Post by ajk on May 30, 2014 23:59:06 GMT -5
The king and queen are playing some sort of game. Throwing sticks into buckets, sort of. Boy she is competitive, isn't she. He's more about the fun of it. But at least they're smiling and enjoying themselves.
The QD has received a guest. Lord Jukseong's--An Geuk In's--daughter. Oh, she's evaluating prospective consorts. This girl is only fourteen, though. Too young, for now. She leaves...and look at this, there's a whole line of them outside the room. Princess Deoknyeong tells her maybe to wait just a little longer to do all this, but the QD has no intention of waiting. Next! Lord Deokpung's daughter. Geez, what a meat market this is. "Ohhh...how slender! She looks quite healthy." She's a little older, though...too old? But she has a mature tone that the QD likes.
SD locates the king and queen playing their game. "Isn't your majesty losing on purpose, I wonder? To spend more time with her?" It cracks Gongmin up.
The whole group of young women leaves the QD's home. Except that last one, Lord Deokpung's daughter, she lingers a bit and offers "ample rewards" to Lady Kim if she'll put in a good word for her...
...but maybe no need, because the QD already tells Princess Deoknyeong she likes the girl. Deoknyeong, though, reminds her that the king has no interest in other women so what's the point. Remember poor Hyebi; Deoknyeong says "she's living almost like a widow." But the QD answers, "You never know what might happen between man and woman. Someone as fiery as Lord Deokpung's daughter might just attract his attention." Ugh.
SD has brought Gongmin a list of people who contributed to the war effort. Give them some honors, Gongmin instructs SD, and tells him to handle it himself. In fact, Gongmin says, let's change procedures so anything the supreme council needs my approval on should go through you first. Lee Saek is there with them, and the drastic change concerns him greatly.
The two of them leave. SD asks about Lord Ikjae, Lee Saek's master; we learn "He is nurturing young scholars, and living quietly." Then SD tells him about his goals and philosophy and the need to reform the government and fill the court with people who are loyal to the king and not to themselves.
What are all of these kids doing marching around in the palace plaza? Apparently the king has decided that palace security will be handled by eunuchs from now on. Really? Well, you can hardly blame him for wanting a change, considering what Kim Yong did to him, and considering how the eunuchs protected him when he was in such grave danger. And these kids are young eunuchs. Gongmin is personally overseeing their training! Inspector Kim, of course, complains like crazy about it; the new guy Lee Chun Bu stands behind it.
Now we see a big group of these new junior eunuchs, and some older ones, at a training ground. Learning martial arts of various kinds. Gongmin and SD are watching and are pleased with their progress. Some horsemanship skills next, then some archery. Eunuch Choi seems to be the one in charge of this and is really into it; enthusiastic and pushing them to be their best. Gongmin has great faith that "these children will not betray me." In fact, he even has his own horse brought to the site and rides through the training jumps himself, just to give the trainees some inspiration. This all looks to be going very well!
Whoops, wait, one small thing--looks like Gongmin hurt his back. He's in his office now, getting a back massage from a eunuch. "My strength is slowly becoming a remote memory," he tells Lee In Bok, who's sitting there patiently waiting through this, and he says he needs to get back into better shape because he's been sitting around the palace too much for too long. In fact, he says that the pressures of the job had even caused him to lose his appetite. But he adds that he feels much better since he entrusted so much responsibility to SD. Lee isn't happy about this new setup, though, and keeps calling SD "Pyeonjo" and aggravating Gongmin to the point where he threatens to name SD chancellor! As Lee walks out, Gongmin keeps shouting to him from inside. "So what if he's the son of a slave?! If you know anyone as unsoiled as Shin Don, then by any means send him to me!"
The Secretariat office: ministers are reading paperwork. But this is no ordinary paperwork; it's personnel appointments. The ministers are worried because many of the names are unfamiliar to them. One, Kim Sa Seong, he was an ordinary merchant. Inspector Kim flips out about it because he's been awarded a position in the Board of Taxation--which Kim is in charge of. Kim takes offense at this being done over his head, and now changes the subject and starts ranting to Chancellor Tak about the eunuch/defense setup. And about giving a posthumous honor to Eunuch An "just because he perished for His Majesty!" What a jerk. "This is mere pretence by His Majesty to show contempt for us powerful clans!" Again Lee Chun Bu disputes him--"ignoring one's upbringing and only appointing based on talent is a most commendable endeavor." It's getting really nasty in the room.
Well this is odd...Lee Chun Bu is sitting on the ground in front of SD's house, working on a piece of wood he found in a side yard. Oh, it's not just any piece of wood...it's the sign that says "Directorate for Reclassification of Farmland" and was on top of that building before the Directorate was shut down. SD walks out his front door and finds Lee there. Lee tells him that he always supported the Directorate and now that he (Lee) has an influential position, wants to see it re-established. He speaks of it with great passion. This is a good guy, obviously, and SD is appreciative of the support. Lee even says "Every time the courtiers belittle you behind your back for being the son of a slave, or for having renounced the cloth, I feel a baneful dagger pierce my soul." And there are more and more officials who feel the same way, he says. "You must reinstate the Directorate now, and rid our court of all those corrupt and shrewd politicians." SD goes to him, takes his hand and thanks him. Lee is on his knees before SD now and is almost in tears.
"We shall not cross the Amnok!" Oh dear, we're at the northern army camp and Secretary Gyeong is still refusing to act. Choi Young reminds him that there are traitors conspiring against Goryeo and the whole point of their being there is to go wipe them out. But Gyeong, along with a fawning, weasely Lee In Im, won't budge. Well hey, guess what, now they'd better budge a little, because Lee Seong Gye enters with news that their enemy has crossed the river! Gyeong's eyes just about bug out.
Evening: Yeah, there they are. Not very many of them, but they're here. Yoo In Woo is leading them. They seem enthusiastic, but not very energetic. Prince Deokheung is with them and he's whining about the cold. Maybe that explains the lack of energy.
Lee Seong Gye says he'll wipe out the enemy before dawn. Mounts his horse and orders his troops to move out. 2,000 troops and they're undefeated. They're enthusiastic too, and they also look energetic. Choi has so much faith in them that he's not even going to deploy with them. He's absolutely sure they'll triumph.
And now here it is already! A difficult battle in the darkness with only some torches to tell friend from foe. But when Seong Gye spots Yoo In Woo and another enemy leader, he loads up two arrows and knocks them both off their horses! Then he dismounts, unsheathes his sword and kills Yoo in very, very short order. Wow, was that impressive.
Evening, Gaegyeong: A big party in the palace. HUGE party. A victory party! Turns out, Prince Deokheung and what was left of his army ran back to Yanjing, totally whipped. Gongmin entertains the senior officials and generals himself and heaps praise on Lee Seong Gye. Then tells SD, "pour Lee Seong Gye a drink on my behalf." Wait, why won't he do it himself? Secretary Gyeong complains about that, and even Lee looks a little uncomfortable, but Gongmin ignores it and then Lee gratefully accepts and drinks. And then offers, "I pledge endless fealty to Your Majesty."
Yanjing: Uh-oh, does she look pissed! Prince Deokheung and Choi Yu are groveling in front of Empress Gi. Turns out, only a dozen men made it home. They failed to deliver the victory, and she thinks it's only made Gongmin more confident. Tells them she never wants to see them again. They leave her (and frankly they're lucky to leave with their heads), and the empress is left sitting there muttering about Gongmin's "womanly hands" (old reference--way back to Episode 4!) and how "I should have dealt with him earlier."
Back at the party, outside in the palace plaza the victorious soldiers are being given a lavish dinner. But of course, Lee In Im and Inspector Kim are nudging Secretary Gyeong about how the soldiers got the credit and he didn't. Surprisingly, though, Inspector Kim says that Choi Yeong getting more influence isn't a bad thing! Why not? Because then at least the military may be able to counteract the influence that SD has with the king now. "We are no longer in any position to stop him," he says with surprising frankness, speaking about the civil officials.
"Looks like another trip to Yanjing awaits you, Lord Seongsan." Lee In Bok nearly chokes on his drink. Why would Gongmin want to send him there? To capture and behead Prince Deokheung and Choi Yu, Gongmin says, so they won't cause any more trouble. Lee disagrees, and also complains about this idea of invading Liaodong that's been proposed by SD. We've had too much fighting lately, he argues, and Chancellor Tak backs him up. But SD thinks this is their obvious chance to get Liaodong back...so Gongmin tells In Bok to head for Yanjing.
Lee Seong Gye tells Choi Young that he and his troops have to leave the party and head back north, just in case Jo So Saeng manages to incite any trouble. They leave to big cheers. Then Inspector Kim sidles up to Choi and says "We are all counting on you, Commander Choi," to counter all of "Pyeonjo's cohorts." Not sure what Choi thinks about that.
Choseon's home: New trading licenses are being issued to all of the merchants. Won Hyeon is in charge of the operation. Then an official shows up to introduce himself to Won. It's Kim Sa Seong, the new guy. Seems like a very nice person; is grateful for the job and "Thanks to you, all merchants of the market can finally trade in peace." And "Even lowly merchants like us can obtain a position in the court!" At that, Won is compelled to stand up and say something to the entire crowd.
"That is all thanks to our Guardian, Shin Don," he tells them. "The reason he is issuing new trading licenses is not to merely fill his belly with new levies. It is to repel the tyranny of all the merchants who conspired with the powerful clans, and to finally spread trade rights among different groups. So, follow Guardian Shin Don's wishes, and use your income for meritorious deeds." Happy buzzing and approval from everyone present. Choseon emerges from inside in time to hear what Won says and the positive reaction. She looks absolutely tickled pink with what's happening here. Then she takes a trip around the market areas and sees (and we see) how well it's working and how happy and enthusiastic everyone seems to be.
SD tells Lee Saek that they should reinstate the once-active national Confucian academy to train young scholars to serve in the government. And administer examinations to qualify for government positions. Well that's something Lee can get behind. He's a little surprised to hear the Buddhist devotee speak of a Confucian academy, but SD says "Confucius was a wise and sagacious teacher for us all. Just as I honor Buddha, I shall revere Confucius."
Choseon brings the queen some good-luck charms. Seriously? Just in case there are "spirits haunting your legacy...spirits who don't want to see you pregnant." I don't believe in that stuff, Noguk says. But Choseon warns her that "A big storm shall soon swelter the court," meaning that officials are inevitably going to start a big fight against Gongmin and SD over all of the reforms they're pushing. "But, should you bear an heir, think of what kind of staunch support it would give His Majesty." And it will get the QD off her back, too! Still, that's a lot of pressure on a woman who has trouble conceiving and risks death by delivering.
SD finds a site: a building called Sungmungwan, which sounds like it is or was some sort of personnel office. "The powerful clans have monopolized this institution," he tells Lee Saek, and it's been nothing but nepotism from them. How appropriate to use it for this new purpose.
Then SD takes the idea to Gongmin--he hasn't already? Gongmin asks him, "Would the powerful clans accept this?" But he doesn't wait for an answer; he starts laughing immediately. "Looks like you're only choosing endeavors that will rile them up." SD wants to appoint Lee Saek in charge of it...but an odd reaction from Gongmin. "Isn't Lee Saek one of Lord Ikjae's pupils? Just because of his learned ways, Lee Je Hyeon was always so supercilious with me. I still have yet to witness someone of his mental caliber without all the hauteur coming with it." Well that's a surprising statement. But SD really pushes the plan: "This is the only way to oust the powerful clans from the court, Sire. You must reform our court, abandon the old rotten branches and promote new ones, if we are to regain any discipline amongst courtiers."
Lee Saek is talking to several of the younger scholars about all this and getting their opinions. They like it. They have no problem with Confucians and Buddhists joining forces, and they don't share Saek's worry about the opposition this all will face. "It is the perfect chance for us scholars to make a mark," they tell him.
An unhappy-looking Lee In Bok has come to see Gongmin before he leaves for Yanjing. SD reminds him that "This time, Empress Gi might refuse to send you back alive." Outwardly at least, Lee isn't worried, and says so. But then he adds, "You are sorely mistaken." About this whole Confucian academy and civil examination project. He actually laughs at it, mockingly! "Isn't a world without discrimination what you truly wish for? One where nobles and commoners are equal. And you believe Confucians would agree with your vision? What they wish for is an even more severe class divide." And as for these exams, well, "Isn't that a way for clever and learned specimen to obtain authority? how would a commoner possibly pass that national examination?" Pyeonjo offers a weak protest about it being better than the present corrupt government, but Lee tells him that "Joining forces with the scholars is like digging your own grave." Well THAT was interesting.
Now Lee is before the king. Oddly, he tells him that people are still unsettled about the whole Kim Yong insurrection. And then says, "The reason people still misunderstand you is because of situations like this, where Pyeonjo acts on your behalf for all matters." Wow, very frank. "I do not share their views, but most courtiers think my upcoming journey is a sign you abandoned me." Okay, now we know why he's been so abrupt with SD and now with Gongmin. And you can certainly see his point, really. Gongmin doesn't, at least not at first. You're the only one who can contend with Empress Gi, Gongmin says, and that's why I'm sending you. But after Lee bows and leaves, there's a sour look on Gongmin's face. Did Lee speak uncomfortable truth?
Won Hyeon has identified all of Kim Yong's former allies among the merchants; SD wants him to keep a close eye on them for illegal trading. But Won has something else on his mind...and oddly enough, tells SD he needs to transition fully away from the religious life and not just partway. "You need a family to really cut all your ties with your past life. How is the Lady from Sohwaldong? Only a woman of her stature could serve you in a becoming manner. So join in conjugal ties, have children! Only when you appreciate the value of family you will use power properly." Where did this come from? Wherever, it makes SD so uncomfortable that clearly Won has hit home. He makes a crack about Won's attempt to be a faith-healer (which we saw in Episode 38). And grumbles about Won just guessing at things. But Won is laughing like crazy because he knows he's right. "You will not find many women like her," he says.
Noguk has invited Hyebi for a visit. About this new consort business. "You must feel quite perturbed about it." But Hyebi says she's resigned herself to the situation. And adds, "You must be the one, Your Majesty." The one to bear the child.
Evening: Choseon arrives at the royal temple to visit Master Bou. Her brother Jihyo is awfully hostile to her. "His Eminence is an emblem of virtue for us all. How can you ask him to leave his post?" Huh? She's not the one who did it! Sheesh. Fortunately Deokun is there too and receives her kindly. He ushers her inside, where she finds a disgruntled Master Bou packing up his things. "Pyeonjo is nothing but an evil spirit! Countless people will shed blood and perish because of him!"
Gongmin and Noguk are sharing a nighttime meal. She seems so downcast lately when she's with him...and he asks her about it. "Into what mist did that shining visage of yours disappear?" She's crying now. "May you forgive me, Sire. I don't think this role befits someone like me." He reaches out, takes her in his arms and comforts her. "I am to be blamed," he says, "for all of the turmoil that's put pressure on you." He looks discouraged and almost bitter as he holds her.
The QD has received a guest. Lord Jukseong's--An Geuk In's--daughter. Oh, she's evaluating prospective consorts. This girl is only fourteen, though. Too young, for now. She leaves...and look at this, there's a whole line of them outside the room. Princess Deoknyeong tells her maybe to wait just a little longer to do all this, but the QD has no intention of waiting. Next! Lord Deokpung's daughter. Geez, what a meat market this is. "Ohhh...how slender! She looks quite healthy." She's a little older, though...too old? But she has a mature tone that the QD likes.
SD locates the king and queen playing their game. "Isn't your majesty losing on purpose, I wonder? To spend more time with her?" It cracks Gongmin up.
The whole group of young women leaves the QD's home. Except that last one, Lord Deokpung's daughter, she lingers a bit and offers "ample rewards" to Lady Kim if she'll put in a good word for her...
...but maybe no need, because the QD already tells Princess Deoknyeong she likes the girl. Deoknyeong, though, reminds her that the king has no interest in other women so what's the point. Remember poor Hyebi; Deoknyeong says "she's living almost like a widow." But the QD answers, "You never know what might happen between man and woman. Someone as fiery as Lord Deokpung's daughter might just attract his attention." Ugh.
SD has brought Gongmin a list of people who contributed to the war effort. Give them some honors, Gongmin instructs SD, and tells him to handle it himself. In fact, Gongmin says, let's change procedures so anything the supreme council needs my approval on should go through you first. Lee Saek is there with them, and the drastic change concerns him greatly.
The two of them leave. SD asks about Lord Ikjae, Lee Saek's master; we learn "He is nurturing young scholars, and living quietly." Then SD tells him about his goals and philosophy and the need to reform the government and fill the court with people who are loyal to the king and not to themselves.
What are all of these kids doing marching around in the palace plaza? Apparently the king has decided that palace security will be handled by eunuchs from now on. Really? Well, you can hardly blame him for wanting a change, considering what Kim Yong did to him, and considering how the eunuchs protected him when he was in such grave danger. And these kids are young eunuchs. Gongmin is personally overseeing their training! Inspector Kim, of course, complains like crazy about it; the new guy Lee Chun Bu stands behind it.
Now we see a big group of these new junior eunuchs, and some older ones, at a training ground. Learning martial arts of various kinds. Gongmin and SD are watching and are pleased with their progress. Some horsemanship skills next, then some archery. Eunuch Choi seems to be the one in charge of this and is really into it; enthusiastic and pushing them to be their best. Gongmin has great faith that "these children will not betray me." In fact, he even has his own horse brought to the site and rides through the training jumps himself, just to give the trainees some inspiration. This all looks to be going very well!
Whoops, wait, one small thing--looks like Gongmin hurt his back. He's in his office now, getting a back massage from a eunuch. "My strength is slowly becoming a remote memory," he tells Lee In Bok, who's sitting there patiently waiting through this, and he says he needs to get back into better shape because he's been sitting around the palace too much for too long. In fact, he says that the pressures of the job had even caused him to lose his appetite. But he adds that he feels much better since he entrusted so much responsibility to SD. Lee isn't happy about this new setup, though, and keeps calling SD "Pyeonjo" and aggravating Gongmin to the point where he threatens to name SD chancellor! As Lee walks out, Gongmin keeps shouting to him from inside. "So what if he's the son of a slave?! If you know anyone as unsoiled as Shin Don, then by any means send him to me!"
The Secretariat office: ministers are reading paperwork. But this is no ordinary paperwork; it's personnel appointments. The ministers are worried because many of the names are unfamiliar to them. One, Kim Sa Seong, he was an ordinary merchant. Inspector Kim flips out about it because he's been awarded a position in the Board of Taxation--which Kim is in charge of. Kim takes offense at this being done over his head, and now changes the subject and starts ranting to Chancellor Tak about the eunuch/defense setup. And about giving a posthumous honor to Eunuch An "just because he perished for His Majesty!" What a jerk. "This is mere pretence by His Majesty to show contempt for us powerful clans!" Again Lee Chun Bu disputes him--"ignoring one's upbringing and only appointing based on talent is a most commendable endeavor." It's getting really nasty in the room.
Well this is odd...Lee Chun Bu is sitting on the ground in front of SD's house, working on a piece of wood he found in a side yard. Oh, it's not just any piece of wood...it's the sign that says "Directorate for Reclassification of Farmland" and was on top of that building before the Directorate was shut down. SD walks out his front door and finds Lee there. Lee tells him that he always supported the Directorate and now that he (Lee) has an influential position, wants to see it re-established. He speaks of it with great passion. This is a good guy, obviously, and SD is appreciative of the support. Lee even says "Every time the courtiers belittle you behind your back for being the son of a slave, or for having renounced the cloth, I feel a baneful dagger pierce my soul." And there are more and more officials who feel the same way, he says. "You must reinstate the Directorate now, and rid our court of all those corrupt and shrewd politicians." SD goes to him, takes his hand and thanks him. Lee is on his knees before SD now and is almost in tears.
"We shall not cross the Amnok!" Oh dear, we're at the northern army camp and Secretary Gyeong is still refusing to act. Choi Young reminds him that there are traitors conspiring against Goryeo and the whole point of their being there is to go wipe them out. But Gyeong, along with a fawning, weasely Lee In Im, won't budge. Well hey, guess what, now they'd better budge a little, because Lee Seong Gye enters with news that their enemy has crossed the river! Gyeong's eyes just about bug out.
Evening: Yeah, there they are. Not very many of them, but they're here. Yoo In Woo is leading them. They seem enthusiastic, but not very energetic. Prince Deokheung is with them and he's whining about the cold. Maybe that explains the lack of energy.
Lee Seong Gye says he'll wipe out the enemy before dawn. Mounts his horse and orders his troops to move out. 2,000 troops and they're undefeated. They're enthusiastic too, and they also look energetic. Choi has so much faith in them that he's not even going to deploy with them. He's absolutely sure they'll triumph.
And now here it is already! A difficult battle in the darkness with only some torches to tell friend from foe. But when Seong Gye spots Yoo In Woo and another enemy leader, he loads up two arrows and knocks them both off their horses! Then he dismounts, unsheathes his sword and kills Yoo in very, very short order. Wow, was that impressive.
Evening, Gaegyeong: A big party in the palace. HUGE party. A victory party! Turns out, Prince Deokheung and what was left of his army ran back to Yanjing, totally whipped. Gongmin entertains the senior officials and generals himself and heaps praise on Lee Seong Gye. Then tells SD, "pour Lee Seong Gye a drink on my behalf." Wait, why won't he do it himself? Secretary Gyeong complains about that, and even Lee looks a little uncomfortable, but Gongmin ignores it and then Lee gratefully accepts and drinks. And then offers, "I pledge endless fealty to Your Majesty."
Yanjing: Uh-oh, does she look pissed! Prince Deokheung and Choi Yu are groveling in front of Empress Gi. Turns out, only a dozen men made it home. They failed to deliver the victory, and she thinks it's only made Gongmin more confident. Tells them she never wants to see them again. They leave her (and frankly they're lucky to leave with their heads), and the empress is left sitting there muttering about Gongmin's "womanly hands" (old reference--way back to Episode 4!) and how "I should have dealt with him earlier."
Back at the party, outside in the palace plaza the victorious soldiers are being given a lavish dinner. But of course, Lee In Im and Inspector Kim are nudging Secretary Gyeong about how the soldiers got the credit and he didn't. Surprisingly, though, Inspector Kim says that Choi Yeong getting more influence isn't a bad thing! Why not? Because then at least the military may be able to counteract the influence that SD has with the king now. "We are no longer in any position to stop him," he says with surprising frankness, speaking about the civil officials.
"Looks like another trip to Yanjing awaits you, Lord Seongsan." Lee In Bok nearly chokes on his drink. Why would Gongmin want to send him there? To capture and behead Prince Deokheung and Choi Yu, Gongmin says, so they won't cause any more trouble. Lee disagrees, and also complains about this idea of invading Liaodong that's been proposed by SD. We've had too much fighting lately, he argues, and Chancellor Tak backs him up. But SD thinks this is their obvious chance to get Liaodong back...so Gongmin tells In Bok to head for Yanjing.
Lee Seong Gye tells Choi Young that he and his troops have to leave the party and head back north, just in case Jo So Saeng manages to incite any trouble. They leave to big cheers. Then Inspector Kim sidles up to Choi and says "We are all counting on you, Commander Choi," to counter all of "Pyeonjo's cohorts." Not sure what Choi thinks about that.
Choseon's home: New trading licenses are being issued to all of the merchants. Won Hyeon is in charge of the operation. Then an official shows up to introduce himself to Won. It's Kim Sa Seong, the new guy. Seems like a very nice person; is grateful for the job and "Thanks to you, all merchants of the market can finally trade in peace." And "Even lowly merchants like us can obtain a position in the court!" At that, Won is compelled to stand up and say something to the entire crowd.
"That is all thanks to our Guardian, Shin Don," he tells them. "The reason he is issuing new trading licenses is not to merely fill his belly with new levies. It is to repel the tyranny of all the merchants who conspired with the powerful clans, and to finally spread trade rights among different groups. So, follow Guardian Shin Don's wishes, and use your income for meritorious deeds." Happy buzzing and approval from everyone present. Choseon emerges from inside in time to hear what Won says and the positive reaction. She looks absolutely tickled pink with what's happening here. Then she takes a trip around the market areas and sees (and we see) how well it's working and how happy and enthusiastic everyone seems to be.
SD tells Lee Saek that they should reinstate the once-active national Confucian academy to train young scholars to serve in the government. And administer examinations to qualify for government positions. Well that's something Lee can get behind. He's a little surprised to hear the Buddhist devotee speak of a Confucian academy, but SD says "Confucius was a wise and sagacious teacher for us all. Just as I honor Buddha, I shall revere Confucius."
Choseon brings the queen some good-luck charms. Seriously? Just in case there are "spirits haunting your legacy...spirits who don't want to see you pregnant." I don't believe in that stuff, Noguk says. But Choseon warns her that "A big storm shall soon swelter the court," meaning that officials are inevitably going to start a big fight against Gongmin and SD over all of the reforms they're pushing. "But, should you bear an heir, think of what kind of staunch support it would give His Majesty." And it will get the QD off her back, too! Still, that's a lot of pressure on a woman who has trouble conceiving and risks death by delivering.
SD finds a site: a building called Sungmungwan, which sounds like it is or was some sort of personnel office. "The powerful clans have monopolized this institution," he tells Lee Saek, and it's been nothing but nepotism from them. How appropriate to use it for this new purpose.
Then SD takes the idea to Gongmin--he hasn't already? Gongmin asks him, "Would the powerful clans accept this?" But he doesn't wait for an answer; he starts laughing immediately. "Looks like you're only choosing endeavors that will rile them up." SD wants to appoint Lee Saek in charge of it...but an odd reaction from Gongmin. "Isn't Lee Saek one of Lord Ikjae's pupils? Just because of his learned ways, Lee Je Hyeon was always so supercilious with me. I still have yet to witness someone of his mental caliber without all the hauteur coming with it." Well that's a surprising statement. But SD really pushes the plan: "This is the only way to oust the powerful clans from the court, Sire. You must reform our court, abandon the old rotten branches and promote new ones, if we are to regain any discipline amongst courtiers."
Lee Saek is talking to several of the younger scholars about all this and getting their opinions. They like it. They have no problem with Confucians and Buddhists joining forces, and they don't share Saek's worry about the opposition this all will face. "It is the perfect chance for us scholars to make a mark," they tell him.
An unhappy-looking Lee In Bok has come to see Gongmin before he leaves for Yanjing. SD reminds him that "This time, Empress Gi might refuse to send you back alive." Outwardly at least, Lee isn't worried, and says so. But then he adds, "You are sorely mistaken." About this whole Confucian academy and civil examination project. He actually laughs at it, mockingly! "Isn't a world without discrimination what you truly wish for? One where nobles and commoners are equal. And you believe Confucians would agree with your vision? What they wish for is an even more severe class divide." And as for these exams, well, "Isn't that a way for clever and learned specimen to obtain authority? how would a commoner possibly pass that national examination?" Pyeonjo offers a weak protest about it being better than the present corrupt government, but Lee tells him that "Joining forces with the scholars is like digging your own grave." Well THAT was interesting.
Now Lee is before the king. Oddly, he tells him that people are still unsettled about the whole Kim Yong insurrection. And then says, "The reason people still misunderstand you is because of situations like this, where Pyeonjo acts on your behalf for all matters." Wow, very frank. "I do not share their views, but most courtiers think my upcoming journey is a sign you abandoned me." Okay, now we know why he's been so abrupt with SD and now with Gongmin. And you can certainly see his point, really. Gongmin doesn't, at least not at first. You're the only one who can contend with Empress Gi, Gongmin says, and that's why I'm sending you. But after Lee bows and leaves, there's a sour look on Gongmin's face. Did Lee speak uncomfortable truth?
Won Hyeon has identified all of Kim Yong's former allies among the merchants; SD wants him to keep a close eye on them for illegal trading. But Won has something else on his mind...and oddly enough, tells SD he needs to transition fully away from the religious life and not just partway. "You need a family to really cut all your ties with your past life. How is the Lady from Sohwaldong? Only a woman of her stature could serve you in a becoming manner. So join in conjugal ties, have children! Only when you appreciate the value of family you will use power properly." Where did this come from? Wherever, it makes SD so uncomfortable that clearly Won has hit home. He makes a crack about Won's attempt to be a faith-healer (which we saw in Episode 38). And grumbles about Won just guessing at things. But Won is laughing like crazy because he knows he's right. "You will not find many women like her," he says.
Noguk has invited Hyebi for a visit. About this new consort business. "You must feel quite perturbed about it." But Hyebi says she's resigned herself to the situation. And adds, "You must be the one, Your Majesty." The one to bear the child.
Evening: Choseon arrives at the royal temple to visit Master Bou. Her brother Jihyo is awfully hostile to her. "His Eminence is an emblem of virtue for us all. How can you ask him to leave his post?" Huh? She's not the one who did it! Sheesh. Fortunately Deokun is there too and receives her kindly. He ushers her inside, where she finds a disgruntled Master Bou packing up his things. "Pyeonjo is nothing but an evil spirit! Countless people will shed blood and perish because of him!"
Gongmin and Noguk are sharing a nighttime meal. She seems so downcast lately when she's with him...and he asks her about it. "Into what mist did that shining visage of yours disappear?" She's crying now. "May you forgive me, Sire. I don't think this role befits someone like me." He reaches out, takes her in his arms and comforts her. "I am to be blamed," he says, "for all of the turmoil that's put pressure on you." He looks discouraged and almost bitter as he holds her.