Moo Sol asks who the man pretending to be So Jung is. The assassin drops his disguise, now holding a sword to Moo Sol’s throat.
Kang Chi and Yeo Wool fight to defend themselves from death. As phantoms, they dissipate when killed, but their swords can still wound and kill.
The assassin asks Moo Sol to continue his story of Kang Chi’s bracelet. A blade appears at his head. “Drop the blade,” commands Han Noh. The assassin glares and many more guards enter the room. He tries to complete his task, swinging at Moo Sol’s head, but his way is blocked by Han Noh’s sword. Han Noh is so cool. Moo Sol doesn’t even blink at this threat.
Yeo Wool fights with her sword and Kang Chi fights with his fists and feet. He needs to get a sword already! Kang Chi is frustrated, because they just keep coming. Yeo Wool tells him that the phantoms are all just one man. Killing him will kill them all.
House guards fight the assassin. Could he be the one man they need to kill?
Yeo Wool and Kang Chi continue to fight as Kang Chi scans the phantoms for the lone man.
Han Noh jumps to kill the assassin as a phantom jumps to kill Yeo Wool. His blade is stopped by Kang Chi’s arm. All the assassins have stopped as this assassin is motionless.
Flashback. Yeo Wool as a little girl in a hanbok, frightened of the vicious dog in front of her. Kang Chi is there. He tells her to hold still and not look away. Kang Chi studies the dog. She says she is scared and Kang Chi tells her not to worry because he’s there to protect her. Yeo Wool looks at him and the dog begins to attack. Kang Chi steps in front of her and dog begins to bite on his arm.
Now. Smiling, Kang Chi grabs the assassin’s blade so that it can’t be pulled it out of his arm. His bracelet glows and he says, “Got you.” Kang Chi kicks him, throwing him backwards. All the phantoms disappear.
Han Noh’s blade has been caught by the assassin so it does not hit its mark. The assassin throws a smoke bomb and disappears.
Kang Chi is wounded and Yeo Wool stares at him. Again he has risked his life to save hers. He tries to play off his wound. Exactly what he said before. Angry, she slaps him on the back of the head, which confuses Kang Chi. She starts to rebuke him for using his body as a shield. He becomes irritated. She should be thanking him for saving her life. Even though she didn’t ask him to, he did it anyway. She slaps him on the back of the head again and tells him she owes him nothing and walks away. Ah, women. They can be so confusing sometimes.
Yeo Wool stops by the cherry tree and remembers more of the flashback. “Don’t be afraid. We won’t hurt you.” Kang Chi tells her to be quiet, because it’s scaring the dog. As Yeo Wool watches, he pets the dog, calming it, telling him that he is okay. It goes home when Kang Chi tells him to. Even though he tells her he is fine, she starts to bawl. To calm her, he brings her some water in a leaf. When she asks if it hurts, he tells her that it’s nothing, but when he tries to prove it by showing her, it’s obvious that it does hurt.
Kang Chi asks her where she’s from, since he hasn’t seen Yeo Wool before. When she tells him she is staying at Century House, he calls her "one of our guests." She can’t believe he lives there. He tells her that he spends more time in the hills, though. Aw, just like his dad. She thinks that it would be scary and he tells her that people are much more scary, especially his father. A large tarantula slowly lowers itself overhead.
Closing his eyes, he says that he is not afraid of anything, but when he opens them, there’s the spider. He screams and tries to scoot away but Yeo Wool simply grabs the web of the spider. She can’t understand why he’s afraid of a spider and offers it to him. He stumbles backward and hits his head on a tree. When he denies being scared, she tells him another one is by his feet. In his hurry to get away, he stumbles and falls on her, for one of the classic k-drama stares.
When Kang Chi threatens her about not telling about the spiders, Yeo Wool asks him what he’ll do to her, and he says that he’ll make her marry him. They look away, sitting next to each other, but sneak glances at each other.
Present. Yeo Wool kicks the tree in frustration. Gon wants to know why she’s upset and sees her arm. Demanding to know what happened, she tells him about the assassin and that it was probably sent by Pijo. She tells him Kang Chi saved her life.
Gob Dan tells Chung Jo about Kang Chi’s heroism.
Kang Chi’s arm is being painfully bandaged by his father, Ma Reum, who scolds him for not calling for help and fighting them alone. When he says that he wasn’t alone, it’s obvious that Kang Chi doesn’t realize that Yeo Wool is a girl – why he doesn’t realize it, I don’t know. Kang Chi realizes that he doesn’t know the ‘guy’s name, but he’s staying in a room at the end.
“Officer Dam?” a voice asks. It is Gon. He’s brought salve for Kang Chi’s wound. When Kang Chi comments that the jar is girly, Gon starts to take it back, but Kang Chi says no take backs. Gon is supposed to say “I appreciate it sooo much.”
Returning to the room, he finds Yeo Wool in the middle of changing her clothes. He quickly turns so as to not look, but she continues talking to him as though everything were normal. So she doesn’t see him as a man, as they put it. Otherwise, she would be scandalized at him seeing her with only her undershirt on.
Gon tries to leave but she asks him if he told Kang Chi thank you. He stops and turns to look at her. He says yes, kind of, and remembers Kang Chi’s sarcastic “I appreciate it sooo much.” And his response of “Appreciate THIS, idiot.” Kang Chi asked him if he had a death wish. Gon replies, “yes, yours,” and walks away. The rest of the household servants hold Kang Chi back from starting a fight.
This all gets translated as Kang Chi saying “nothing, really.” Yeo Wool is surprised but Gon leaves before he has to say anything more. Yeo Wool is insulted that he would be so rude about her gift, especially after she said thank you.
Han Noh reports: Moo Sol’s assassin got away but Kang Chi caught another one. Moo Sol is surprised that Kang Chi caught one. When the phantom-man won’t answer who sent him, Kang Chi says he knows. Looking at phantom-man, he asks, “You work for Kwan Woong.” Kang Chi has recognized him as the man he left unhurt during the fight with Kwan Woong’s men.
Moo Sol is concerned because Kwan Woong’s men appear to know the dark arts, making him any even more dangerous adversary. Tae Seo wants them to hand over the assassin to the magistrate so that Kwan Woong’s deeds can be exposed.
Han Noh tells Moo Sol that an old monk came to see him. So Jung was the one who gave the captain the warning so that Moo Sol’s life was saved.
So Jung looks at the moon. Only 10 more days until Kang Chi's 20th birthday. Something’s going to happen then, by the way that So Jung is acting/talking.
Chung Jo finds Kang Chi outside. He says that he is fine, but she insists that he be honest about how he is feeling, that he is upset about her impending marriage. Chuckling to himself, he pushes her forehead with his finger and insists that he is fine, that she’s the best medicine in the world for him. Chung Jo hugs him. Her words show that she is upset about her impending marriage because they will be separated. He hugs her back.
This exchange is witnessed by Yeo Wool from across the square. Upset, she grabs her heart and then throws down her hand in frustration that she is upset over Kang Chi liking someone else. She stomps off.
Pyung Joon receives a message about the attack on Moo Sol and that magical assassins were used.
The next day Tae Seo has gone to visit Kwan Woong. He is not happy. Kwan Woong acts completely innocent, but Tae Seo is having nothing of it. He’s there for Kwan Woong’s explanation for his actions. Kwan Woong bellows about Tae Seo’s insolence, but Tae Seo is righteously pissed. Tae Seo wants this to be settled by the police, but Moo Sol refuses, as a sign of respect for Kwan Woong’s old office. Tae Seo demands Kwan Woong go to his father and apologize. He’s not afraid of this insolent coward. I really like this guy. I want him to end up with a girl.
It’s a great day for wedding preparations. Chung Jo is sad. Gob Dan is oblivious to her distress and Chung Jo sends her away. As she and Kang Chi had embraced, she wished that they could just disappear so that she wouldn’t have to leave him. My thought: she could just tell her dad that she didn’t want to marry the guy. Lady Yoon might have lots of wrath, but Moo Sol loves his daughter and wouldn’t do that to her. Kang Chi told her just to tell him what he should do, that he’ll make them disappear. She knows that he wouldn’t go against and betray her father or brother and neither would she. She tried to play off the misery of an arranged marriage as something everyone goes through and walked away.
Kang Chi is also thinking about their exchange. So Jung has arrived and starts a conversation, sitting down next to him. He doesn’t identify himself. He asks if Kang Chi is part of the family. Kang Chi answers, “In a way.” So Jung looks at Kang Chi’s bracelet. Uncomfortable, Kang Chi covers it with his hand.
When Kang Chi gets up to leave, So Jung says, “Ten days to go,” in sort of an ominous voice. How does this man know that? Kang Chi corrects him: “Eleven actually. So Jung remembers that fateful day with Wol Ryung, who said those exact same words.
Even though Kang Chi asks, So Jung won’t tell him that he knows him. So Jung tells him not to stay at Century House that night, that these things always come down to the last minute and that it felt like it did 20 years ago. What does this monk know that he hasn’t told anyone?!! Why is he so mysterious?!! Will something bad happen, so that Kang Chi will end up like his dad, if So Jung’s advice is not followed? Why do these people never talk to each other?!!!
So Jung says that it feels like everything is about to fall apart. More sense of foreboding as the tense music plays. He tells Kang Chi to leave before sunset. Why before sunset? And not to come back before dawn. When Kang Chi starts to protest, So Jung grabs his wrist and looks meaningfully at the bracelet. He begs him to listen and do what he says.
Kang Chi doesn’t know how to take what he has said. When he turns to ask the monk more, the monk has disappeared into thin air.
Yeo Wool and Gon have officially decided to present themselves. Tae Seo meets them. When she says that it’s been too long, he recognizes her and happily greets her. He recognizes her as Lady Yeo Wool. Gon is irritated because he knows that she’s a woman. He doesn’t like the familiarity with which they talk but doesn’t know what to do with it.
Pyung Joon has arrived and is conferring with Moo Sol. The assassin isn’t talking. Illusions and phantoms. Pyung Joon declares them to be ninjas. So Kwan Woong is aligning himself with their enemy, Japan? They both refer to Kwan Woong as Pijo. The murders are definitely political.
The new commander is concerned but the higher ups are ignoring his reports. War is definitely coming. His lordship arrives. It’s the man Yeo Wool met in the market. Moo Sol rises almost reverently. The man introduces himself: Admiral Lee Soon Shin. Also known as Yi Sun Sin, this guy is legendary for being an amazing and undefeated military commander, even when the odds were 333:13 against him. Moo Sol recognizes the name and the majestic meaningful music swells.
Kang Chi is looking for So Jung when he is accosted by Eok Man, who tells him he has work to do. Eok Man has not seen the monk. Kang Chi wants to know how the monk knows him. Eok Man tells him that Moo Sol has a guest, an admiral.
Soon Shin has come to ask Moo Sol for funding for his troops. Moo Sol wants to know how the money will be used. If war comes, they will need to protect their waters. The country’s military forces have been in shambles, but with his appointment, Soon Shin is straightening things out. He needs money for warships for a surprise attack with a unique ship against the armada that Japan is amassing to attack them.
Pyung Joon thinks that Moo Sol has gone too far with his questions, but Moo Sol won’t back down. After all, it’s *his* money. Soon Shin acquiesces and shows Moo Sol his blue prints for this new warship. The imperial court will not give the money. Moo Sol is in awe of this ship which will defend Joseon. Without really raising his voice, he calls for Tae Seo, who has been waiting *just* outside. Moo Sol tells him to seal the room. Moo Sol has agreed to supply the money.
Gon and Yeo Wool watch as Tae Seo closes all the windows of the house, wondering what’s going on. I guess Pyung Joon didn’t let his two most trusted men in on what was happening… Kang Chi enters and asks them what they are doing there. Why do they need to see his lordship?
Yeo Wool answers him, by telling him it’s none of his business. But through Gon, of course. Who translates it to mean ‘butt out.’ Kang Chi tells her that whatever goes on in Century House IS his business. Yeo Wool acts like she can’t hear him and tells Gon to tell Kang Chi to be quiet. His translation: Shut your mouth. Gon doesn’t seem to like Kang Chi; because he’s arrogant or because Yeo Wool might like him?
When Kang Chi moves to physically talk with Yeo Wool, Gon steps in and pushes him out of the way, planting himself between them. He tells Kang Chi to watch his hand or else he’ll lose it. Kang Chi gets a little more aggressive, grabbing Gon’s shirt. Gon’s not going to back down to this little punk. But he doesn’t know what we know: that Kang Chi isn’t going to back down either.
As Gon reaches to draw his sword, Yeo Wool tells them to knock it off because it’s irritating. They ignore her and are only broken up from their stare down by Han Noh. Kang Chi protests. Han Noh won’t stand for a ruckus outside his lordship’s office and tells him that he’ll have them both hanging upside from a tree if they continue. Other guards arrive to back up his words.
Gon and Kang Chi turn away, frustrated at the same time, but then they continue to glower at each other. Yeo Wool can’t believe how Kang Chi got under Gon’s skin or that he was put in his place by Han Noh.
Back inside, Tae Seo has finished closing up the house and reveals a secret room for them to meet in. This appears to be Moo Sol’s vault. The vault is huge. He has massive amounts of bullion. He tells Soon Shin to use everything there as he sees fit. Moo Sol is willing to sacrifice his wealth to protect the people of Joseon from attack. Majestic music plays and my eyes glisten a bit over how cool Moo Sol is. What a man of character! And this is why fate had Kang Chi be part of his house, so that his enterprises would be blessed and Joseon would have the funds for their defense when they needed them. Curse indeed! Some other man might not have been as thrifty with his money, but Moo Sol has a noble character.
It seems like Tae Seo is following in his father’s footsteps, since he is one of the few to know where the gold is and he doesn’t protest when Moo Sol gives their money away. I like him so!
Mean while, back at Kwan Woong’s, he’s been informed that Moo Sol is meeting with admiral Soon Shin. He knows what this means: he has to speed up his plan and pre-emptively act.
Kwan Woong approaches the man housing him and says that one of his men is missing because of a conspiracy and insurrection. Kwan Woong claims that his assassin, aka the missing man, had been dispatched to Century House to investigate their possible treason, since the rebellion’s leaders are still in the area. Why is it that the authorities, whether it’s political figures or the grandmother, why do they always trust the lies of the villain, even when they know he has an unsavory character? I just don’t get it.
Steward Choi announces that the wedding party is approaching. Lady Yoon asks him to get Moo Sol. She’s all ready to give her little girl away.
Moo Sol bids the admiral good-bye. Before Soon Shin leaves, Moo Sol has Kang Chi present himself, indicating that Moo Sol views Kang Chi as an equal (like his son) and not just some servant. As Kang Chi bows, Yeo Wool has to acknowledge that he has manners.
Soon Shin asks if Kang Chi is another of Moo Sol’s sons and Moo Sol affirms it with a “quite so.” I’m so moved by this man! And Kang Chi is a bit unnerved by Moo Sol’s open display of affection. Especially after Lady Yoon’s treatment. Tae Seo is a little shocked (but he doesn’t look mad) and Yeo Wool is confused.
Moo Sol clarifies, that Kang Chi was reared as a son. He describes Kang Chi with glowing terms and hopes that the admiral will, if the occasion arises, take Kang Chi under his wing, because the admiral could help Kang Chi to do great things. Soon Shin is not offended and appreciates Moo Sol’s affection.
Kang Chi declares that he will never leave Moo Sol. His loyalty is admirable. Even though Moo Sol wants him to set out into the world, Kang Chi declares that Century House is the only world he cares about and that he will help Tae Seo run the house. Tae Seo’s reaction shows disbelief at Kang Chi’s boldness as well as fear of what other trouble Kang Chi might get into, if he did what he’s vowing to do.
Soon Shin doesn't like Kang Chi’s rudeness, but it’s clear that he admires Kang Chi’s loyalty. He compliments Moo Sol for his fine men. Moo Sol can do nothing but bow to accept the compliment.
Yeo Wool is irritated over Kang Chi’s loyalty, mouthing that he is a dork for not seeing what a great honor he’s refusing. Pyung Joon frowns. He doesn’t like this kid.
Ma Reum arrives to announce that the betrothal party has arrived. A knife in Kang Chi’s heart. The admiral takes his leave. Yeo Wool notes Kang Chi’s sad expression.
Yeo Wool walks with her father, Gon a few steps behind. Pyung Joon asks about Kang Chi. Gon doesn’t like the thought that Pyung Joon might like this punk, too. He also doesn’t like it when Yeo Wool starts to name Kang Chi’s good qualities. He didn’t mind when she was calling him full of himself. She denies that they are friends and states that she avoids him whenever she can, which pleases Gon immensely. Yeo Wool wants to know why her father is asking. Perhaps he senses that she likes him?
Pyung Joon replies something about Kang Chi bothers him. He orders them to remain at Century House and maintain surveillance. And to be careful. Pyung Joon takes his leave and Gon follows behind him, leaving Yeo Wool alone. She berates herself for liking/praising Kang Chi, but doesn’t think it’s weird that Gon would have separate business with her father, even though it seems like she’s in charge.
Pyung Joon orders Gon to keep an eye on Kang Chi and to tell him if anything out of the ordinary happens. Pyung Joon leaves.
The police have arrived, obviously acting on Kwan Woong’s orders. Tragic music plays. The wedding party arrives. Kang Chi watches at a distance. Chung Jo doesn’t want to marry but knows she must. The presentation of the bridal gift breaks the table it is placed on. A bad omen.
Imperial police storm into Century House, intent on searching for a hidden traitor. Tae Seo demands an explanation, especially because today is wedding day. The police captain says they are looking for a traitor and that Lord Jo’s secret inspector has disappeared. Tae Seo is stunned that Kwan Woong would be that nefarious, to accuse them of treason when he sent assassins. It’s obvious that the captain doesn’t want to believe it, but treason is treason. The look on Moo Sol’s face is almost resigned; this is what Pyung Joon warned him about, this is how low Kwan Woong will go to destroy his enemies.
Moo Sol asks for an explanation when suddenly a soldier announces that they have found Kwan Woong’s inspector.
Ma Reum tells Kang Chi about the police arriving and asks him to come. A voice – which we recognize as So Jung’s – calls his name. Kang Chi hesitates, remembering what the monk said. The sun is setting. He has to decide whether he will leave.
So Jung stands outside the house, begging Kang Chi to leave. How does he know that something *really* bad is going to happen?
The police trash the house and find the letter from Pyung Jo.
Kwan Woong has arrived. They bring out the assassin and Kwan Woong confirms that this is his secret inspector. When Tae Seo declares that the man is an assassin that Kwan Woong sent, the police captain is shocked and asks Kwan Woong for an explanation. Kwan Woong acts innocent and questions why the assassin wasn’t turned over to the police, if Tae Seo’s words are true. Tae Seo can’t believe how this man can bold faced lie and is about to get physical, when Moo Sol stops him with, “Enough.”
Moo Sol asks Kwan Woong directly what he wants. He repeats his son’s charge, adding collusion with ninjas and trafficking in the dark arts. The police captain is freaked out even more, since these are heavy accusations being laid, much more serious that treason.
One of the soldiers brings the letter. Kwan Woong grabs the letter out of the captain’s hands and reads it. Kwan Woong claims that the traitors have given him this nickname, twisting Pyung Jo’s stamp into a supposed signal from the rebels. Why does this captain keep listening to this deposed infamous chancellor?!
Tae Seo says his father’s name. It’s obvious that he’s scared of where this is going and wants his father to fix things.
Kwan Woong commands their arrest and when the captain hesitates, Kwan Woong threatens to call him a rebel, too. The wimpy captain orders Moo Sol and Tae Seo arrested. While Tae Seo struggles and begs his father to do something, Moo Sol does not move. Han Noh is about to protect them, when Moo Sol orders him to stand down. Tae Seo and Moo Sol are bound.
The women folk arrive. Kwan Woong steps up to Moo Sol and tells him what a tasty little girl he has, promising to call on her once she’s sold as a giseang. This shakes Moo Sol and Kwan Woong smiles with glee.
And then… “Says who?” Yay! It’s Kang Chi! And he is pissed. Maybe history isn’t going to repeat itself like it did for his grandfather and mother.
Kang Chi shoves the soldiers aside and unties Moo Sol. He orders Kwan Woong to stand down or die. He has to the count of three. Everyone knows what that means.
As he counts the police captain tells Kang Chi that this has nothing to do with him. He knows what Kang Chi is capable of and how loved by the people he is. He scoffs at the charge of treason. The captain can’t believe that he’s not scared of the accusation.
Kang Chi asks if earning a living, helping our country and its hungry people is treason then what is Lord Jo, who rapes the land, makes others bow, glutting himself, attacking innocent merchants?.. being a parasite, rapist and child molester I add.
Kwan Woong, furious, orders his captain to put Kang Chi in his place. The captain draws his sword and charges but Kang Chi easily stops and disarms him. Kang Chi calls him a lap dog who jumps when Kwan Woong says froggy. He knows that this man has attacked them before.
Another of Kwan Woong’s forces grabs one of the soldier’s swords and unexpectedly charges at Kang Chi. Instinctively, Moo Sol jumps in front of Kang Chi to protect his son and is run through. No! Not Moo Sol!
Everyone is horrified. Moo Sol gurgles. Kang Chi screams and drops the attacker with one punch. Crying “my lord, my lord!” he cradles Moo Sol in his arms, crying. Moo Sol just wants to know that Kang Chi is okay. He clasps Kang Chi’s face and tells him that he was a son to him. He tells Kang Chi to take care of Tae Seo and Chung Jo. I can hardly see for the tears welling in my eyes.
Moo Sol dies. Tae Seo begins to cry “Father!” and screams in sorrow.
Kwan Woong is happy that Moo Sol is dead. Lady Yoon faints. Kang Chi cries for Moo Sol to come back and a tremendous wind begins to blow in the square, to where people can hardly stand.
So Jung approaches the house, his face set with determination. Yeo Wool is practicing her sword craft. She stops, sensing something, too.
Kang Chi’s eyes begin to glow green as he turns to glare at Kwan Woong. Kwan Woong is deservedly afraid. Kang Chi vows, “I will kill you,” tears running down his cheeks.
Thoughts
I can’t believe what I’ve been dreading has happened: Park Moo Sol is dead! My heart is ripped because he is gone.
And history repeats itself, with Kwan Woong using the accusation of treason to get rid of his enemy. The lack of originality irks me, but people are stupid, apparently, because this deposed chancellor’s word seems to still carry the weight of truth. Although this time, he’s not facing the wrath of a defenseless woman, but that of a half-gumiho, whose powers up to now have been held in check by his red bracelet. And this time, the reputation and the reactions of his accused argue with the charge. Kwan Woong is known to be amoral; Moo Sol is known for his fairness and benevolence.
How will Moo Sol’s family react to him sacrificing his life to protect Kang Chi? Of course Lady Yoon will curse and blame Kang Chi for everything. When Kwan Woong defiles her daughter, she’ll blame Kang Chi for that, too. What about Tae Seo? He is freaking out with grief. And Chung Jo is so shocked that she is stone faced over her father’s death. Will they be able to escape the fate that Kwan Woong has planned for them?
And what kind of wrath is Kang Chi going to unleash? We know what his father could do when his loved ones are threatened. Kang Chi’s powers haven’t been checked by 1,000 years of training. They’re still in the hormonal teen stage...
Wow, it’s four episodes in and it’s still the beginning of Kang Chi’s story. This thing is engrossing! Good writing to make the back story/set up so enthralling that it takes a minute to realize that Kang Chi’s journey hasn’t even really started yet. The Book of Nine will probably play a factor in here somewhere, since it’s the name of the series and he seems to be mirroring his father’s fate somewhat. He hasn’t even realized that he isn’t all human, so the quest to be human hasn’t even started.
When he starts his quest, will he only have to play by the rules for 50 days, since he’s half gumiho? Is either Yeo Wool or Kang Chi really fated to die, or did So Jung see that her fate was intertwined with Kang Chi like Wol Ryung’s was with Seo Hwa and that is how their love ended?
How did So Jung know that this was going to happen and warn Kang Chi away? Is he somehow a mystical creature, too? Seeing as he was best friends with a gumiho?
How much of Kang Chi’s story *is* going to mirror his father’s? Of course, Yeo Wool will discover the truth. But unlike Seo Hwa, I believe that it won’t scare her away. She’s a lot tougher than that girl was and has seen plenty of strange things. She knows Kang Chi’s character because of what he does, what he did when they were young.
Is Kang Chi ever going to remember her as a little girl? I bet it will happen after he starts to like Yeo Wool, so that he falls more deeply in love with her and then gets awkward about everything. Will he fall on top of her and remember then? Guess I’ll have to wait and see…
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