Teacher is frantically reporting that Yeo Wool is missing. Kang Chi finding the bell. Wol Ryung’s promise to destroy everyone close to him and the flashback of him attacking Gong Dal. Kang Chi angrily clenches the bell in his fist and says Wol Ryung’s name. Wol Ryung’s waiting for him.
But it wasn’t Wol Ryung who kidnapped her! It’s two men dressed like ninjas. They’re carrying a bound, gagged and blindfolded Yeo Wool through the forest.
Kang Chi’s back talking to Pyung Joon and Gong Dal. He thinks Wol Ryung took her. The monk said that he’s Kang Chi’s father and that he’s returned as a 1,000-year demon. So the thing that attacked Gong Dal… was Wol Ryung. Crappers. On so many levels. Particularly if you're Pyung Joon and the innocent you murdered is back from the dead and now a demon with vengeance issues.
Pyung Joon wants to know why Kang Chi didn’t just say so. Like you’ve been the beacon of reasonableness lately, Pyung Joon, what with the Bell-a-Rama and Yeo Wool’s house arrest. Gong Dal comments that it is Kang Chi’s father, after all.
Kang Chi takes off his bracelet and puts it on Pyung Joon’s desk. Now his eyes are green. Neither Pyung Joon or Gong Dal look very concerned about him gh'ing out. Kang Chi promises to bring Yeo Wool back safely, whatever it takes. He won’t come back without her. Do you see how much her loves her, Pyung Joon? He’s willing to die to save her? Dude, come on and give in. Pyung Joon says his name, almost like what he’s doing *is* too much, Kang Chi just says he’ll be back and leaves. Gong Dal uneasily looks at the bracelet on the table. Well, he doesn’t need to be uneasy, because with Yeo Wool, Kang Chi can be human. But I think it’s the idea of him facing off with Wol Ryung that has Gong Dal worried.
Gon is mustering the men. Yoon is supposed to take four men to Geum Hwa Summit. That’s the jerk. Finally! A name. Jong is supposed to take four men to Neunggok Pass. But I don’t get to see who he’s talking to with that name. Kang Chi comes outside. Song sees him and calls his name. Gon goes over to him and demands to know where he’s going. Not stopping, Kang Chi tell him that he needn’t bother with the muster. He will get Yeo Wool back. Um, I think you guys should muster, since we know it wasn’t Wol Ryung and the soldiers might actually find her. Gon wants to know what will happen if he loses control. Why would he do that? You know he responds to Yeo Wool when nothing else works. Kang Chi just keeps walking, saying he won’t come back without her, and leaves. Gon clenches his jaw and watches him go. I actually think Gon is worried *for* Kang Chi, not just Yeo Wool.
Yeo Wool is dumped to the ground. There are five ninja men. She can see their feet. It doesn’t look like she’s panicking. Another man walks up. Ninja Soh! What’s his end game? Ninja Soh wants to know if she’s the daughter of Dam Pyung Joon. Ah, he wants to blackmail Pyung Joon. Yeo Wool wants to know why he’s doing this. He responds that she should blame her father. Definitely because of Pyung Joon and not Kang Chi. Good. Well, not good, but good. Apparently Pyung Joon doesn’t know his place.
Flashback of Pyung Joon with his back to Kwan Woong, ordering Jin Song to sound the gong and then walking off. And then Pyung Joon defending Kang Chi from Ninja Soh after he publicly took off the bracelet. That they’d answer to Pyung Joon if anyone goes after Kang Chi. I guess this isn’t Yeo Wool’s flashback, because the flashback continues with Kwan Woong entering his office shouting for Ninja Soh. He’s not going to put up with Pyung Joon’s attitude any longer. Kwan Woong orders Ninja Soh to take away what Pyung Joon holds most precious. Does that mean kidnap or kill?! Kwan Woong spits that this will teach Pyung Joon what it means to cross him.
Yeo Wool is nervous now. Ninja Soh orders the men to leave her head in the camp. Oh, crap on a cracker. They mean to kill her. And they’re supposed to leave her body in the woods for the animals to find. Wow. That is really harsh. Not only beheaded but her body desecrated.
Ninja Soh leaves with all but three, who draw and slowly approach Yeo Wool. She’s listening to their feet. Please let her have the training to survive this!!! It does really look like she’s ‘watching’ their movements. And she’s just done a nose twitch like she’s preparing for their attack.
One of them lunges and she’s up on her feet. She dodges the sword and she kicks the blade away. She kicks another man down to the ground. She continues to fight them off, but then one gets a lucky shot in and knocks her to the ground. One of them is about to strike when suddenly there a slicing sound. He grunts, drops his sword and falls to the ground, dead. The other guys didn’t see what happened or who did it, because I think it was Wol Ryung, and Yeo Wool is trying to hear what’s going on. My quick question. Since her hands are tied *in front of her* why doesn’t she take off her blindfold. She’s proven that’s awesome by fighting them blindfolded, but she can take off the blindfold.
Someone steps into view. The men attack and are dispatched quickly. Silently. Creepily. Yeo Wool wants to know who’s there, but he doesn’t respond. He unties her hands and takes off her blindfold. It’s Wol Ryung. He says, “So it was you.” What does that mean? Did he not know it was her and just decided to help her? That’s not very demonic. And since he has super-hearing, how did he not hear her and Ninja Soh’s conversation which positively identified her as Pyung Joon’s daughter? She looks around at the dead men, but is not comforted.
Ninja Soh and the other men watch them from the bushes. How does Wol Ryung *not* hear them, since they’re so close? Ninja Soh mutters, “How, how is he?” He recognizes Wol Ryung! Are you scared yet? He sounds freaked out. His men draw their weapons and he stops them, saying that Wol Ryung’s too much for them. Ninja Soh orders them to go.
Yes! Wol Ryung *did* hear the muttering. Thank you, writers, for following the logic fairy! Ninja Soh and the men turn around and Wol Ryung’s standing in front of them. It’s that super-speed! He’s just staring at Ninja Soh, who’s sitting there twitching. The red eyes have come out now.
Yeo Wool turns to look when she hears their hideous, groaning screams. Kang Chi is super-speed running through the forest. He’s never done that before. Keep showing him your tricks, old man! He’ll pick them up in nothing flat! Flashes between Kang Chi and Yeo Wool running. But Wol Ryung has finished with those other guys and has caught up with her. She starts to back away from him and tells him to stay away. He says, “You’re running from me?” For a minute there, it looked like he had the old Wol Ryung face on, but then he adds that she can’t get away from him, unless he lets her. There’s a noise. Kang Chi’s arrived.
Wol Ryung grabs Yeo Wool by the throat and uses her as a body shield. Hm. Kang Chi growls for Wol Ryung to let her go. Wol Ryung declares that there’s only one way to save her. Kang Chi needs to stop trying to be human. Yeo Wool turns to look at him like he’s not making any sense.
Wol Ryung asks if Kang Chi’s told her who he is. He declares that he is Kang Chi’s father. Kang Chi again yells for Wol Ryung let Yeo Wool go, about to attack. Wol Ryung grabs her more tightly and repeats his ultimatum. Kang Chi needs to choose. Yeo Wool yells for Kang Chi to *never* stop trying to be human.
Wol Ryung spins Yeo Wool around in front of him and orders her to be quiet. Why would she listen, since you’re pretty much going to kill her painfully anyway? She tells Wol Ryung to leave Kang Chi alone. Kang Chi has enough pain in his life as it is. Wol Ryung can’t believe what she’s saying. Yeo Wool begs him to stop. If Wol Ryung is his father, he shouldn’t hurt Kang Chi anymore. Then she says please. Wol Ryung screams, “Enough!” and then Yeo Wool screams. Kang Chi yells her name and rushes forward.
Kang Chi slaps Wol Ryung away, grabbing Yeo Wool in the process. Wol Ryung stumbles backward and grabs his stomach. Kang Chi checks to make sure Yeo Wool is okay. When he should have been still going after his dad. Wol Ryung growls menacingly. The red eyes are back out. He growls savagely, which snaps Kang Chi out of it. Kang Chi answers with a savage growl of his own and they go at it.
Even though they’re matched in strength, Wol Ryung is more skilled. Yeo Wool watches, terrified. She yells for Kang Chi to stop, but her voice makes him more determined. At one point, Wol Ryung grabs Kang Chi’s arms and then flips him through the air. They’re flying through the air and Kang Chi is losing. But he won’t give up, even when he can’t really stand anymore.
Wol Ryung slowly walks forward and tells Kang Chi to surrender, since he can never win. Then Wol Ryung turns around to walk toward Yeo Wool. Kang Chi gets up and puts himself between them. There are tears in Yeo Wool’s eyes. Kang Chi growls for Wol Ryung not to go near her. Wol Ryung gives him a belly blow, which really hurts. Kang Chi tells Wol Ryung to stay away.
Wol Ryung punches Kang Chi in the chest, causing Kang Chi to stagger backward. Kang Chi still won’t quit. Wol Ryung moves to strike again when Kang Chi yells, “Yeo Wool is mine!” Wol Ryung stops in his tracks. Kang Chi gasps for him not to touch her.
Wol Ryung hears his own voice saying, “Don’t touch her.” Flashback to him running through the woods with Seo Hwa, protecting her from arrows. His face reads that he doesn’t know how to process what he’s remembering.
Kang Chi sputters, crying, “You’re my father?"
Flashback to Wol Ryung in chains. Him declaring, “Don’t touch her. She’s mine!” Wol Ryung blinks. What is he remembering? I really hope he doesn’t get to the part where she betrayed him.
Again, Kang Chi says, “She’s mine. Don’t touch her!”
Flashback. Seo Hwa screaming Wol Ryung’s name as she’s dragged away. Present Wol Ryung blinks. Flashback Wol Ryung, bloody, cries Seo Hwa’s name and she screams his again. Present Wol Ryung looks like he’s going to break down.
Another tear from Kang Chi. Blue lights appear. Wol Ryung stares at them as if he can’t believe what they are. I’m crying for him and then a tear rolls down Wol Ryung’s face. He swallows. The entire glade is full of blue lights.
Wol Ryung’s hand slowly drops to his side. A strong wind blows. Kang Chi’s face is still pleading with Wol Ryung to stop. It’s like Wol Ryung is seeing *his son* for the first time. Kang Chi turns around and grabs Yeo Wool to protect her from the wind. This is his son.
When the wind dies down, Wol Ryung is gone and they’re alone. Kang Chi is surprised. He turns back to Yeo Wool to make sure she’s all right. He’s a little desperate about it. She nods at him and asks him if *he’s* okay. He nods yes. He takes her face in his hands. He says softly, “I thought I lost you.” Tears escape from her eyes. “It terrified me.” Kang Chi’s voice is heavy with emotion. Yeo Wool says his name and then grabs him for a hug.
Kang Chi holds her tightly as he thinks, “The truth is, Yeo Wool, I care for *you* above all others.” You need to say it out loud, Kang Chi. Please. Pulling away a little, with his hands on her shoulders, he looks at her and thinks, “Without you, I have nothing to live for.” Finally! They kiss. And it doesn’t take him three minutes to get there either. Their arms are around each other as they embrace and blue lights fill the air. Just like the night by the peach tree.
It’s not just the one kiss. They pull each other closer. Finally they look at each other. Kang Chi’s only human now. He eyebrows ‘hmm?’ at her and, after saying his name, Yeo Wool kisses him again. I’m not minding at all that it’s going on forever. I’m just happy that they finally admitted exactly how they feel.
So Jung’s Hut. He’s reading one of his books. He hears something. He braces himself, closes the book, and goes with a candle to investigate his library again. Dude, because it worked out so well for you last time. At least it looks like the tincture of red ginseng worked. And he just passed a candle. But apparently it doesn’t seem strange to him that there’s one randomly burning. His eye catches something. Turning the light toward it, it’s Wol Ryung laying on the ground, almost like he’s wounded.
So Jung asks if it’s him, Wol Ryung. Ah, he *is* wounded. The hand holding his stomach is bloody. I remember back to when he was back in the cave after saving Seo Hwa. So Jung slowly creeps forward and asks if he’s hurt. Please don’t let the red-eyed demon come out! He remembered some of who he was. I don’t want him to lose it. Wol Ryung doesn’t answer.
So Jung asks why Wol Ryung isn’t healing and Wol Ryung says that he’s lost his regenerative power. What does that mean, then? Anger, hate, death, destruction, that’s all he has left. It’s so not true! You can have a relationship with your son. He’s a forgiving guy. He’ll forgive you and love you! Wol Ryung wonders when he said that.
Flashback to Kang Chi saying, “She’s mine. Don’t touch her.” Wol Ryung’s own voice saying, “Don’t touch her.”
Wol Ryung wonders when he said it and for whom. He can’t remember. He says that when these scraps of memory are gone, he’ll be all demon. He looks up at So Jung and says, “I’d rather die.” But, the only one who can kill him is Kang Chi. I really start to cry as he says, “To die and be with Seo Hwa again…” His voice is breaking and I can’t see through my tears.
Century House. Seo Hwa is looking off into the distance and then she looks ahead. I was expecting her to be talking to Tae Seo, since her hat’s not on, but, no, the gauzy curtain is back up and Kwan Woong is on the other side. He wants to know why she sent for him. She says he asked him there to make him an offer. He ho-ho’s and asks her if there’s something she wants. She looks over at Pil Mok. He nods and opens the doors to reveal Tae Seo, who enters. Kwan Woong is *not* happy to see him. I guess Tae Seo accepted Seo Hwa’s offer.
Kwan Woong turns to look at Seo Hwa. Apparently, she wants to buy Tae Seo. It’s a good investment, since he did much for his late father’s business. She wants to buy his freedom and have him manage Century House. Does this mean *she* owns Century House? It was *her* money?
Kwan Woong scoffs. Freedom? Management? Is she serious? Seo Hwa adds that she’s been watching Century House and it’s a mess. She’s practically scolding as she tells him that under him, it’s going to close its doors before much longer. Kwan Woong says that *he* owns Century House. She doesn’t seem to understand. Whether it stays open or closes, it’s *his* decision. She corrects him. *He* doesn’t seem to understand. It was the Inner Circle’s money which bought Century House. The eleven Nam Hae merchant vessels. The Jinju trading rights. The 11 million square feet in Sunchon. It’s all been their money. Has *he* forgotten?
Kwan Woong blusters back that the Inner Circle did it to gain Namdo trading rights and control supply lines! Pil Mok clears his throat, as if to say, ‘get a hold of yourself. ’Kwan Woong grunts in frustration but stops talking. Tae Seo’s not sure what to make of this.
Seo Hwa tells Kwan Woong that he’ll get a fair price and to sign over Tae Seo’s slave papers. Kwan Woong asks what will happen if he refuses. She tells him she wouldn’t recommend it. He asks if that’s a threat. It’s a warning. Do you really think you should be messing with the Inner Circle, Kwan Woong?
Pil Mok pipes up that their meeting is over. Kwan Woong glares at her and then lunges forward, pulling up the curtain. Wol Bae (her shogun bodyguard) quickly jumps to stand between them as she turns her face away. Wol Bae glowers for Kwan Woong to stand back. Did Kwan Woong see her face? Did she not expect this? Wol Bae accentuates the command by grabbing the hilt of his sword and huskily, nasally saying ‘now.’
Slowly Kwan Woong lets the curtain go. You shouldn’t have taken off your hat, Seo Hwa! He glowers that he doesn’t recommend she treat him this way. She turns to look at him, a smile on her lips, as she says those were her exact sentiments, too, Lord Pijo. His face says that he did not expect her to know his secret identity. He stands there shaking with anger. Tae Seo’s just watching everything.
Kwan Woong sweeps from the room like Dracula and Seo Hwa looks after him, a defiant angry look on her face. Wol Bae has returned to his seat. Tae Seo looks at her. She bunches up her kimono in her hands. She is the only character I can remember who clenches their fists with fabric in them.
Kwan Woong storms down the hall. He wants to know where Ninja Soh is; is he not back yet? I’m wondering if Ninja Soh’s dead. That would make things interesting, since there’s seven more episodes to go and he has to tell Kwan Woong that Wol Ryung is back. What could be keeping him?
Back in the forest. Grunting. Twitching. And Ninja Soh is still alive. He struggles to stand, clutching his stomach. The other men are dead.
Training Camp. Pyung Joon is debriefing his daughter. Yeo Wool’s in the hanbok. Come on, man! Kang Chi’s sitting beside her and Gon is to Pyung Joon’s left. Does she know who did it? Did she recognize them? She remembers Ninja Soh saying, “Blame your father. He doesn’t know his place.” She says she was blindfolded, so she didn’t see. Why doesn’t she tell him? Kang Chi adds that they wore masks. Pyung Joon asks that she’s sure it wasn’t Wol Ryung. Almost as one, Yeo Wool and Kang Chi answer ‘no.’ Gon looks at them. I think he’s a little disgusted. Gon needs a girl, too.
Pyung Joon wonders who else would dare enter his camp. I wonder. Who has shown no regard for your, or Soon Shin’s rank, and has been blatantly defiant to your authority? Who? Who could it be? Gon asks if maybe it was Kwan Woong, making his move. The man is smart. Pyung Joon sighs.
Yeo Wool tells Pyung Joon to give her back her freedom. She wouldn’t have been taken *if she’d been armed.* Right? Kang Chi says, “No. Absolutely not. Never.” What? Is he arguing that she wouldn’t be taken or that she should stay under house arrest. Gon looks at him with my face: What? Kang Chi declares: “Confine her. Shackle her legs while you’re at it.” I am cracking up. Yeo Wool says that he’s out of line. He declares that it’s for her own good. And you think that you’re protective, Dad? Watch Kang Chi be stupid-protective. She’s looking at him like he’s sprouting two heads. Kang Chi continues: A girl running off, carrying on at all hours? Always because of YOU, Kang Chi. I have to guffaw hard as he says, “If you were a boy, I’d have you over my knee by now.” Pyung Joon leans a little back at that one. He looks like he’s almost smiling and Gon’s looking over at him like Gon can’t understand why Kang Chi’s talking to her like this and why Pyung Joon is letting him get away with it.
Yeo Wool shoots back: What? Isn’t he just full of himself? You did kiss him, Yeo Wool. He’s a guy. He needs to watch his mouth. Kang Chi shoots back: Who’s full of herself, exactly? She hauls off and smacks him hard. He yells loudly as she calls him a wuss and a whiner. Pyung Joon really does look like he’s enjoying this and Gon looks even more confused. Kang Chi declares he is not a whiner and, grabbing Yeo Wool’s wrist, he waves it as he says that it’s a lethal weapon. She grabs it out of his hand, yelling. Pyung Joon says enough. They look at him and sigh.
Yeo Wool turns to Pyung Joon and says, “I’m sorry, Father, but I won’t sit here with him! I’ll be in my room.” She slams both fists on the table and stomps out. Kang Chi watches her go and huffs with indignation. Kang Chi declares that he can’t stay either. If Pyung Joon will excuse him. He also slams the table with his hands and leaves. Gon totally doesn’t know how to respond to this. They’ve always gotten along so well. He’s just looking and blinking. Pyung Joon sighs and asks if something happened between the pair. Still stunned, Gon says that it’s hard to say. I'm rolling, especially at Gon's responses.
Yeo Wool storms outside with Kang Chi close behind her. She turns to glare at him. He glares back. Then she breaks out into this huge smile. What?! Realistic, hunh? This is not a surprise to Kang Chi. He wears an even bigger grin as he says, “Sure did. Really real!” They are a couple of stinkers! I can’t believe them. Well, at least Kang Chi hasn’t decided to get all macho after he’s kissed her. I wonder whose idea it was.
Slowly their smiles fade and look at each other . Yeo Wool bites her lip and you can guess what they’re thinking about. Especially since the harp is playing in the background. They’re both doing the lip thing. And looking away often. Gon comes outside and Yeo Wool’s face reads surprise. He looks at them. They both look guilty. Yeo Wool looks at him and shouts, “Lethal weapon?!” Kang Chi huffs, “A wuss?!” He’s even put his hands on his hips. He huffs in frustration. Then they storm off in different directions. Gon looks at them, totally confused yet annoyed at the same time that he’s going to have to endure this new phase of their relationship.
Yeo Wool slowly enters her room. Teacher’s not there. She leans back against the door as we get a flashback of: Her proposing that they pretend to fight for now. They’re walking back to the camp, holding hands. Squee! She says that they’ll fight until she’s not confined to her quarters anymore. She is such a sneak! And knows her father too well. Kang Chi wants to know if they really have to. She says they wouldn’t have taken her if she’d had her sword. Kang Chi agrees, but starts to argue. She cuts him off, adding that they shouldn’t tell Pyung Joon about Wol Ryung yet. Kang Chi wants to know why not. Yeo Wool thinks, “I’m sorry, Kang Chi. I can’t bring myself to tell you that my father did this to yours.”
They need to tell him now, before Wol Ryung starts acting more like Wol Ryung and less like a demon, so Kang Chi won’t get so angry. Once he’s really attached to Wol Ryung, he *will* be more likely to want revenge. But right now, he’s just stopped his father from killing the woman he loves. Dad’s not looking so great, right now.
Instead of saying the truth, Yeo Wool tells him that Pyung Joon will make a fuss. And Wol Ryung’s his dad. Kang Chi muses that he’s not big on protecting a dad that wants him dead. Exactly! So tell him before he realizes that his dad *doesn’t* want him dead anymore. Kang Chi sighs and agrees. He’ll let her have her way, but only until she’s not under house arrest anymore. She’s happy.
Kang Chi's in the kitchen. When does he do his training? You never see his learning how to use any weapons. Or does that come later after you work out your personality issues? He smiles softly to himself as he thinks of her. He turns around and Gong Dal is standing there. Kang Chi yells and grabs his chest. Gong Dal’s just looking at him, like he’s studying him or something.
Kang Chi blusters that Gong Dal creeped him out just then! As he rubs his chest he gasps, my heart! Gong Dal says, “Look at you grinning. You got a girl?” Kang Chi is quick to deny it indignantly. He says that he was fighting with Yeo Wool. Which is why you were just *smiling* about it? She called him a wuss, can Gong Dal believe it? Gong Dal wants to know who mentioned Yeo Wool. Heh. Kang Chi’s like, hunh? Gong Dal rolls his eyes. “So obvious.” Then he laughs and starts coughing. He wants Kang Chi to get his medicine. Is he faking or still not totally recovered from Wol Ryung’s attack? Even though it’s right next to him, he asks Kang Chi to get it. Kang Chi quickly does. It’s cute how attentive Kang Chi is over Gong Dal. Gong Dal drinks and declares that old age carries its own punishment. His body doesn’t cooperate like it used to. Yeah, right.
Sadly, Kang Chi says he’s sorry. Gong Dal wants to know what for. Wol Ryung. He’s his father. He was there but he couldn’t help Gong Dal. Gong Dal tells him not to take on burdens that aren’t his. If he does, they’ll weigh on his heart. Gong Dal wants to know what Kang Chi’s going to do now, since Kang Chi can control his demon without his talisman. Now he can look for the Book of Nine. This makes Kang Chi think.
Century House. Kwan Woong opens a chest full of money. I think they’re yen. He glares upwards. Pil Mok declares that it’s twice the cost of an ordinary slave. Kwan Woong declares he won’t do it for ten times the price and slams the chest shut. Pil Mok tells him not to be blinded by the details. Kwan Woong retorts that Pil Mok shouldn’t’ve bothered him with them, then. Kwan Woong says that he’s the only one in Joseon that can help them. Really? I find that hard to believe. Pil Mok asks him why he’d risk so much over a slave. Two words: Chung Jo. Pil Mok brings up Kwan Woong’s other plans, like being governor of Namdo. He knows where Kwan Woong lives.
Ma Reum is outside the doors listening. He hurries off. A guard watches him go. I think it’s one of Seo Hwa’s men. Ma Reum’s gone to Tae Seo and told him that Kwan Woong wants to be governor of Namdo province. Tae Seo remembers Kwan Woong shouting about Namdo trading rights and supply lines and realizes that he’s not just selling information, he means to betray his country. Didn’t you already know this, since he’s working with the Japanese and they’re amassing an armada of battleships? How is this new?
Staff practice again, with Gon leading the way. First form, 3 and 5. He corrects one of the student’s form. Whoa! Kang Chi’s there! Finally! Some weapons training. Gon sees him and sighs. Gon orders the next formation: 1 and 9. The students quickly comply, with Kang Chi trying to imitate. It’s really bad. Gon looks at him like he’s just lost his mind. Addressing Kang Chi, Gon asks him what he wants. Kang Chi replies, “What else? Training.” Like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Well, it is pretty obvious. He adds, “If you please, sir.”
Not taking his eyes off Kang Chi, Gon orders second form, 5, 7 and 3. Kang Chi tries to keep up, but they’re moving backward and he ends up cracking Yoon (the jerk) on the head. I am honking, I am laughing so hard. Kang Chi apologizes more than once. Gon sighs and goes over to him, dragging him off to the side. Gesturing for him to get lost, Gon tell Kang Chi to quit fooling around. Kang Chi retorts that he’s not; he’s trying to learn.
Gon tells Kang Chi that he came to the camp to learn control. He’s done that now, so he should just go find his Book of Nine. Does everybody know about the book? Kang Chi says that the book isn’t important right now. Gon wants to know what it, then. Kang Chi thinks back to being pounded on by his dad. He says, “Something else.” And he needs to train to do it.
Kang Chi asks Gon for the identity of the other two Pillars. Maybe they could teach him. Gon tells him that they can’t be found by looking. Oh, he’s getting cryptic. What is it with these guys and their cryptic lessons? Kang Chi will have to wait until one of them needs him. Does he understand? Kang Chi looks at him and remarks that Gon probably doesn’t even know who they are. Gon huffs a laugh.
Kang Chi looks at him and says that it’s hard to believe that Gon’s one of them. Gon partially draws his sword, showing the plum blossoms, and asks if Kang Chi has a death wish. Kang Chi laughs and gloats that, sorry, he’s not that easy to kill. Gon shoves his sword back in its hilt and declares that there are humans that can kill him. Cracking his knuckles, Kang Chi asks if Gon wants to try. Smiling smugly, Gon responds, “anytime.” But before they go any further – I can just see future hijinks when Kang Chi’s a pillar, too – they’re interrupted by Tae Seo. Kang Chi is glad to see him. Tae Seo smiles in return.
Pyung Joon’s Office. Tae Seo’s there with Pyung Joon and Kang Chi. But not Gon, which I find interesting. Perhaps he’s gone back to the training practice. He’s told them how he might be freed by Seo Hwa. And then he’ll be put in charge of Century House. Kang Chi wants to know who would do that. A certain Ja Hong Myung, the Japanese staying at Century House. Except you know she’s not Japanese but Korean. Why aren’t you mentioning that? Tae Seo says that the Miyamoto clan is powerful in Osaka. Tae Seo doesn’t know about Hong Myung’s involvement with General Hideyoshi’s, but Kwan Woong is feeding her information. How does Tae Seo know the Miyamoto clan is powerful in Osaka? Pre-Kwan Woong days?
Kang Chi slams the table and mutters some profanity about Kwan Woong. He’s selling his country for money?! Tae Seo clarifies, not for money but to rule Nam Do. I had to look up what Nam Do was, and apparently it’s Jindu Island, the 3rd largest island just off the southwest corner of the Korean peninsula. It’s about the same size as Barbados, which is two times the size of Washington D.C. So Kwan Woong wants to control his own island. Why does it not surprise me? Both Pyung Joon and Kang Chi are shocked.
Soon Shin’s Fort. Pyung Joon reports to Soon Shin. His reaction: Kwan Woong is more dangerous that Soon Shin originally thought. Pyung Joon thinks it’s urgent to learn about the Japanese. Soon Shin wants to find out how much the Japanese know. It sounded like a lot, since Kwan Woong was using their money and they were helping maneuver him into place. Knowing what the Japanese know will reveal when they plan to attack. But is Seo Hwa planning on attacking? That’s the mystery for me. What are her motives? Can we *please* get a clue soon?
Yeo Wool’s Room. Gon has told her of their plans. She’s upset because she’s not going to get to be a part of them. Kang Chi’s not going either because he’s not allowed near Century House. Yeo Wool’s offended even more. Teacher enters. As soon as she sees Gon, she starts to act all aegyo/timid and cutesy. His response: Oh, hi. She keeps shooting smiles in Gon’s direction. Yeo Wool and Gon look at her like she’s acting very strangely. Apparently, Tae Seo wants to see Yeo Wool. So I guess her betrothed can free her from house arrest.
Gazebo in the courtyard. Yeo Wool’s excited to see Tae Seo. I think she thinks he’s going to invite her on the mission. He’s also very happy to see her. Arg! He’s acting like a boy who likes a girl, although it’s really sweet to see a softness to his features. She tells him that Gon filled her in. He says that it’s a long way before he gets Century House back again. She tells him that he can do it. Aw, it’s cute to see how encouraging she can be to her friends.
Tae Seo asks Yeo Wool how she’s been. She asks if he’s heard about her being confined. He laughs and remarks that it must be torture for someone with such restless energy. Well, at least he knows her pretty well. She mentions the mission to Century House. Uncomfortably, Tae Seo tells her that even if she could, he would ask her not to go. Doh! I guess he’s not there to ask her to be a part of his mission. Yeo Wool asks if it’s because she’s a girl. It was last time. Tae Seo avoids the question, saying it was her father’s decision, but he wouldn’t want her to go because she’s his fiancée. That says a few things: (1) When they’re married, Yeo Wool will have to give up the fighting for her country, (2) Tae Seo’s protective of her, but he doesn’t value what she brings to the table, and (3) It’s one of the differences between Tae Seo and Kang Chi. Tae Seo wants to keep her away from the action. Kang Chi wants her right beside him in the thick of it, and that’s exactly where *she* wants to be. And why is he saying this exactly? He *knows* she likes and wants to be with Kang Chi and she’s the person that’s stood by Kang Chi through everything. Just like you told Kang Chi, let her live her own life!
And now Tae Seo proceeds to tell Yeo Wool that he likes her. Not directly, but it’s obvious: He understands that as things are, she’s beyond his wildest dreams. Yeo Wool is definitely surprised by this declaration and stops looking him in the eye. Tae Seo continues that he thinks Pyung Joon arranged their engagement to give him a purpose. Yeo Wool isn’t sure what he means by purpose and he replies that it’s something to live for. A woman like her is worth living for. Now, what are you supposed to say to that? Maybe he’s saying in a roundabout way for her not to fight off their engagement at least until he completes the mission, so that he can deceive himself into thinking that he’ll end up with her. I’m hoping that’s what he’s thinking. Otherwise… Dirty pool, Tae Seo! Then they just look at each other. I mean, what *is* she supposed to say?
The camera moves backward to reveal Kang Chi watching them. Crap, how much did he hear? From his expression, he heard the whole thing because he really looks tormented that his brother likes his girl (and that Tae Seo’s approved by her dad and engaged to Yeo Wool). Now he can’t gush about her to Tae Seo at all, because there’s that issue of whether he *wants* her or if he wants you to have her. You better not decide to do the self-sacrificing thing, Kang Chi! I will punch you if you do. Or mentally encourage Yeo Wool to do it.
Kang Chi turns to walk away and Gon’s right behind him. He wears a knowing expression. Kang Chi just gives him a sad look and starts to walk away. When Gon speaks, Kang Chi stops in his tracks. Gon says, “You’ve gone far enough. You’re close enough to Yeo Wool. Don’t get closer.” From his knitted eyebrows, it looks like this is what he tells himself and he feels bad that this is the truth for Kang Chi. I wonder when he decided this for himself. Kang Chi, without turning around, unblusteringly (which is unusual for his denials) says that he and Yeo Wool fight all the time. How could he like her? Gon sadly smiles at what he says and asks if Kang Chi thinks he’s an idiot.
Kang Chi slowly turns around to look at Gon. Gon tells him that both he and Yeo Wool will both end up getting hurt. He should quit now before that happens. I hate to tell you, Gon, but even if they quit now, they’ll still get hurt. Their hearts are fully invested. Kang Chi replies that above anything Yeo Wool hates stopping things before she even starts them. He’s not going to do anything that she doesn’t want. He walks away, with a sad Gon looking after him. Gon starts to look inward and takes a breath like he regrets that he let her go, too. I seriously want to run over and hug him. It’s the saddest thing I think I’ve seen so far; Gon sad. Gon takes another look at the talking couple. Gon seriously needs a girl.
Kang Chi sadly walks into the kitchen, the kind of walk when you don’t have hope but you did yesterday. He thinks of what Gon’s just said. Because he can’t do anything else and because it’s there, he takes the broom and starts ‘sweeping’ the floor awkwardly, with one hand. Yeo Wool sticks her head around the door and says Kang Chi’s name to get his attention. I guess she took a detour on her way back to her room. And she doesn’t look too distracted or discouraged by what Tae Seo’s said. It seems like it hasn’t changed her opinion of the situation in the least.
As she sneaks into the kitchen, Kang Chi looks around to see if anyone’s seen her. She asks him if he’s heard about Gon taking some men to Century House that night. Indignantly she adds that it’s without them! Kang Chi is abnormally subdued, like he doesn’t want to encourage her, so that things will stop now and not go any further. And they finally just kissed. She complains that she’s the best scout and he knows Century House the best. She asks him if she’s right.
Instead of answering Yeo Wool’s question, Kang Chi dully asks how Tae Seo is. I know *why* he’s asking, but seriously, weren’t you *just* with him? Wouldn’t you know this? Yeo Wool asks how Kang Chi knew she was with Tae Seo. Now Kang Chi’s trying to play it cool, not really saying anything and looking down at the floor he’s ‘sweeping.’
Yeo Wool finally can tell that something's wrong and asks Kang Chi to look at her. Without looking up from the broom he says that he is. She tells him that he’s making a spectacle of himself and that he’s acting weird. So he looks at her and says, deadly, that he isn’t. Then he chuckles like the idea is stupid and turns his back on her. He’s so cute when he’s pouting! Yeo Wool must think so too, because she laughs to herself and then asks him if he’s jealous.
Kang Chi twirls around, offended that Yeo Wool would think he’s jealous. At least his usual bluster is back. She says that’s her point: why *would* he be jealous? A person gets jealous when they *can’t* have something. Aw! I love my girl. Just to make it clear, she adds that he can (have her). Understood?
Kang Chi stops ‘sweeping’ and says to Yeo Wool that he’s not really sure about whether or not he *can* have her. He’s never really had someone to call his own. He’s belonged to others, but never were the situations reversed. That’s so sad and so illuminating of his perspective. He’s belonged to his dad, but his dad never really belonged to him. And he thinks, “That’s why, Yeo Wool, I don’t know what to do. Do I let myself feel for you? Does he dare to?” She smiles a small smile and tells him that he’s not alone. She feels the same. This is the first time that she’s felt like this. That gets a big ole smile out of Kang Chi.
So, since Kang Chi feels better, what does he think about what they should do tonight? He's smiling at Yeo Wool but then he’s confused. What does she mean about tonight? Which proves that you weren’t listening to *anything* she was saying before! She blinks at him a couple of times and then practically yells, “What do you think? Century House.” I’m surprised she doesn’t slap his forehead for good measure. Where is Gong Dal’s broom? He tries to recover, but he’s clearly uncomfortable at the moment. He clears his throat and laughs nervously. Where was his mind at just then?
Planning Session. Kang Chi pokes his head inside the door. No one notices he’s there. Gon is dividing up assignments. He and the other two men are dressed all in black. One man is supposed to take 4 men through the North Gate to the storehouse. He’s to observe the main house at the East Gate and report who goes in and out. I think Kang Chi sees holes in their plan because he smiles to himself.
Yeo Wool’s Room. She’s proposing that she and Teacher go shopping. To get some treats, see the sights, get some air. Teacher doesn’t want to since she doesn’t have the okay from Pyung Joon and he’s not there to give it. Yeo Wool sighs that she guesses she’ll have to tie Teacher up again. Teacher’s elegant angry face is priceless. Yeo Wool heh-heh’s to herself.
The Village. Yeo Wool’s wearing a jacket which fully covers her hanbok. Now that’s not fishy at all. She and teacher are looking at fabric, with Teacher pointing out which ones are best. Yeo Wool doesn’t really see what the big deal is. Teacher retorts that this is why she needs to *learn.* Yeo Wool pretends to be interested, but when Teacher’s distracted, she kicks one of the legs out from under the table. The fabrics fall. Teacher and the women selling them scurry to rescue them. And Chung Jo and Gob Dan are also shopping for fabric.
While Teacher is distracted, Yeo Wool walks off. Chung Jo recognizes her and sees her leave. Around the corner, Yeo Wool glances around and then quickly sheds the jacket and the hanbok. Instead of undergarments, she’s wearing the stealthy black warrior’s costume. Sneaky girl! As the hanbok lays on the ground – and I feel bad for the hanbok, getting all dirty – Yeo Wool stretches and declares that she feels like she could fly! She’s really happy to be free of the hanbok. She turns around to discover Chung Jo (and Gob Dan) standing there. They say each other’s names.
Back at the Camp, Gon’s stopped by Yeo Wool’s room to discover that she’s stepped out to go to the market with her teacher. I’m thinking that the current strategy of house arrest isn’t working. What about deciding to take her *with* you so you can control where she goes and what she does, rather than her running off willy-nilly. She’s a good enough soldier that she’s going to follow a plan and her orders (mostly). Gon clenches his jaw and you know what he’s thinking: she’s flown the coop again.
Gon goes to the kitchen. Of course he goes to the kitchen. He knows that Kang Chi and Yeo Wool are two peas in a pod. Song’s there, cleaning some dishes. Gon asks where Kang Chi is. Song tells him that Kang Chi said that he’s going to the market. Heh. Gon’s eyes get huge as his starts to suspect that something’s afoot. He asks Song if Kang Chi said *why* he was going to the market. Kang Chi didn’t say, just that he’d be late. Yoon comes running in and says that his clothes are missing. Heh. She took the jerk’s clothes. Although it’s hard to believe that: (1) Yeo Wool doesn’t already have a stealthy black outfit for just such occasions and (2) that the jerk’s clothes wouldn’t swamp a girl much smaller than him. Ah, the magic of dramaland. And *why* did this guy take them off? It’s not like you’re not about to leave in an hour. Did you need to press them before your big mission? Gon’s eyebrows scrunch and then he looks like he’s put all the pieces together.
Kang Chi is running down the stairs of the training camp. He hasn’t left yet? Ah, maybe he’s the one that stole Yoon’s clothes. He wouldn’t have the outfit. He’s excited for the coming adventure.
The Village. Yeo Wool asks if Chung Jo is doing well. At least she’s honest when Chung Jo snarks about how well she can be doing well being a gisaeng. Yeo Wool doesn’t know how to respond to that. Chung Jo asks about Kang Chi. Yeo Wool’s smile gets bigger as she says that Kang Chi is well and training hard and has adapted to training camp life. It’s obvious she’s proud of him.
Chung Jo purses her lips. I don’t like where this is going. Can I slap her now? Before it’s too late? She snarks. “How lovely.” Yeo Wool’s a little taken aback. Then Chung Jo muses that that’s how Kang Chi is. He’s always made those around him happy. And something else. Once Kang Chi gives his heart, it’s forever. Well, I would agree, but you aren’t the one he’s given his heart to, sweetie. Ah, the Park siblings are causing all sorts of insecurities today. What are they psychically linked?
Yeo Wool isn’t quite sure what Chung Jo’s saying so Chung Jo clarifies: if she sends for Kang Chi, he’ll never refuse to come. Yeo Wool wants to know what she’s saying. Chung Jo wonders, what *is* she saying. Then she smiles like she’s in the catbird seat and excuses herself. Way to dampen the mood, Chung Jo. And urg! I want to slap her. You rejected him. You’re *not* the reason he’s doing as well as he is. If it were up to you, Kang Chi would be roaming the woods, a gumiho. I don’t know that this will necessarily throw too much of a wrench in things, because Kang Chi and Yeo Wool communicate pretty well. Hopefully, it will be like the thing with Tae Seo earlier and will only serve to strengthen their certainty about how the other one feels. And didn’t Kang Chi say out in the woods and then earlier today basically that there’s not comparison between Yeo Wool and Chung Jo, with Yeo Wool being so much better? Please realize that you’ve got his forever heart!
Century House. Kwan Woong sits in his office. He’s absent-mindedly tapping his finger on his desk. I wonder if he’s trying to figure out the Seo Hwa mystery. Yes, he is. Flashback to him pulling back the curtain and seeing the side of Seo Hwa’s face. Someone calls that Soo Ryun is there. Evidently she wasn’t expected, because Kwan Woong’s surprised. She enters, humbly bows and then sits. Kwan Woong asks if the sun rose in the West that day, since she’s there voluntarily.
Soo Ryun wonders if Kwan Woong will be stopping by the gisaeng house that evening. He should bring his guests, as an apology for before. But doesn’t this contradict what you told Seo Hwa when she asked to come; women aren’t allowed to enter. Seo Hwa’s the head of the group. Why would they go when she can’t? Kwan Woong’s thinking the same thing I am, because he points out that their leader is a woman and women aren’t permitted to enter. Soo Ryun suggests Century House instead. Kwan Woong’s surprised. Soo Ryun says that she’ll bring the finest wines and the best girls. Will Wol Sun be in that group? Kwan Woong wants a favor in return. Soo Ryun is wary.
Seo Hwa’s Room. She’s telling Pil Mok that Kwan Woong seems curious about her. So you didn’t expect that and plan for that? I am suddenly feeling very let down. She says that she’ll attend and that if he’s so curious, she’ll enlighten him. What does *that* mean? Is she finally going to drop the bomb about her identity? It doesn’t seem like time yet. And she wants to know about the other thing. Pil Mok reports that they’re still searching for the monk. He assures her that they’ll find out about her son. Are they going to be upfront or oblique about it? And how did she *not* hear about the whole Kang Chi is the son of a demon demonstration? Come on, writers! You’re being sloppy today.
The Village. Kang Chi scratching the dirt by a gate with his foot, waiting for Yeo Wool. Apparently she’s late. Oh, no. It looks like Chung Jo’s words have gotten to her. Come on, girl! Be secure. He screamed that you’re his and risked his life to protect you. He *loves* you. Chung Jo is full of baloney. She sees him and just looks at him sadly. Kang Chi finally looks in her direction. He smiles brightly, relieved that she finally showed up. Now she’s wearing the ‘nothing’s wrong’ face. Yeo Wool. He’s not as perceptive as you about these things. You need to say something!
He hurries over to her and it occurs to me how odd it is that they’re dressed all in black in the middle of the day. No one around them seems to think it’s weird. Kang Chi asks where she was and that he was afraid she wasn’t coming. She tries to put on a happy face. See, I told you he wouldn’t pick up on it. Say something!
Teacher has found the discarded hanbok. She screams for Yeo Wool in frustration. I would be frustrated, too. Leaving a perfectly nice hanbok like that. They aren’t cheap. You should make her painstakingly sew a new one as punishment.
Century House. Soo Ryun and her finest servants and gisaengs arrive. I’m scanning the crowd for Wol Sun, but I haven’t seen her yet. I don’t see Chung Jo either. Tae Seo watches them arrive and he and Soo Ryun exchange ever so minute nods. Tae Seo goes on about his business. Seo Hwa’s man, the one watching Ma Reum, is watching Tae Seo. Hm.
Yeo Wool and Kang Chi are just down wind from Century House, surveying the situation. It’s really cute: Kang Chi is leaning with his hand on a wall and Yeo Wool is leaning with the same hand on Kang Chi. They start to go for it, when Gon steps in front of them. Of course, he does. They stop and look at him, surprised and it seriously looks like they’re holding hands behind their backs. Whispering, he asks them what they’re doing there. He doesn’t look very mad, more like resigned. Seriously, dude, just start including them. You can give them assignments *which separate* them. You’ll have more control over what they do and they’ll be less likely to rebel since they’ll think they’ve won and earned your trust!
Yeo Wool chastises Gon for asking and for thinking she *wouldn’t* come. He sighs. Kang Chi chimes in that it is Century House and who knows it better than anyone? How *is* he such an expert over, say, Tae Seo? He’s hysterical when he points to himself and says that he’s the guy, that’s who. Even how he says it has me rolling. Gon brings up Soon Shin’s letter. Kang Chi points out that there are 28 hiding places in Century House. Ah, *that’s* how he knows it better; he was a mischief maker who had to know exactly where to hide to get out of getting in trouble. He and Yeo Wool nod to each other over his point that *he’s* the one who knows all 28 of them. She even imitates his crossed arms. And who can get in and out safely? Again with the ‘this guy.’ Yeo Wool chimes in with, “right, right!” and then they smile at each other. They are so cute!
Gon sighs and acts like he didn’t know this was coming. Master Dam will be furious. Yeo Wool says she’ll worry about that later. He tries one last time to argue when she interrupts and asks, “Are we going to stand here all night arguing or are we going to go in?” And they both cross their arms and grunt s ‘hmm!’ at him. Heh. Gon sighs and his face reads ‘please don’t make me do this.’
Inside, the gisaengs are entertaining. I think it’s a little weird that Seo Hwa’s there, wearing her veil-hat, of course. Kwan Woong’s not watching the girls; he’s watching Seo Hwa. So is Soo Ryun. Tae Seo comes to stand outside the room.
The five students from the training camp are outside and peak from behind a wall. I guess they’ve revised the plan, since Kang Chi tells the other two to take the east side, ignoring the first 2 buildings and looking in the third. I guess this is why he was laughing, because he knew that Gon’s unfamiliarity with the House made his plan sad. Kang Chi tells Yeo Wool and Gon to take the two main houses; if there’s anything going on, it will be happening there. Does Tae Seo know they’re coming? Kang Chi is going to take the stables and join them later. Yeo Wool tells him to watch himself. He sighs and says that he took his first steps there so she doesn’t need to worry. After they’ve left, Kang Chi says to himself that the stables are the *worst* place. I guess it would make sense that you would give it to yourself, since you’ll have the best chance for success. Then he smiles.
Back with the gisaengs, Kwan Woong pipes up. He wonders why Seo Hwa covers her face. She doesn’t answer. Pil Mok does; he says that she’s never been someone to show her face in public. Kwan Woong thinks that face-to-face is the only proper thing to do, that is, unless she has something to hide, of course. Soo Ryun remembers being told about the gisaeng tattoo and the claw marks on Seo Hwa. Kwan Woong wonders if, just for tonight, they might see her face. She stirs uncomfortably.
Pil Mok tries to get Kwan Woong to back off, but he’s not really into showing authority figures respect. He snarks that it’s a question of trust. He’ll even *give* her Tae Seo’s slave papers in return for seeing her face. Seo Hwa turns to look at him. Pil Mok looks uneasy. Soo Ryun is watching to see what Seo Hwa’s going to do and Tae Seo is still listening to everything from outside the room. Seo Hwa smiles.
Kang Chi’s outside the stables. He puts on his mask and is about to go in, when a hand grabs his shoulder. But it’s not someone from Century House. It’s one of Seo Hwa’s men, also dressed in black and wearing a mask. The guy asks Kang Chi what he’s doing. There are two other guys behind him.
Flashback. Kang Chi and Yeo Wool have met up by the gate. Yeo Wool tells Kang Chi that he only needs two answers in Japanese. If it’s an order, say, “Hai (Yes)!” If he’s not sure, he should scratch his chin, and say, “Anoo (Well)…”
Kang Chi blinks a bit and the guy repeats his question. Kang Chi strokes his chin and says, “Ano.” The guy grumbles, “Moron.” Then the three pass him and go inside the stable. They don’t seem to notice that he’s not quite dressed in shogun-inspired black outfits. Kang Chi sighs but decides to follow them. I guess since he wasn’t busted before.
Entering the stables, he finds a bunch of men dressed like ninjas. I wonder what they’re up to? Wol Bae enters along with the man that’s been tracking Tae Seo. Wol Bae asks if they’ve got them. A bunch of them say ‘yes’ and produce different sections of a map. I can’t tell what the map’s to, but Kang Chi is taking it all in. Wol Bae is too.
Suddenly, one of the men steps forward, calling Wol Bae ‘general’ and declares that they’ve been infiltrated. There’s an extra man. Apparently there are 20 of them, but 21 one of them there right now. Why would this guy randomly count how many of them there were there? That’s just *really* random. Kang Chi has no idea what’s just been said, since it’s in Japanese, but something’s up because they’re muttering to each other.
Wol Bae orders the door to be barred and for everyone to take their masks off. Rut-roh! They all start pulling down their masks. Then it’s just Kang Chi left. Oops. Wol Bae smiles and asks Kang Chi who he is. He tries the ‘well’ bit, but instead gets a bunch of swords put in his face. One of the guys commands, in Korean, for him to show his face. What’s Kang Chi going to do now?
Oh, no! Kang Chi turns around and takes off his bracelet. I’m thinking that Wol Bae knows about Seo Hwa’s son, so he’s going to get to tell her he met him after this is all over. Kang Chi turns around and his eyes are now glowing green. The men with the swords shrink back a little. Wol Bae doesn’t react. Kang Chi growls.
Out in the courtyard, Yeo Wool and Gon hear a yell and a growl. They know it’s Kang Chi.
Kang Chi bolts from the stable, carrying the map. All the men are lying on the ground. Wol Bae watches him go – I guess he didn’t join the fray. His face is inscrutable.
Seo Hwa is looking at Kwan Woong. Soo Ryun is watching her and looks nervous. Kwan Woong repeats his request that she show herself. Pil Mok tells Kwan Woong that his request is indelicate. Like he cares. Is this any way to treat a guest? Seo Hwa raises her hand to silence him. She reaches up and slowly unties her hat, showing her face. She’s a fake! That person, in my opinion, looks more like the original Seo Hwa than the actress they picked to play middle-aged Seo Hwa.
The decoy turns to Kwan Woong and smugly smiles, *in* the catbird seat. And she’s just won Tae Seo’s slavery papers. Kwan Woong and Soo Ryun don’t quite know what to make of everything. Pil Mok asks if Kwan Woong is satisfied now. Soo Ryun is now more confused because this *isn’t* Seo Hwa. Seo Hwa is, instead, back in her room, sitting in the dark. She looks in the direction of the party and laughs. That was clever. Tricky. She *has* planned for Kwan Woong’s character. There’s shouts of ‘get him!’ outside.
Kang Chi has the stolen plans. He pauses to tuck them in his shirt and to put his bracelet back on. I am impressed that they had elastic back then. Oh, wait. It’s a magic talisman. That’s why it’s stretchy like elastic. He runs across the courtyard and inside a building. Four pursuing ninjas stop short, not sure where he went in the dark.
And, apparently, Kang Chi decided to hide in Seo Hwa’s room. Of all rooms. Wearing his father’s talisman bracelet. Seo Hwa asks who it is in Japanese. Crud! That’s not good news. Seo Hwa lights a candle. She’s also carrying a knife. She slowly approaches Kang Chi, who is outlined on the door by the lit hallway outside. He hasn’t turned around. She repeats her request. Kang Chi really tries to avoid her seeing his face. Inwardly he looks like he’s kicking himself for his dumb luck.
Seo Hwa looks scared. More determined, she asks who Kang Chi is. I wonder if she actually *can* use the knife. He finally decides to turn around. She raises her knife defensively. And it is kind of freaky how much he resembles Wol Ryung right now, in the low light and shadows. They do wear the same hair style. The episode ends with them looking at each other.
Thoughts
Ah! Kang Chi and Seo Hwa finally meet! I am dying to know if she’ll recognize his, since he *looks* like Wol Ryung and is wearing HIS FATHER’S TALISMAN. Only time will tell.
And of course, of all the rooms in the entire compound, Kang Chi had to hide in his mother’s. Is he going to try to milk her for information? He doesn’t quite seem the type, but you never know.
It was really funny seeing Kang Chi try to act Japanese. Well… That was so random that one of the men decided to count everyone. A little deus ex machina, writers? Will Wol Bae tell Seo Hwa about the attacker? That he growled, had green, glowing eyes and super-human strength? It still astounds me that not one of Seo Hwa’s men happened to see the interchange and events where Kwan Woong accuses Kang Chi of not being human. Not one.
And when are we going to find out Seo Hwa’s plan, finally? I can only suspect it’s revenge, but *when* is it going to get started? That fake out was really good. I guess she’s gotten more crafty over the years.
It is interesting that Kwan Woong didn’t notice that Wol Bae was missing when they were all chilling with the gisaengs. But he was probably too busy scrutinizing ‘Seo Hwa’ to notice her body guard was missing. And what *were* Wol Bae and his men doing?
It’s too bad that Seo Hwa and Tae Seo weren’t communicating at least some of their plans. I have a feeling that they’d work so well together. I wonder if Tae Seo makes her also think of her brother, because he was also sold as a slave.
And speaking of symmetry, that fight between Kang Chi and Wol Ryung was *great.* Especially that one move where Wol Ryung caught Kang Chi’s shoulders and flipped him through the air. Kang Chi definitely needs to learn some more moves. I think he was a little surprised that he lost as badly as he did, considering he always fought hand-to-hand, rather than with weapons.
I am so *happy* that Wol Ryung is back!!! Although I am very scared for him, that he’s slowly losing himself. That whole section made me cry and was extremely well acted, by both Lee Seung Gi and Choi Jin Hyuk. Please, oh writers, let him find Seo Hwa and be saved. *Please.*As of now he’s lying on So Jung’s library floor. A place where they leave candles randomly burning around all that flammable paper. And he’s bleeding from a gut wound since he’s lost the power to regenerate. When he said that he wished he could die so he could be with Seo Hwa, it nearly ripped out my heart. It still makes me get misty, just thinking about it.
I love the fact that it was Wol Ryung’s son that got through to his ‘humanity.’ Again, with the symmetry (Stay away from her! She’s mine!). I hope that Kang Chi can continue to spark that chord in Wol Ryung, so that he returns to himself.
Yeo Wool also rocked during the whole confrontation with Wol Ryung. I loved how she defended Kang Chi and how surprised that Wol Ryung was when she did it. She totally contradicted what Wol Ryung said that humans do. I really believe that her willingness to sacrifice herself for Kang Chi is what started Wol Ryung on his path to return. (Although it’s interesting that Wol Ryung doesn’t seem to have a problem with So Jung. Does this mean that So Jung isn’t human? Hmmm.)
And what is daddy Pyung Joon going to do now? Still discount Kang Chi? Not want him to marry his daughter, even though he’s proven he doesn’t need the talisman and is willing to face death in order to save her? I mean, is he still going to object when it was Kang Chi that saved her? That he did what he said he’d do and bring her back? Yes, he was carrying her and YES, she *should* have made more of a big deal about her ankle so that it would seem like he *had* to carry her. (Gon’s face when he found them was priceless.) Hasn’t Pyung Joon learned by now that he doesn’t have good judgment when it comes to Kang Chi? He has constantly underestimated the kid. And I think Gon sees it, as well.
That scene where Kang Chi and Yeo Wool were putting on a show for Pyung Joon was terrific. It psyched me out just as much as it did Pyung Joon. And poor Gon, especially *after* Yeo Wool’s conversation with Tae Seo. What *would* have been so awful that he decided to just be part of Yeo Wool’s shadow. Also, I loved how loyal Kang Chi is and how much he knows about Yeo Wool, that he knew that she wouldn’t want to quit something before it started. And that Gon is onto the show but didn’t tell dad.
And speaking of starting, THEY FINALLY KISSED. And it wasn’t one of those wide-eyed kisses where the people are as stiff as a board. They held each other close and Yeo Wool kissed him back. Squee! I love that they’re playing subterfuge to psych out Yeo Wool’s father. He really doesn’t seem to be all that on point these days, since he *still* isn’t including Kang Chi in the big plans. And once again, Kang Chi is the one who makes the important thing happen.
Some other thoughts:
- How cold is Ninja Soh, since he was willing to send Yeo Wool’s head as a present to Pyung Joon, while leaving her body to be desecrated in the forest. Darn that he’s alive, too, but it wasn’t a surprise.
- Yeo Wool is definitely hard core. She fought off the ninjas blindfolded and with her hands tied. Although, she couldn’t *take off her wrist bindings*? Just a gross oversight, there, writers.
- Finally I know the jerk’s name: Yoon! That was driving me crazy.
- I love how Kang Chi knows how he can get under Gon’s skin. Gon still hasn’t figured that one out, but he’s not really the mischievous type. Kang Chi’s questioning about the other pillars. Heh. His head would probably explode if he knew their identities. Now, that’s going to be interesting, especially when he learns Soo Ryun’s identity, particularly because of everything that's happened with Chung Jo.
- Finally Kang Chi is going to learn how to fight with something other than his fists. I was surprised that Gon thought he was just there to learn control. Why would he just come for that? Gon’s reaction was classic, though. Heh.
- Who all knows about the Book of Nine? How did Gon know about it? It’s not like it’s a well-known fact, since most people don’t even known about gumihos. Did Kang Chi mention it to Pyung Joon? I don’t remember him doing that.
- Why is Seo Hwa monitoring Tae Seo’s activities? And what is her plan already! Enough with the knowing, ‘mysterious’ smiling. She is quite crafty, I will give her that, the decoy and all.
- And I can’t believe that Tae Seo told Yeo Wool that he likes her. I really hope that he wasn’t serious, that he doesn’t act like stupid Chung Jo and try to derail the love between Kang Chi and Yeo Wool. It almost doesn’t seem to be in character for him, unless I’m right and he did it more to deceive himself that because he really expects her to marry him. I was also disappointed, because I know how excited Kang Chi is about the kiss and Tae Seo’s his person to talk to about those things.
- Why are such smart soldiers so dumb? Yoon getting his uniform stolen. Pyung Joon’s treatment of his daughter and Kang Chi, their total surprise that the megalomaniac Kwan Woong wants to rule his own island. Why is that a surprise?
- Kwan Woong would almost be one of those cartoon villains if he weren’t so evil. His flashback ranting, where he promises to teach Pyung Joon what it means to cross him, I swear I could almost see Snidely Whiplash twist his moustache.
Our lovebirds. THEY FINALLY KISSED. Squee!
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