say the least.
Here's a very strange sight. Why has Seolwon come to Yongchun's home, and at night? Seolwon has a smiling face, but Yongchun looks at him like the guy is nuts. But he invites Seolwon inside.
Now Hajong is visiting Seohyeon and they're sharing food and drink. Wants to make friends, Hajong says; we're related by marriage now so we should be on better terms. Seohyeon agrees with that and seems to be enjoying himself. Really? Now Yushin's wife enters--we learn her name is Yeongmo. She sees Hajong and welcomes her father. Good grief--she's HAJONG'S daughter? No wonder Yushin looked so miserable during the wedding. Pretty or not, eeeewwwwwwww.
Oh, no--what's Seolwon concealing in his hand? Looks like pellets or nuggets of something. Poisonous? At this point, it may well be. He's sitting with Yongchun and they're sharing a late snack. Seolwon explains that his new marriage ties with Chunchu have put him "in an awkward position" with Sejong. So? "Yongchun, wouldn't you prefer that Chunchu be king, just as I do?" The question surprises Yongchun, understandably. We're in the same boat, Seolwon says--and in a way, they are; they both stand to lose status if things don't go their way, and gain status if they do. Still, those nuggets in Seolwon's had are obviously the real purpose of his visit.
Still nighttime, on a public street. Yeom Jong has cornered Bidam, and very clumsily--VERY clumsily--tries to convince him to take a trip somewhere. Bidam immediately suspects something and in the next moment his sword is at Yeom Jong's throat. Yeom Jong begs him to sit down for a drink so he can explain himself.
Back at Seohyeon's--oh crap, more of those nugget things. Seohyeon has stepped away for a moment, and Hajong slips them into his drink. Seohyeon returns and they drink a toast to their families. (Wow, those nuggets were awfully big; Seohyeon never noticed them? Come on.)
"I know what you're asking, but how can I...?" Of all people to be squeamish about something not-totally-on-the-level, Seokpum isn't someone you'd expect. But Sejong is asking him to do something he doesn't like. "Do it for Mishil," Sejong says. "For Shilla." Uglier and uglier. Chilsuk is there too. He and Sejong agree that Seokpum is "a gifted swordsman" and that's why they've asked him to do whatever this is.
"You did it?" Seolwon reports back to Mishil. "Yes, I did." "Did you bring it?" Seolwon pulls a folded-over envelope out of his jacket. Mishil asks for it. But Seolwon is very uncomfortable about giving it to her. "I've always tried to understand you," he says gently, "and usually I have. But I don't understand. Why THIS?" "I entrusted you with it in the first place," she answers, "to ease your mind." So why does she want the envelope? "To ease MY mind." Just in case we fail. And if we do? "Yes. Bidam." Bidam what? This doesn't make any sense to us at this point. She reaches over and takes the envelope from his hand. "It will be a long night," Mishil says, "Like that other night long ago." Reference lost (on me, anyway--maybe Jinheung's last night?).
Early the next morning: "The Council has called an emergency meeting." A DFer who we don't recognize--strange, we've never seen this guy before--delivers a scroll and informs Manmyeong, who's received him. Seohyeon is still sleeping, she says; she puts her family seal on a wooden block to acknowledge receipt of the scroll.
Santak the annoying Hwarang tells Sejong that he delivered a summons to Yongchun. Presumably like what we just saw. Says Yongchun was still asleep. Uh-oh, that can't possibly be a coincidence. Santak, too, got a seal of receipt, though. Sejong sees it and smiles.
Manmyeong tries to wake her husband. He's unresponsive. Breathing, but unresponsive. Looks like Hajong slipped him a Mickey.
Wolya and Seolji have a list for Deokman--a list of the nobles who will support her. Deokman tells them about Piltan's father visiting; says she's not sure she can trust him. She'll talk to him again, she says, and then asks Wolya to be vigilant about security "here in the Bokya compound." (Wow--THAT'S where they are? Yeah, now I recognize the waterwheel. Deokman should NOT be going to the Bokya compound! This is utterly absurd.)
Manmyeong steps out on her porch. Hesitantly, she opens the scroll intended for her husband. Reads it, and just about panics. Runs back inside.
Yongchun wakes up. Gets out of bed and sees a scroll on the nearby table. Opens it up, reads it, and his eyes widen.
Now we see Bidam. Tied to a chair! He was asleep but wakes up. Yeom Jong is looking at him VERY nervously. Bidam instantly realizes he got slipped his own Mickey. Yeom Jong apologizes profusely.
"The Council is meeting to strip the princess of her authority over national affairs." Manmyeong tells her husband as he's reading it. He asks for his clothes so he can hurry and break it up.
Daepoong the DFer has gotten wind of what's happening and goes straight to Deokman and tells her what the Council is up to. Deokman isn't worried--it takes unanimity, after all--but Chunchu is there with her and he thinks something's up.
The Council convenes. Two seats empty. Sejong and Hajong are trying to get things started quickly, but even some of the other councillors are objecting to the idea of starting. "We have seals," Hajong argues, "indicating receipt of their summons." "In that case," Sejong picks up, not missing a beat, "this emergency meeting is called to order." (Come on--they're all acting like no one's ever been late to a meeting before! Very silly.) And gavels it started. But look--the king's attendant is there, and is shocked enough by the shenanigans that he leaves the room and whispers instructions to a female attendant, who heads off somewhere.
Now Daepoong goes and tells Yushin and Alcheon. "The whole thing's ridiculous," Alcheon barks...and then remembers that Seohyeon was draining with Hajong last night (Yushin must have told him). "They're beneath contempt. To think they were once Hwarang!"
Seohyeon is running up the steps of the palace complex, putting on his formal robe as he runs. Yongchun is close behind him.
Yeom Jong tells Bidam about Mishil wanting him taken 100 miles from the capital for a couple of days. Bidam asks the obvious: So why did you leave me here instead of taking me away? Yeom Jong has no real answer, except that he doesn't understand what's going on and needs to figure it out. Especially since Mishil showed up herself--what's the big deal? Bidam thinks he knows exactly what's going on. Yeom Jong is completely torn: "Tie you up and I risk my life. Untie you and Mishil's my enemy, see?" Darned if he does and darned if he doesn't. He begs Bidam, "I need a reason--a reason to untie you and make an enemy of Mishil." Okay, at least that gets Bidam thinking.
Seohyeon reaches the Council hall. Soldiers won't let him in! Dozens of them are blocking the front entrance, with their arms locked tightly together to keep him out. He tries to push his way through. No chance. Yongchun shows up and now they're both pushing. No chance.
Yushin and Alcheon have gathered their Hwarang. Daepoong and Geoksaheun come running in and tell them what's happening outside the Council hall. Yushin sends Jukbang and Godo to inform Deokman. The rest move out.
Deokman gets the scoop. "I can't believe it. Would she go this far? It's unbelievable." She and Wolya and Seolji are fuming. But Chunchu thinks this is actually a good thing! Huh? "The low and middle class nobles are behind you over the tariff reform. They're breaking protocol by forcing a unanimous vote of eight nobles." And are using soldiers to do it. What happens? "The outcry will be beyond imagining," Wolya speculates. "You all say," Chunchu continues, "that Mishil never acts without just cause. But she's only human." And this time "her fear and impatience got the best of her." Maybe the twerp is right...but Deokman doesn't think so. "She would never box herself in like this." Which is probably true; it does seem a little bush-league for Mishil.
Sejong is reading a scroll: charges against Deokman. Threatening national security by releasing military supplies (grains). Proposing a tariff reform "designed to divide the nobility and the Council." He adds, "It is clear that she intends to first weaken and ultimately abolish this Council." (What a hypocrite, reading this aloud after what Mishil said to him about doing just that herself.) "I move that she be barred from participation from affairs of the state" and limit herself to matters involving the royal house only.
The DFers and Rising Phoenix Hwarang reach the Council chambers. Seohyeon and Yongchun wisely step aside. The Hwarang draw their swords...and those soldiers, not only are their arms locked but they're completely unarmed (I mean, they're armed as in arms, like, limbs arms, not sword arms...oh never mind). Soliders with no weapons--doesn't that seem a little strange? At the sight of the Hwarang swords they immediately flinch and step back...The Hwarang charge! To their credit, they don't slash, at least not yet. (But this all-out frontal attack is not the way to do this. Attack hard at one point; you only need one gap in the line. Yushin should know better!)
"The princess is in danger!" Bidam is trying to convince Yeom Jong, but it isn't flying, not yet. "Yushin, Alcheon, Chunchu, they've all been tricked!", Bidam shouts, and says that he's the only one who can see this. Hmmm.... "What's Mishil doing?", Yeom Jong asks him. "What's between you and her?"
Nobody's bleeding but it's a nasty fight. Pretty quickly, though, a path is cleared for Seohyeon and Yongchun.
Now what's this? A whole lot of soldiers are moving through the countryside. A LOT of soldiers. This must be Jujin's unit. Are they headed towards the capital?
Yes they are. One of the Bokya informs Deokman that Jujin's Sangju unit is headed to the capital. And then Seolji runs up with a report about the confrontation outside the Council building. Deokman doesn't like the sound of that. "Stop them!" She apparently agrees with whatever Bidam is thinking. Maybe some sort of setup? (The Bokya compound is nowhere near the capital--we know that. How is Deokman getting these instant updates? Ugh.)
"A coup d'etat, you idiot! Mishil's leading a coup." Really? Bidam sure thinks so; he's seething with frustration. "I told them. She'll lead a coup, I said, but NO...freaking morons." Who did he tell? Now one of Yeom Jong's men runs in with news of the Sangju troops moving. As Yeom Jong panics, Bidam once again demands to be untied.
The center of the Council table: Eight "yes" tokens are tossed in...and to "no" tokens. Seohyeon and Yongchun made it. Sejong stands up...and glares and Yushin and Alcheon who are standing there. "You dare bear arms in the Council of Nobles?" Well, they did bring their swords in with them. Which clearly was not a good idea. NOT a good idea. Hajong stands up, screaming: "This is high treason!"
In no time at all Deokman is back to the capital (UGH!).
"They're inside." Bojong informs Mishil, who smiles excitedly. "Good. And so it begins."
Seolwon, his Hwarang allies and a military unit head to the Council building. By now you can see what's coming.
"Never before have armed men forced their way into the Council hall," Sejong says sternly. "Not even the infamous traitor Gilsun dared violate the Council." Yushin and Alcheon are starting to realize they've been set up. They protest about the soldiers. Hajong jumps up. "And they weren't armed, were they?" No they weren't. At the table, Yongchun looks away--he knows what's happening and can't bear it.
Now all of Seolwon's Hwarang and soldiers are confronting the DFers and Rising Phoenix Hwarang. Seolwon accuses them all of treason. Swords flash on both sides. Just then Yushin runs outside and orders his Hwarang to lower their swords. Yushin appeals to Seolwon to order the same. "We will accept responsibility for our actions," Yushin says, speaking for Alcheon and himself, but wants the immediate situation de-escalated and the councillors escorted to safety. First one side, then the other, cautiously lower their weapons, and the councillors step forward. But now what's this? On a nearby rooftop, we see a Hwarang--it looks like the DFer who delivered the summons to Manmyeong--taking aim with a crossbow! Suddenly it's doubtful that this guy is really a DFer. He takes aim...and fires. A soldier is hit and falls to the ground. It's completely obvious that this was an arrow fired from a height and not from within the yard, but Seokpum screams, "Traitors!" and the battle is on. Amidst the chaos, screams of "Stop" from Yushin and Alcheon, and other screams of "Protect the Council!" Some of Seolwon's men step forward to escort the councillors through the chaos (Come on, why aren't they just hustled back into the building!?). And as Seokpum escorts Sejong forward, he surreptitiously draws a dagger. A dagger?..."There." Flashback to Sejong, Seokpum and Chilsuk meeting the previous night. Which we saw--but did not see all of. "Between the 8th and 9th ribs. And not too deep." Chilsuk is pointing at Sejong's side, apparently instructing Seokpum on how to stab a man and draw blood without inflicting a dangerous wound...Which he promptly does. Screams of "The Prime Minister is hurt!" And then within seconds, "The Prime Minister has been assassinated!" Of course, the only people around Sejong were Seokpum and other of Seolwon's men...but has anybody clearly seen that amidst all this chaos?
The screams about Sejong are loud enough to reach Deokman and Chunchu, nearby but not on the scene. Deokman gasps.
"Assassins have murdered the Prime Minister in a Council meeting!" This is Jujin, addressing his troops at one of the city gates. "It's a coup! We march on the capital to put down the traitors!" And they head through the gate. (Now how does he plan to explain how he "knew" that so quickly?)
"It's a coup," Deokman tells Chunchu. "Mishil...has started a war."
And here's the coup-er herself, boldly walking towards the scene.
Back at the meeting (so it's not over): Now they're voting on majority rule. Just like you expect--eight no-sticks tossed in and two yes-sticks. So much for that. Sejong announces the results, and gavels the meeting over. We see the predictable reactions from everyone present. Again Deokman with the angry, frustrated stare at Mishil, who smiles back at her. But Deokman doesn't believe this is over; losing this battle today wasn't the point.
Some of the nobles from the outlying regions leave the meeting together, complaining about making the long trip for nothing. (One of them is the man who went with Ho Jae to lobby Sejong last night.) But they realize the absurd voting system: "Nothing will change as long as they have unanimous voting."
"What are you rambling about now?" Look at this--now the elite Hwarang are starting to get testy with one another. Dukchung takes something Wang Yun said the wrong way, as an insult about his family's wealth. But Wang Yun argues that "The small landholders are as loyal as the rich families." Dukchung counters, "You want everyone to own the same amount of land?" More of this same friction we started to see in the last episode. Interesting....
The king and queen weren't at the meeting either. But Seohyeon and Yongchun are filling them in. "The unanimous voting rule," Maya points out, "hasn't changed in 700 years." But Seohyeon speculates that Deokman's purpose was to get the nobles upset, which it seemed to do. Uh-oh, suddenly the king is coughing and showing signs of illness again.
Now yet another scene with Deokman and her retinue running into Mishil and her retinue. Words back and forth about the unanimity rule. "The Council's main role," Deokman says, "seems to be protecting its own interests." But Mishil argues that Deokman herself benefits from the rule. "Suppose the nobles united in a vote to depose you. How would that be?" WELL! Deokman never thought about that, as her blank look shows. "It would only take six votes to force your abdication." (Of course, the rule could and should have exceptions, but Mishil's statement is valid because Deokman didn't propose any.) Deokman has to concede the point. "You're right. I've benefitted, as well." "Rules and regulations," Mishil tells her, "are double-edged swords. They can always cut both ways." And now Deokman asks her for advice to defeat her (yes, that's right): "Then do you suggest we NOT use rules and regulations against our enemies?" Mishil actually starts to answer her...but then stops, and laughs out loud. "You almost got me talking! You have a knack for getting the truth out of others. You almost had me." She excuses herself and leaves. Clearly, Deokman is still far too clueless to be running anything, much less a nation.
Oh no, it's Santak the annoying Hwarang. Heckling the DFers. "You lost. Losers!" And he looks to be a squad leader now, too--he has several other Hwarang from his corps with him. But Jukbang has to point out to him that he personally would have gained from the reform. "Not too bright--don't know what's good for you." The DFers shake their heads at him, and Godo adds, "Better you not open your yap, huh?" (THAT would pass unanimously, no doubt.) And as the DFers walk away, Jukbang delivers a couple of smacks to his head for "not showing proper respect" to a sergeant. But how about this--gradually he seems to be realizing that yes, it would have been better for him if the reform had passed. The divergence of opinion continues....
"The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of tariff reform." And it rolls on--Bakui says so to Seokpum, who snaps at Bakui for saying such a thing. Bakui says the reform would have helped Seokpum's family, but Seokpum can only see this as an attempt to weaken Mishil, nothing more. Bakui has to remind him that both of their families took a bath during the grain-market fiasco. Maybe so, but Seokpum cautions him that their positions and their families' wealth are thanks to Mishil and he'd best remember that.
Apparently the lower-ranking nobles are REALLY unhappy. Hajong reports to Mishil and Sejong that large numbers of them are standing around the capital and complaining about the unanimity rule. Like a 700-year rule could be changed just like that? "No," Mishil answers..."But it should be abolished sooner or later." What? "The truth is, the whole Council has grown rather useless." Doink! That doesn't sit too well with her husband the Council head who's sitting right there! "It's true," she continues. "If I take the throne, the Council will be the first thing to go." Oh THAT's not going to go over well; how's she going to manage that? She smiles at Sejong. "Not just yet, of course."
But surprisingly, Chunchu has proposed the same thing to Deokman, to Mishil's and Alcheon's (and our) great surprise: "We'll have to disband the Council sooner or later, won't we?" Deokman smiles at him. "I've had the same thought." Pressed for an explanation, she says, "We live in a time of social upheaval. In Shilla you have to act decisively and quickly." That's not much of an explanation--and it's the same sort of power grab that Mishil envisions!
Seolwon has brought Mishil a document that he worked on most of last night. It's some sort of proposal...Mishil looks at it. "This is a low and cowardly plan." Apparently it is. "Of course it is," he acknowledges without batting an eye. She nearly busts out laughing. And then says, "But it could stand to be even more cowardly, more contemptible." He agrees. "I'll give it more thought." She touches the paper to a candle and watches the paper burn. "It should be so vile, so contemptible...that anyone who learns of it will know the value of vulgarity." Whatever this is about, Mishil wants it to happen tomorrow.
Now Mishil is sitting by herself, out on her covered patio. Misaeng pays her a visit. "Mishil, must you?" A little awkward for him to say so, but "It doesn't seem to suit YOU." "Whatever people say, I believe history will vindicate you. But this may ruin all of that." Whatever this plan is, it must be very, very sleazy if it's even bothering Misaeng this much. "People criticize you; they fear you; but you've never acted without justification." His words have an impact on her; we can see that. "But this...there's no justification for this." He's not angry; actually being very honest and calm. Mishil stands up. "Once, just once, I acted without justification." And then mentions Sadaham's name; her love for him and how much it damaged her. Since then, she says, "I've never done anything without a reason." Which confuses Misaeng all the more: "Then why this, why now?" But she says this is like the other time: "I'd sacrifice everything for my dream." Even her reputation, apparently. "And if it shatters, it will shatter brilliantly, like jade. That's why."
Piltan's father and Wang Yun's father have come to see Deokman. They're both sub-5,000 sack earners, we learn (which is kind of a surprise, given Piltan's position in the military and that Wang Yun's father is Sejong's good friend). Deokman receives them cordially. They thank her for her attention to the welfare of the middle-class nobles. But Deokman tells them that it's the nobles who will be the real force in reforming the government, and says she hopes they'll help her do so.
Unfortunately, one of the two--Jujin, Piltan's father--goes right to Sejong and tells her what Deokman said. "She insists it is a tool for protecting the rich." Sejong tells him, "I hope you realize this is just a ploy to cause dissension among the nobles." He doesn't answer. "Don't let her influence you." I won't, he assures Sejong. "But this plan of yours could cost me my life." Sejong assures him that it won't, because his military unit is supposed to keep the capital secure. "How is this NOT part of your duty?" Boy, this gets uglier and uglier every time it comes up.
Nighttime: Yeom Jong is with a few of his men; they're out in the countryside somewhere. A fairly large party of maybe twenty people is coming up the road to meet them. And there's a gama. It opens up. Mishil! Certainly not what Yeom Jong was expecting; he shakes off his obvious momentary shock and drops to his hands and knees, as do his men. Mishil walks over to him, and he tells her he was expecting Misaeng only. She says she wanted to meet him. "You've helped us in the past...and so I've come to value the work you've done for us. I trust we'll have a relationship of mutual respect." Which pleases Yeom Jong to no end; he's practically giddy. What can he do for her? "You're friends with Bidam, is that right?" The point being? "Take him on a little pleasure cruise tomorrow and the day after." As in, 100 miles from the capital. "Someplace where the mountains and water are pleasant." She tosses a bag of expense money at him. And if he refuses? "Then you'll have to MAKE him go." Yeah, sure--gonna have to drug him because he's a hard guy to outfight, to say the least.
Here's a very strange sight. Why has Seolwon come to Yongchun's home, and at night? Seolwon has a smiling face, but Yongchun looks at him like the guy is nuts. But he invites Seolwon inside.
Now Hajong is visiting Seohyeon and they're sharing food and drink. Wants to make friends, Hajong says; we're related by marriage now so we should be on better terms. Seohyeon agrees with that and seems to be enjoying himself. Really? Now Yushin's wife enters--we learn her name is Yeongmo. She sees Hajong and welcomes her father. Good grief--she's HAJONG'S daughter? No wonder Yushin looked so miserable during the wedding. Pretty or not, eeeewwwwwwww.
Oh, no--what's Seolwon concealing in his hand? Looks like pellets or nuggets of something. Poisonous? At this point, it may well be. He's sitting with Yongchun and they're sharing a late snack. Seolwon explains that his new marriage ties with Chunchu have put him "in an awkward position" with Sejong. So? "Yongchun, wouldn't you prefer that Chunchu be king, just as I do?" The question surprises Yongchun, understandably. We're in the same boat, Seolwon says--and in a way, they are; they both stand to lose status if things don't go their way, and gain status if they do. Still, those nuggets in Seolwon's had are obviously the real purpose of his visit.
Still nighttime, on a public street. Yeom Jong has cornered Bidam, and very clumsily--VERY clumsily--tries to convince him to take a trip somewhere. Bidam immediately suspects something and in the next moment his sword is at Yeom Jong's throat. Yeom Jong begs him to sit down for a drink so he can explain himself.
Back at Seohyeon's--oh crap, more of those nugget things. Seohyeon has stepped away for a moment, and Hajong slips them into his drink. Seohyeon returns and they drink a toast to their families. (Wow, those nuggets were awfully big; Seohyeon never noticed them? Come on.)
"I know what you're asking, but how can I...?" Of all people to be squeamish about something not-totally-on-the-level, Seokpum isn't someone you'd expect. But Sejong is asking him to do something he doesn't like. "Do it for Mishil," Sejong says. "For Shilla." Uglier and uglier. Chilsuk is there too. He and Sejong agree that Seokpum is "a gifted swordsman" and that's why they've asked him to do whatever this is.
"You did it?" Seolwon reports back to Mishil. "Yes, I did." "Did you bring it?" Seolwon pulls a folded-over envelope out of his jacket. Mishil asks for it. But Seolwon is very uncomfortable about giving it to her. "I've always tried to understand you," he says gently, "and usually I have. But I don't understand. Why THIS?" "I entrusted you with it in the first place," she answers, "to ease your mind." So why does she want the envelope? "To ease MY mind." Just in case we fail. And if we do? "Yes. Bidam." Bidam what? This doesn't make any sense to us at this point. She reaches over and takes the envelope from his hand. "It will be a long night," Mishil says, "Like that other night long ago." Reference lost (on me, anyway--maybe Jinheung's last night?).
Early the next morning: "The Council has called an emergency meeting." A DFer who we don't recognize--strange, we've never seen this guy before--delivers a scroll and informs Manmyeong, who's received him. Seohyeon is still sleeping, she says; she puts her family seal on a wooden block to acknowledge receipt of the scroll.
Santak the annoying Hwarang tells Sejong that he delivered a summons to Yongchun. Presumably like what we just saw. Says Yongchun was still asleep. Uh-oh, that can't possibly be a coincidence. Santak, too, got a seal of receipt, though. Sejong sees it and smiles.
Manmyeong tries to wake her husband. He's unresponsive. Breathing, but unresponsive. Looks like Hajong slipped him a Mickey.
Wolya and Seolji have a list for Deokman--a list of the nobles who will support her. Deokman tells them about Piltan's father visiting; says she's not sure she can trust him. She'll talk to him again, she says, and then asks Wolya to be vigilant about security "here in the Bokya compound." (Wow--THAT'S where they are? Yeah, now I recognize the waterwheel. Deokman should NOT be going to the Bokya compound! This is utterly absurd.)
Manmyeong steps out on her porch. Hesitantly, she opens the scroll intended for her husband. Reads it, and just about panics. Runs back inside.
Yongchun wakes up. Gets out of bed and sees a scroll on the nearby table. Opens it up, reads it, and his eyes widen.
Now we see Bidam. Tied to a chair! He was asleep but wakes up. Yeom Jong is looking at him VERY nervously. Bidam instantly realizes he got slipped his own Mickey. Yeom Jong apologizes profusely.
"The Council is meeting to strip the princess of her authority over national affairs." Manmyeong tells her husband as he's reading it. He asks for his clothes so he can hurry and break it up.
Daepoong the DFer has gotten wind of what's happening and goes straight to Deokman and tells her what the Council is up to. Deokman isn't worried--it takes unanimity, after all--but Chunchu is there with her and he thinks something's up.
The Council convenes. Two seats empty. Sejong and Hajong are trying to get things started quickly, but even some of the other councillors are objecting to the idea of starting. "We have seals," Hajong argues, "indicating receipt of their summons." "In that case," Sejong picks up, not missing a beat, "this emergency meeting is called to order." (Come on--they're all acting like no one's ever been late to a meeting before! Very silly.) And gavels it started. But look--the king's attendant is there, and is shocked enough by the shenanigans that he leaves the room and whispers instructions to a female attendant, who heads off somewhere.
Now Daepoong goes and tells Yushin and Alcheon. "The whole thing's ridiculous," Alcheon barks...and then remembers that Seohyeon was draining with Hajong last night (Yushin must have told him). "They're beneath contempt. To think they were once Hwarang!"
Seohyeon is running up the steps of the palace complex, putting on his formal robe as he runs. Yongchun is close behind him.
Yeom Jong tells Bidam about Mishil wanting him taken 100 miles from the capital for a couple of days. Bidam asks the obvious: So why did you leave me here instead of taking me away? Yeom Jong has no real answer, except that he doesn't understand what's going on and needs to figure it out. Especially since Mishil showed up herself--what's the big deal? Bidam thinks he knows exactly what's going on. Yeom Jong is completely torn: "Tie you up and I risk my life. Untie you and Mishil's my enemy, see?" Darned if he does and darned if he doesn't. He begs Bidam, "I need a reason--a reason to untie you and make an enemy of Mishil." Okay, at least that gets Bidam thinking.
Seohyeon reaches the Council hall. Soldiers won't let him in! Dozens of them are blocking the front entrance, with their arms locked tightly together to keep him out. He tries to push his way through. No chance. Yongchun shows up and now they're both pushing. No chance.
Yushin and Alcheon have gathered their Hwarang. Daepoong and Geoksaheun come running in and tell them what's happening outside the Council hall. Yushin sends Jukbang and Godo to inform Deokman. The rest move out.
Deokman gets the scoop. "I can't believe it. Would she go this far? It's unbelievable." She and Wolya and Seolji are fuming. But Chunchu thinks this is actually a good thing! Huh? "The low and middle class nobles are behind you over the tariff reform. They're breaking protocol by forcing a unanimous vote of eight nobles." And are using soldiers to do it. What happens? "The outcry will be beyond imagining," Wolya speculates. "You all say," Chunchu continues, "that Mishil never acts without just cause. But she's only human." And this time "her fear and impatience got the best of her." Maybe the twerp is right...but Deokman doesn't think so. "She would never box herself in like this." Which is probably true; it does seem a little bush-league for Mishil.
Sejong is reading a scroll: charges against Deokman. Threatening national security by releasing military supplies (grains). Proposing a tariff reform "designed to divide the nobility and the Council." He adds, "It is clear that she intends to first weaken and ultimately abolish this Council." (What a hypocrite, reading this aloud after what Mishil said to him about doing just that herself.) "I move that she be barred from participation from affairs of the state" and limit herself to matters involving the royal house only.
The DFers and Rising Phoenix Hwarang reach the Council chambers. Seohyeon and Yongchun wisely step aside. The Hwarang draw their swords...and those soldiers, not only are their arms locked but they're completely unarmed (I mean, they're armed as in arms, like, limbs arms, not sword arms...oh never mind). Soliders with no weapons--doesn't that seem a little strange? At the sight of the Hwarang swords they immediately flinch and step back...The Hwarang charge! To their credit, they don't slash, at least not yet. (But this all-out frontal attack is not the way to do this. Attack hard at one point; you only need one gap in the line. Yushin should know better!)
"The princess is in danger!" Bidam is trying to convince Yeom Jong, but it isn't flying, not yet. "Yushin, Alcheon, Chunchu, they've all been tricked!", Bidam shouts, and says that he's the only one who can see this. Hmmm.... "What's Mishil doing?", Yeom Jong asks him. "What's between you and her?"
Nobody's bleeding but it's a nasty fight. Pretty quickly, though, a path is cleared for Seohyeon and Yongchun.
Now what's this? A whole lot of soldiers are moving through the countryside. A LOT of soldiers. This must be Jujin's unit. Are they headed towards the capital?
Yes they are. One of the Bokya informs Deokman that Jujin's Sangju unit is headed to the capital. And then Seolji runs up with a report about the confrontation outside the Council building. Deokman doesn't like the sound of that. "Stop them!" She apparently agrees with whatever Bidam is thinking. Maybe some sort of setup? (The Bokya compound is nowhere near the capital--we know that. How is Deokman getting these instant updates? Ugh.)
"A coup d'etat, you idiot! Mishil's leading a coup." Really? Bidam sure thinks so; he's seething with frustration. "I told them. She'll lead a coup, I said, but NO...freaking morons." Who did he tell? Now one of Yeom Jong's men runs in with news of the Sangju troops moving. As Yeom Jong panics, Bidam once again demands to be untied.
The center of the Council table: Eight "yes" tokens are tossed in...and to "no" tokens. Seohyeon and Yongchun made it. Sejong stands up...and glares and Yushin and Alcheon who are standing there. "You dare bear arms in the Council of Nobles?" Well, they did bring their swords in with them. Which clearly was not a good idea. NOT a good idea. Hajong stands up, screaming: "This is high treason!"
In no time at all Deokman is back to the capital (UGH!).
"They're inside." Bojong informs Mishil, who smiles excitedly. "Good. And so it begins."
Seolwon, his Hwarang allies and a military unit head to the Council building. By now you can see what's coming.
"Never before have armed men forced their way into the Council hall," Sejong says sternly. "Not even the infamous traitor Gilsun dared violate the Council." Yushin and Alcheon are starting to realize they've been set up. They protest about the soldiers. Hajong jumps up. "And they weren't armed, were they?" No they weren't. At the table, Yongchun looks away--he knows what's happening and can't bear it.
Now all of Seolwon's Hwarang and soldiers are confronting the DFers and Rising Phoenix Hwarang. Seolwon accuses them all of treason. Swords flash on both sides. Just then Yushin runs outside and orders his Hwarang to lower their swords. Yushin appeals to Seolwon to order the same. "We will accept responsibility for our actions," Yushin says, speaking for Alcheon and himself, but wants the immediate situation de-escalated and the councillors escorted to safety. First one side, then the other, cautiously lower their weapons, and the councillors step forward. But now what's this? On a nearby rooftop, we see a Hwarang--it looks like the DFer who delivered the summons to Manmyeong--taking aim with a crossbow! Suddenly it's doubtful that this guy is really a DFer. He takes aim...and fires. A soldier is hit and falls to the ground. It's completely obvious that this was an arrow fired from a height and not from within the yard, but Seokpum screams, "Traitors!" and the battle is on. Amidst the chaos, screams of "Stop" from Yushin and Alcheon, and other screams of "Protect the Council!" Some of Seolwon's men step forward to escort the councillors through the chaos (Come on, why aren't they just hustled back into the building!?). And as Seokpum escorts Sejong forward, he surreptitiously draws a dagger. A dagger?..."There." Flashback to Sejong, Seokpum and Chilsuk meeting the previous night. Which we saw--but did not see all of. "Between the 8th and 9th ribs. And not too deep." Chilsuk is pointing at Sejong's side, apparently instructing Seokpum on how to stab a man and draw blood without inflicting a dangerous wound...Which he promptly does. Screams of "The Prime Minister is hurt!" And then within seconds, "The Prime Minister has been assassinated!" Of course, the only people around Sejong were Seokpum and other of Seolwon's men...but has anybody clearly seen that amidst all this chaos?
The screams about Sejong are loud enough to reach Deokman and Chunchu, nearby but not on the scene. Deokman gasps.
"Assassins have murdered the Prime Minister in a Council meeting!" This is Jujin, addressing his troops at one of the city gates. "It's a coup! We march on the capital to put down the traitors!" And they head through the gate. (Now how does he plan to explain how he "knew" that so quickly?)
"It's a coup," Deokman tells Chunchu. "Mishil...has started a war."
And here's the coup-er herself, boldly walking towards the scene.