Post by ajk on Oct 11, 2013 21:40:48 GMT -5
Is Botap going to carve up Gi Cheol like a turkey? "Let me explain," she growls at him, "why I shall behead you." Wow--behead?! "On the pretext of disorderly public sentiment, you forced His Majesty to sneak in like a thieving cat. And instead of the crowning ceremony full of jubilation he deserved, you greeted His Majesty as if he were a mere treacherous dunce." Just for a moment, there's a flash of expression on the new king's face--like he's about to burst out laughing. But then she swings! Swings with the sword sideways, and sends Gi's hat flying. "Today is a momentous day," she says, "so His Majesty shall spare you!" Which is really up to him, isn't it? But she throws the sword down and it clatters on the stonework, rudely puncturing the stunned silence. Then Gi tries to explain himself. I was just trying to protect the new king from troublemakers, he basically says. And there's some merit in that, no doubt--but this isn't really so much about the immediate moment, and everyone present seems to understand that. At least from the looks on their faces, a lot of them are enjoying seeing Gi Cheol having to grovel and beg for forgiveness. Finally the new king, who's been standing there enjoying this immensely, tells Gi and everybody else (who immediately kneeled when Gi went to the ground) to get up. He offers Gi some conciliatory words of thanks for helping him get this far--"I will never forget it"--and then walks up to the palace steps. He recalls his father bringing him here on occasion, and realizes how much smaller and less impressive it looks now than it did as a child. Well, of course, everything looks bigger to a child...but it's not just that. It's all of the trauma that Goryeo has suffered at the hands of the Yuan Empire. At that, the gathered ministers and officials urge him, "May you restore Goryeo's lost prestige and majesty!" Then some more shouts of "Hurrah for the King!" It's certainly not enough--a new king should have a full-blown welcome celebration--but Gangneung looks very calm and satisfied with it all. And Botap is visibly moved by the outpouring of emotion from the Goryeans.
The new King Gongmin (have to start calling him that now) enters his new home, Kangan Palace.
Simultaneously, the new queen Noguk (have to start calling her that now; her full title is "Princess Dachang of the State of Lu/Mongol Princess Queen Noguk" but I'm not getting paid by the word) is escorted by An Dochi to Gonseong Palace, where Goryeo queens live. He introduces her to Lady Park, an older woman who apparently will be her chief attendant. As she ascends the steps, two attendants drop to her feet. She didn't know that she's supposed to take her shoes off before entering; one of those Goryean things and An has to explain it. But she complies, no problem. Inside, things are different too. She's used to sitting in a particular kind of chair called a jiaoyi (see link) but here the buildings are constructed with the underfloor heating system known as ondol (see link) and you're supposed to sit on the floor. An Dochi explains this too her, and even explains how she should sit--legs crossed, keeping her legs hidden under her skirt. She tries it, but it's awkward and uncomfortable for her. So she stretches her legs out to the side, but her new attendant's visible discomfort at seeing that prompts her to try again. She's certainly making an effort, isn't she.
"Please, just forget it. The Queen is not accustomed to our customs yet." King Gongmin has visitors: Gi Cheol, Lee Je Hyeon and Yeom Je Shin. He's asking Gi not to dwell on what just happened outside; Gi is being outwardly gracious about it (but you know he's not going to let it go, is he). Lee Je Hyeon wants Gongmin to receive the royal seal, but the king says he's tired from the long day and wants to rest. Not what the ministers wanted to hear, we can tell...Then, suddenly, from outside: "Your Majesty! Spare my child, Your Majesty!" What's going on?
Ah, it's Lady Yoon, desperate to have her son returned to her. Kneeling at the palace steps. Back inside, Gongmin asks who that is out there, and when the ministers reluctantly tell him, he surprises them all by agreeing to see her. "The Queen Mother is still my sister-in-law," he explains. He even wants to go out and receive her himself! The ministers caution him that she was accused of wrongdoing, but he doesn't want to hear it. "When it comes to our family's affairs, I'll deal with them." And so he goes right on out to her, and promises he'll do everything he can to protect the boy. Uh-oh, that sounds like a big, big overreach...but it moves her to tears.
Lee Je Hyeon and Yeom Je Shin have left the palace and are walking with Lee In Bok. The two are puzzled by their new king; not at all sure what to think of him yet. In Bok doubts that the king will be able to get out from Gi Cheol's grip on power. Similarly, while the other two are puzzled by the queen, In Bok has a firm belief: that she'll be the one pulling the strings on behalf of the Yuan, just like Mongol princesses before her who have married Goryeo kings. Interesting.
Gi Won is beside himself with frustration over what the new queen did to his kinsman. But Cheol is calmer about it. "Let's see how long that temper of hers lasts." And adds, "I'll slowly pay her back for all of this." Disgusted grunt, and a twitch too. So clearly he's angry about it, just willing to wait and bide his time.
Now Gongmin has other visitors: his three allies from Yanjing. They're all sharing some drinks. Kim Yong and Jo Il Shin are ready to get down to business immediately and start eliminating enemies and potential enemies. Including the former king. Some of this is the alcohol talking; Jung Se Woon isn't as drunk as the other two and cautions them. But it's too late, because that mention of his predecessor touches a nerve and suddenly Gongmin gets up and leaves without a word. He heads for the queen's palace. Doesn't even wait for a carriage, just heads off at a blistering pace that has his attendants struggling to keep up.
Uh-oh, the empress dowager is in a snit. We're at her home now; it's well into the evening but she has her front door open and is expecting her son "to escort me! Be it a year, or ten, I'll leave them open!" Not a patient woman, is she.
Now An Dochi is teaching Noguk how to walk! Like a queen, that is, without letting too much of her feet show from underneath her dress as she steps. She seems eager to be taught and is picking it up. Suddenly her husband enters. He glares at her. Reminding her that she's not in Yanjing any more, he tells her, "I've never seen a woman brandish a sword like that here." Without another word, he turns and leaves, at the same brisk pace with which he entered. Outside, Gongmin orders his carriage and horse brought here. He wants to escort his mother into the palace. Right now! Lots of frustration suddenly bubbling over.
Noguk stands there looking a little stunned. She shakes it off--says "No worries. I will follow Goryeo customs from now on"--and resumes practicing her walking. But An Dochi can tell she was rattled by the scolding and he bursts into tears. (Weird, because Gongmin certainly seemed to be enjoying it when she did it.)
On his horse and leading a royal party to pick up his mother, Gongmin is stopped by Gi Cheol at the palace gate. Boldly standing in the king's way, Gi tells the king that he can't do this because his mother "is no different from a commoner." They argue about what her status really is...but the king has decided he's going to "proclaim her Queen Dowager. So disrespect her just once more and I will behead you with my own hands!" Gi steps aside, the gate opens, and Gongmin rides through it--to find himself face to face with a company of soldiers. Who don't let him through, and don't even budge an inch. Others approach from behind, and the king is surrounded! "Do you know who you're dealing with?! I am Goryeo's king!" Sure they must know, but why won't they move? Because Gi Cheol ordered this, that's why. Gi steps forward and glares at Gongmin. "Have you already forgotten who put you on that throne? None other than Her Majesty the Empress." And with that he laughs mockingly. Yikes. This is not good. We knew the guy had power, but this much?
Beopwangsa Temple (Royal temple, Gaegyeong): Our three monk travelers are together again. But Pyeonjo is packing up and leaving. Says he's not a monk anymore! Really?
Outside, Pyeonjo finds Master Bou doing some gardening. Asks him what he sees for Goryeo's future. "If a king takes the right path," Bou answers, "the entire population will live in happiness and prosperity." Bou hopes the new king will rule honorably and ethically. Pyeonjo doesn't think that advice is very practical or useful, and (maybe a little rudely) says so. So Bou adds that the king should keep the people from starving and allow them to live in peace. Okay, that's a little better. With a bow to him, Pyeonjo heads off. But as he does, Bou offers a word of warning: "Do you know why the Master took you under his wings? Because if you don't tame the anger burning inside your heart, many people will lose their lives as a result."
Well we've seen this before. Won Hyeon follows Pyeonjo as he leaves. Won't be separated from his friend. "You saved me from certain death, so now my life belongs to you" regardless of whatever trouble you get into. "Even if I die a violent death, my gratitude will remain the same." Pyeonjo doesn't try to argue.
Gaetae Temple: Wolseon has a visitor. A woman who seems to be of some status, judging from the small four-bearer gama that awaits her outside. She runs some sort of tea-selling business in Gaegyeong; Wolseon knew her father. Why is she here? Wolseon orders Ban Ya brought to her. Looks like it's time. A monastery is no place for a girl, and we all knew the day would come when Ban Ya would have to leave here. This is the day. It's a terribly sad parting; the little girl is crying something horrible, and Wolseon can't even go outside to say goodbye to her, he's so broken-hearted (though unwilling to admit it). But the woman seems like a good choice, and is eager and happy to take the girl in. Once Ban Ya calms down, her new mother holds her close and comforts her. Godspeed, kid--I bet we'll see you again.
Pyeonjo and Won have stopped to eat at a cafe near the palace. Pyeonjo wants to get in to see the king. "He's not the type to break his promises," Pyeonjo says, fully expecting Gongmin to give him that position he was promised back in Yanjing. "If you want to change the world, you need power. And power is exactly what you'll find inside those walls." But how to get in....Suddenly he spots something and goes running off. Out there in the street--it's Kim Yong, riding on a horse. He'd remember Pyeonjo--he's one of Gongmin's three supporters from back in Yanjing; he and Jo Il Shin were the ones who gave Pyeonjo that beating for suggesting to the then-prince that the people might not accept him. Pyeonjo gets his attention, reminds him of who he is, and says he's going through some rough times right now. He's careful to be exceedingly deferential and submissive. It works; he manages to wrangle an invitation. "Come visit me sometime. I'll let you have a decent meal." Pyeonjo runs back to Won at their table. This is his "in": get into the palace and, while he probably won't see the king right away, at least he can hopefully seek out An Dochi the eunuch. Good thinking.
Ban Ya is brought into her new home. Looks like a nice place. Fairly large; staffed by servants. "I found a little gem," she tells them, proudly showing off the girl. Ban Ya is all tuckered out from the trip and is sleeping in her new mother's arms.
Won decides he needs to beg for alms for dinner money. But another monk is already begging at that corner and roughs up Won for invading his territory. Obviously a rule of the city that he didn't know about. Tough lesson.
Now it's evening, and it's raining. The pair are huddled under an awning trying to stay dry. Looking sort of pathetic, and with no dinner prospects. Won has had enough of this and tells Pyeonjo they should go back to the royal temple. But this is what Pyeonjo wants--to learn about the difficulties of living in the secular world. It brings back a painful memory for Won. His father used to steal meat so his son would have food to eat. Until one day, some goons hired by the owner of the place he stole from, they caught him and beat him so badly he died. He says the memory of it makes him laugh for some reason instead of cry...but the tears he's shedding now aren't from laughing.
Yanjing: Princess Deoknyeong has come to visit Empress Gi. The empress wants her to go back to Goryeo. Why? Because the empress doesn't trust Botap Shili. Thinks Botap is scheming something--specifically, to use Goryeo "as a stepping-stone to secure Prince Qunluan's pardon." And she wonders about Goryeo as a nation, too. Goryeo and its predecessor, the Middle Kingdom empires never could conquer them. "It took over thirty years for the Mongol to invade it. And one day, it will stand up again and point its blades at us." So the empress would like "to avoid future trouble" and keep an eye on what's going on there.
Later, Commissioner Park explains to her that the empress is concerned about her son above all. When the boy finally reaches the throne, he says, "Goryeo could become an ally, or a foe." But the princess wonders if "She's telling me to spy on Botap Shili?" Yes, it did sound that way.
Gongmin is still furious over his humiliation at Gi Cheol's hands. His three allies are with him. As is typical, Kim Yong and Jo Il Shin want to take immediate action; Jung Se Woon counsels patience. But Gongmin doesn't want to listen to them bicker. "I have my plans," he says, without offering any specifics.
Uh-oh. Noguk wants to go meet her mother-in-law. She even has a gama waiting for her outside. "Let's see if Gi Cheol tries to stop me, too." An Dochi really does not want her to do this, but she heads outside. Gi Won is there and tries to stop her too, but she won't be denied and steps right into the gama. "Let's move."
The new King Gongmin (have to start calling him that now) enters his new home, Kangan Palace.
Simultaneously, the new queen Noguk (have to start calling her that now; her full title is "Princess Dachang of the State of Lu/Mongol Princess Queen Noguk" but I'm not getting paid by the word) is escorted by An Dochi to Gonseong Palace, where Goryeo queens live. He introduces her to Lady Park, an older woman who apparently will be her chief attendant. As she ascends the steps, two attendants drop to her feet. She didn't know that she's supposed to take her shoes off before entering; one of those Goryean things and An has to explain it. But she complies, no problem. Inside, things are different too. She's used to sitting in a particular kind of chair called a jiaoyi (see link) but here the buildings are constructed with the underfloor heating system known as ondol (see link) and you're supposed to sit on the floor. An Dochi explains this too her, and even explains how she should sit--legs crossed, keeping her legs hidden under her skirt. She tries it, but it's awkward and uncomfortable for her. So she stretches her legs out to the side, but her new attendant's visible discomfort at seeing that prompts her to try again. She's certainly making an effort, isn't she.
"Please, just forget it. The Queen is not accustomed to our customs yet." King Gongmin has visitors: Gi Cheol, Lee Je Hyeon and Yeom Je Shin. He's asking Gi not to dwell on what just happened outside; Gi is being outwardly gracious about it (but you know he's not going to let it go, is he). Lee Je Hyeon wants Gongmin to receive the royal seal, but the king says he's tired from the long day and wants to rest. Not what the ministers wanted to hear, we can tell...Then, suddenly, from outside: "Your Majesty! Spare my child, Your Majesty!" What's going on?
Ah, it's Lady Yoon, desperate to have her son returned to her. Kneeling at the palace steps. Back inside, Gongmin asks who that is out there, and when the ministers reluctantly tell him, he surprises them all by agreeing to see her. "The Queen Mother is still my sister-in-law," he explains. He even wants to go out and receive her himself! The ministers caution him that she was accused of wrongdoing, but he doesn't want to hear it. "When it comes to our family's affairs, I'll deal with them." And so he goes right on out to her, and promises he'll do everything he can to protect the boy. Uh-oh, that sounds like a big, big overreach...but it moves her to tears.
Lee Je Hyeon and Yeom Je Shin have left the palace and are walking with Lee In Bok. The two are puzzled by their new king; not at all sure what to think of him yet. In Bok doubts that the king will be able to get out from Gi Cheol's grip on power. Similarly, while the other two are puzzled by the queen, In Bok has a firm belief: that she'll be the one pulling the strings on behalf of the Yuan, just like Mongol princesses before her who have married Goryeo kings. Interesting.
Gi Won is beside himself with frustration over what the new queen did to his kinsman. But Cheol is calmer about it. "Let's see how long that temper of hers lasts." And adds, "I'll slowly pay her back for all of this." Disgusted grunt, and a twitch too. So clearly he's angry about it, just willing to wait and bide his time.
Now Gongmin has other visitors: his three allies from Yanjing. They're all sharing some drinks. Kim Yong and Jo Il Shin are ready to get down to business immediately and start eliminating enemies and potential enemies. Including the former king. Some of this is the alcohol talking; Jung Se Woon isn't as drunk as the other two and cautions them. But it's too late, because that mention of his predecessor touches a nerve and suddenly Gongmin gets up and leaves without a word. He heads for the queen's palace. Doesn't even wait for a carriage, just heads off at a blistering pace that has his attendants struggling to keep up.
Uh-oh, the empress dowager is in a snit. We're at her home now; it's well into the evening but she has her front door open and is expecting her son "to escort me! Be it a year, or ten, I'll leave them open!" Not a patient woman, is she.
Now An Dochi is teaching Noguk how to walk! Like a queen, that is, without letting too much of her feet show from underneath her dress as she steps. She seems eager to be taught and is picking it up. Suddenly her husband enters. He glares at her. Reminding her that she's not in Yanjing any more, he tells her, "I've never seen a woman brandish a sword like that here." Without another word, he turns and leaves, at the same brisk pace with which he entered. Outside, Gongmin orders his carriage and horse brought here. He wants to escort his mother into the palace. Right now! Lots of frustration suddenly bubbling over.
Noguk stands there looking a little stunned. She shakes it off--says "No worries. I will follow Goryeo customs from now on"--and resumes practicing her walking. But An Dochi can tell she was rattled by the scolding and he bursts into tears. (Weird, because Gongmin certainly seemed to be enjoying it when she did it.)
On his horse and leading a royal party to pick up his mother, Gongmin is stopped by Gi Cheol at the palace gate. Boldly standing in the king's way, Gi tells the king that he can't do this because his mother "is no different from a commoner." They argue about what her status really is...but the king has decided he's going to "proclaim her Queen Dowager. So disrespect her just once more and I will behead you with my own hands!" Gi steps aside, the gate opens, and Gongmin rides through it--to find himself face to face with a company of soldiers. Who don't let him through, and don't even budge an inch. Others approach from behind, and the king is surrounded! "Do you know who you're dealing with?! I am Goryeo's king!" Sure they must know, but why won't they move? Because Gi Cheol ordered this, that's why. Gi steps forward and glares at Gongmin. "Have you already forgotten who put you on that throne? None other than Her Majesty the Empress." And with that he laughs mockingly. Yikes. This is not good. We knew the guy had power, but this much?
Beopwangsa Temple (Royal temple, Gaegyeong): Our three monk travelers are together again. But Pyeonjo is packing up and leaving. Says he's not a monk anymore! Really?
Outside, Pyeonjo finds Master Bou doing some gardening. Asks him what he sees for Goryeo's future. "If a king takes the right path," Bou answers, "the entire population will live in happiness and prosperity." Bou hopes the new king will rule honorably and ethically. Pyeonjo doesn't think that advice is very practical or useful, and (maybe a little rudely) says so. So Bou adds that the king should keep the people from starving and allow them to live in peace. Okay, that's a little better. With a bow to him, Pyeonjo heads off. But as he does, Bou offers a word of warning: "Do you know why the Master took you under his wings? Because if you don't tame the anger burning inside your heart, many people will lose their lives as a result."
Well we've seen this before. Won Hyeon follows Pyeonjo as he leaves. Won't be separated from his friend. "You saved me from certain death, so now my life belongs to you" regardless of whatever trouble you get into. "Even if I die a violent death, my gratitude will remain the same." Pyeonjo doesn't try to argue.
Gaetae Temple: Wolseon has a visitor. A woman who seems to be of some status, judging from the small four-bearer gama that awaits her outside. She runs some sort of tea-selling business in Gaegyeong; Wolseon knew her father. Why is she here? Wolseon orders Ban Ya brought to her. Looks like it's time. A monastery is no place for a girl, and we all knew the day would come when Ban Ya would have to leave here. This is the day. It's a terribly sad parting; the little girl is crying something horrible, and Wolseon can't even go outside to say goodbye to her, he's so broken-hearted (though unwilling to admit it). But the woman seems like a good choice, and is eager and happy to take the girl in. Once Ban Ya calms down, her new mother holds her close and comforts her. Godspeed, kid--I bet we'll see you again.
Pyeonjo and Won have stopped to eat at a cafe near the palace. Pyeonjo wants to get in to see the king. "He's not the type to break his promises," Pyeonjo says, fully expecting Gongmin to give him that position he was promised back in Yanjing. "If you want to change the world, you need power. And power is exactly what you'll find inside those walls." But how to get in....Suddenly he spots something and goes running off. Out there in the street--it's Kim Yong, riding on a horse. He'd remember Pyeonjo--he's one of Gongmin's three supporters from back in Yanjing; he and Jo Il Shin were the ones who gave Pyeonjo that beating for suggesting to the then-prince that the people might not accept him. Pyeonjo gets his attention, reminds him of who he is, and says he's going through some rough times right now. He's careful to be exceedingly deferential and submissive. It works; he manages to wrangle an invitation. "Come visit me sometime. I'll let you have a decent meal." Pyeonjo runs back to Won at their table. This is his "in": get into the palace and, while he probably won't see the king right away, at least he can hopefully seek out An Dochi the eunuch. Good thinking.
Ban Ya is brought into her new home. Looks like a nice place. Fairly large; staffed by servants. "I found a little gem," she tells them, proudly showing off the girl. Ban Ya is all tuckered out from the trip and is sleeping in her new mother's arms.
Won decides he needs to beg for alms for dinner money. But another monk is already begging at that corner and roughs up Won for invading his territory. Obviously a rule of the city that he didn't know about. Tough lesson.
Now it's evening, and it's raining. The pair are huddled under an awning trying to stay dry. Looking sort of pathetic, and with no dinner prospects. Won has had enough of this and tells Pyeonjo they should go back to the royal temple. But this is what Pyeonjo wants--to learn about the difficulties of living in the secular world. It brings back a painful memory for Won. His father used to steal meat so his son would have food to eat. Until one day, some goons hired by the owner of the place he stole from, they caught him and beat him so badly he died. He says the memory of it makes him laugh for some reason instead of cry...but the tears he's shedding now aren't from laughing.
Yanjing: Princess Deoknyeong has come to visit Empress Gi. The empress wants her to go back to Goryeo. Why? Because the empress doesn't trust Botap Shili. Thinks Botap is scheming something--specifically, to use Goryeo "as a stepping-stone to secure Prince Qunluan's pardon." And she wonders about Goryeo as a nation, too. Goryeo and its predecessor, the Middle Kingdom empires never could conquer them. "It took over thirty years for the Mongol to invade it. And one day, it will stand up again and point its blades at us." So the empress would like "to avoid future trouble" and keep an eye on what's going on there.
Later, Commissioner Park explains to her that the empress is concerned about her son above all. When the boy finally reaches the throne, he says, "Goryeo could become an ally, or a foe." But the princess wonders if "She's telling me to spy on Botap Shili?" Yes, it did sound that way.
Gongmin is still furious over his humiliation at Gi Cheol's hands. His three allies are with him. As is typical, Kim Yong and Jo Il Shin want to take immediate action; Jung Se Woon counsels patience. But Gongmin doesn't want to listen to them bicker. "I have my plans," he says, without offering any specifics.
Uh-oh. Noguk wants to go meet her mother-in-law. She even has a gama waiting for her outside. "Let's see if Gi Cheol tries to stop me, too." An Dochi really does not want her to do this, but she heads outside. Gi Won is there and tries to stop her too, but she won't be denied and steps right into the gama. "Let's move."