Gisaeng Party. Kwan Woong and Soo Ryun are reacting to the decoy reveal. Is Kwan Woong satisfied? A soldier comes in and whispers in Pil Mok’s ear. He doesn’t react but he excuses them. Kwan Woong blusters that the banquet hasn’t even started yet, but Pil Mok has an excuse to be righteously angry and declares that they’ve had enough already.
Soo Ryun tries to stop them from leaving. She stands and tells them that she has a full program for them that evening, to apologize for the first time. Won’t they please stay? The decoy looks at Pil Mok for what to do. Pil Mok repeats his apologies and says that her ladyship wishes to leave.
As they leave, Soo Ryun nods at two of her girls. They hurry and bump into the decoy and then apologize profusely for spilling something on her. One of them clucks that the other’s so clutzy and the robe is so expensive. She starts wiping off the spill. The decoy doesn’t turn but is watching them warily. They pull down her robe and Soo Ryun approaches. The shoulder is bare. No gisaeng tattoo. She frowns almost immediately and starts to yell at her girls for insulting their honored guests.
The decoy adjusts her robe. Soo Ryun offers her sincere apologies and hopes that they’ll be forgiven. The decoy just walks away. Pil Mok glares for a moment and leaves, too. Soo Ryun turns to her girls and says well done. They smile at each other, pleased they did well.
Later, Soo Ryun tells Kwan Woong that the decoy was a fraud. Why does she tell him?!! She must have some plan, but I don’t see what tactical advantage this will have. Kwan Woong asks if she’ll stake her life on it. She asks if that’s what it’s going to take for him to believe her. He pauses for a moment because that means she’s serious.
Soo Ryun smoothly remarks that it’s odd. He’s been business partners with her for 20 years, nearly family and yet he’s still being disrespected. Ah, that’s the plan. He glowers at that suggestion.
Seo Hwa’s Room. She asks Kang Chi what his name is. He says, “Hai (yes).” She asks him, still in Japanese, if he’s a thief. He says, yes, yes. She switches to Korean and asks if he’s from Joseon. He’s surprised that she speaks his language. He apologizes for scaring her; he thought the room was empty. Go find one of those 28 hiding places, Kang Chi. He says that they used to put out lanterns when a room was occupied, which implies he’s part of Century House.
Outside, some men arrive and ask Seo Hwa if she’s there. Kang Chi looks at her with a ‘please-don’t-give-me-away’ look. She answers that she’s there. They tell her an assassin is on the grounds and they’re checking on her. Ooops. She asks if Kang Chi is being chased. He walks closer and whispers that he’s not the bad guy in this situation, the bad guys are chasing him. He promises that he’s telling the truth.
Seo Hwa smiles slightly and lowers her weapon. She tells her men that she’s fine and they can go. They leave. Kang Chi sighs in relief. He thanks her for trusting him. He tells her she speaks well for a foreigner and she answers that she’s from Joseon. She’s at Century House to trade. He’s happy to hear it. Why does he believe that she’s just a trader when she speaks Japanese and is dressed like someone from Japan? Especially since the people in league with Kwan Woong are *from Japan.* But then he gets serious. Stepping closer, he tells her to try all three of the beef shank, grilled geumpung fish, and bream soup. She hasn’t been to Century House if she hasn’t tried them. She looks at him like he’s crazy. And then she smiles.
Seo Hwa remarks that Kang Chi seems to know a lot about Century House. He says he does, or did before Lord Park died. His face gets a little sad and she can tell it’s something tragic, maybe like her own situation. He changes the subject back to the food. He goes to leave and she asks his name. He tells her. I wouldn’t have. You’re really trusting her here. Yes, she just saved your bacon, but that doesn’t mean that she won’t change her mind and turn you in. He says that he was found in the river. River = Kang. Abandoned = Chi. Choi Kang Chi. She looks sad because he’s like her son, growing up without parents. He is your son. How is it that certain information flies like wildfire, but something like Kang Chi was accused of being the son of a demon, doesn’t?
Kang Chi sneaks out and Seo Hwa watches him leave with a sad look on her face. He’s the same age as her son. Why doesn’t it occur to her that it might *be* her son? Especially since he is an orphan that was found in the river? She almost cries but then gets a hold of herself and then notices one of the pieces of the map sitting on the floor. How did he drop just one piece of the map?
Yeo Wool’s outside, watching the ninjas search and wondering what happened to Kang Chi. Where is Gon? Kang Chi sneaks up behind her and whispers, “Whatcha lookin’ at?” She’s, of course, happy to see he’s okay. Kang Chi takes her hand and leads her away further out of sight. They start talking but he doesn’t let go of her. Aw. Yeo Wool wants to know what happened. Kang Chi says that he stirred up a hornet’s nest. He suggests they get out of there.
Kang Chi and Yeo Wool start to creep away when a voice says, “Not that way.” They turn around – and they are *still* holding hands – and it’s Gon and Tae Seo. Neither one looks very happy, especially Tae Seo.
Seo Hwa’s Room. Seo Hwa has placed the candlestick on the floor and picks up the piece of paper. She recognizes what it is and immediately starts yelling for her steward.
Kwan Woong’s Office. Apparently his guests are upset about a thief. The guard reporting this to Kwan Woong – not Ninja Soh, by the way – says that he thinks that someone infiltrated their ranks as a spy to get information. When is Kwan Woong going to send people after Ninja Soh? It’s not like him to take that long in getting rid of a person. Kwan Woong squints as a reaction.
Courtyard. Tae Seo tells Kang Chi and Yeo Wool that they can’t get out the way that Kang Chi was planning on going because now it has guards stationed there. Tae Seo looks down at their hands. Yeo Wool looks where he’s looking and feels uncomfortable. Tae Seo looks a little hurt. Kang Chi is oblivious.
Kang Chi says that they’ll try the gate by the main house. Well, great, all the gates are under guard. Kang Chi says there’s just him, Gon and Yeo Wool; they can sneak out. What about the other two guys that you brought with you? Did they already sneak out? Or did the writers make a continuity error and are hoping that we, the audience, don’t notice? Yeo Wool smiles slightly at his confidence. Kang Chi turns to her and asks if she agrees. Of course, she does. Smiling moment. Squee!
Gon’s noticed the hands, finally. He looks over at Tae Seo to gauge Tae Seo’s reaction to them holding hands, since he overheard that conversation, too, where Tae Seo declared his affections. Then Gon looks back at the hands and huffs a chuckle which says ‘I can’t believe you are holding hands.’ Tae Seo chastises them, telling them that this is a reconnaissance mission. He’s really starting to frown now and I don’t think it’s because Kang Chi’s not taking things seriously. It’s the hand holding. Tae Seo tells the pair that they can’t afford to be seen. Well… Too late for that one. He tells them to follow them, if they please. Aw, Tae Seo is starting to look sad. He walks away. Gon looks at the pair. Yeo Wool looks over at Kang Chi and Kang Chi looks a little troubled that his brother is upset.
Courtyard. Kwan Woong has brought some men to speak with Pil Mok, who also has men with him. He wants to know what’s going on, since they seems a little more upset than they should over a break in. Pil Mok says that some certain vital items were stolen, but he doesn’t share what they are, even Kwan Woong pressures him about them. Kwan Woong wants to know if the stolen items have anything to do with their plans, because then he should know about it. He demands to know what was taken. Pil Mok sighs and thinks. Don’t do it, Pil Mok!
Soo Ryun and the gisaengs are leaving. A bunch of them have their jackets draped over their heads like Yeo Wool did the day of the lantern festival. Tae Seo and Eok Man are out in the courtyard. Tae Seo asks if they are leaving. Soo Ryun says the banquet ended sooner than she expected. Is that some sort of code? Tae Seo has Eok Man and his lantern lead them on their way out. Before she continues, Soo Ryun gives Tae Seo a look and almost imperceptible nod. He nods back. He’s not so imperceptible.
As they start to leave, Kwan Woong orders them to stop. He’s arrived with 8 guards. A bit of overkill, eh? Soo Ryun is all polite as she asks what’s going on. Kwan Woong declares they have a sneaky thief. Soo Ryun wants to know how that should be their concern. Kwan Woong thinks it’s quite a coincidence that the very night that she requested a banquet, a thief stole vital items from his guests. I guess telling him that Seo Hwa is a fake didn’t gain you all that much trust. Soo Ryun responds that their presence at Century House was *his* idea. He retorts that he only did that because she maneuvered him into it, since she was the one who knew that her ladyship couldn’t go to the gisaeng house. Soo Ryun asks if he’s implying that they were involved in the theft.
Of course not, Kwan Woong smarms. He would never suspect her. Even though that’s exactly why you’re there interrogating her. But, of course, they have to search her girls, just to be on the safe side. The gisaengs look nervously among one another. Soo Ryun doesn’t look to at ease either. In fact, I think she just blanched. Tae Seo declares that he has already checked the gisaengs. Kwan Woong basically gives him the brush off, since he was talking to Soo Ryun and not Tae Seo. There’s a pause. Tae Seo sighs because again, his authority at Century House has been undermined by Kwan Woong.
Soo Ryun orders the girls to lower their jackets. Kwan Woong orders them searched and the gisaengs are offended at being manhandled. I guess none of these boys is going to be able to visit any time soon. Soo Ryun and Kwan Woong just have a staring contest. Tae Seo looks off to the right, to where Ma Reum is peaking around a wall. He nods a confirmation of something. Probably related to getting our heroes out of Century House. This is a pretty nice diversion, I must say. When they try, they really do know how to play Kwan Woong like a fiddle. The head guard declares they found nothing.
Soo Ryun has to keep the bluster up, so she asks if Kwan Woong is satisfied and whether they can leave. Not answering her and looking annoyed that they didn’t find anything, Kwan Woong tells his guard to report the thief to the magistrate so they can round up anyone suspicious. *Particularly* any of Pyung Joon’s students that are in the village. Two questions: (1) Why would the magistrate’s office be open at this time of night? (2) Why would Pyung Joon’s students be suspicious? They’re very respectful, law abiding citizens. Then Kwan Woong stalks off.
Soo Ryun turn to share a look with Tae Seo. She looks worried for Pyung Joon’s students. Then she has her girls leave. Tae Seo turns and give a nod to Ma Reum. Apparently their plan is a go ahead. The girls have put their jackets up over their heads again. I wonder why? It seems weird. Ah, that’s the reason. Behind the wall, Kang Chi, Yeo Wool and Gon are dressed up as gisaengs, with jackets on their heads. They merge with the other gisaengs, but not before Kang Chi gives his brother a nod and Tae Seo smiles back. I like the fact that even though they both like the same girl, it doesn't keep them from being brothers/friends.
After the group has left, Tae Seo turns to see Kwan Woong watching them leave. He slightly makes eye contact with Kwan Woong but then drops his eyes and walks out of the courtyard. Kwan Woong squints thoughfully. Who knows what’s going on in his mind.
Gisaeng House. Oh Mom is escorting our heroes in disguise. Chung Jo is in her room, sewing a bluebird onto one of her outfits. Oh Mom hurried the trio into Chung Jo’s room. Why? It’s not like the rest of the gisaengs didn’t notice that they had some tagalongs. Oh Mom hurries to close the door and Wol Sun just happens to be outside. Chung Jo wants to know who they are and what’s going on. Oh Mom shushes her. Good thinking since Wol Sun could be eavesdropping outside. And I guess she wasn't one of the lucky ones who got to go entertain at Century House. Another slam on you, Wol Sun.
Kang Chi whispers, identifying them. Then they throw off their jackets. I don’t know why, but it really does strike me as funny looking, seeing Kang Chi and especially Gon dressed like a girl. I don’t usually find that sort of thing funny, but this time I do. Kang Chi and Yeo Wool don’t really make eye contact with an upset Chung Jo who demands they explain themselves. Oh Mom whispers that they can do that later. Right now, Chung Jo needs to look after them. Gon is also not making eye contact, but I think it’s because he’s utterly humiliated to be dressed in such an unmanly fashion. Hmmm. What about you and Chung Jo falling in love, Gon? That would solve everyone’s problem. And she’d actually probably be able to draw you out so you talk more. Hmmm. I like this match. Especially since she’s probably going to be the next Pillar of Intelligence.
Oh Mom adds that they’re counting on her and then scurries from the room. Both Kang Chi and Gon look really embarrassed to be wearing dresses. Gon even throws a hand up in disgust. Chung Jo tries to stifle a laugh. Appalled, Kang Chi and Gon hurry to take off the dresses. Yeo Wool too, but I think that’s because she just doesn’t like them. Soo Ryun enters to report to Gon that the others are here. Is this the other 2 students they left back at Century House? Maybe not since Soo Ryun invites Kang Chi to come. Great, Yeo Wool gets some girl time alone with Chung Jo. This should go well.
Soon Shin and Pyung Joon have arrived. Soo Ryun apologizes for having to bring them there. Soon Shin stops her and tells her that it’s fine. He doesn’t care that they’re at a gisaeng house in a time like this. She brings them into her office where Gon and Kang Chi are standing. Pyung Joon breathes, a little exasperated that Kang Chi is there. At least Yeo Wool isn’t there, too. Daddy would *really* be mad then.
Pyung Joon wants to know what Kang Chi is doing there. Kang Chi starts to stumble over an answer when Gon chimes in that he brought Kang Chi. Aw! I was hoping he would cover for Kang Chi! But is he doing it for Kang Chi or Yeo Wool? Or maybe both? You’re a good man, Gon! Kang Chi is surprised that Gon’s covering for him. Gon doesn’t look at him but continues to tell Pyung Joon that he brought Kang Chi since he was familiar with the layout of Century House. And I just realized. By Gon doing this, he’s sticking his neck out, since Pyung Joon could see this as Gon disobeying orders. Pyung Joon asks if Yeo Wool is there, too. Ooops! The two men share an ashamed look but don’t say anything. They don’t have to. And I think it's a little funny that Pyung Joon knows that she has them wrapped around her finger like that.
To move things along, Soon Shin asks what was so secret and urgent, that they needed to come now? Kang Chi says that it’s a map. He lays the pieces out on the table and discovers that one of them is missing. How did one of them get loose from the others, since they were folded together? Soon Shin does not like what he sees, because it’s remarkably accurate. Well, at least we finally get to know *what* it’s a map of. It’s a map of their naval positions, beacons and fortifications. That is serious. I can see why Soon Shin’s upset.
Kang Chi is now searching his shirt for the other piece of the map. Soo Ryun remarks that it must have taken at least 6 months to compile this information. And she would know as the Pillar of Intelligence. Gon surmises that the murders in their province must be related to all this, since the timing is right. And this is the most passionate I think I’ve seen Gon. Hey, the writers didn’t throw the continuity fairy quite out the window! Gon just mentioned the mission that he and Yeo Wool were on at the start of the series when we first met them. He’s got an astute mind, that one. Soon Shin gives props, since this all took elaborate and meticulous planning. Which proves that it probably *wasn’t* the work of Kwan Woong, since he’s more of a brute beast kid of guy. Soon Shin’s growling. I love it when he growls.
Pyung Joon wants to arrest Kwan Woong so they can investigate his connection with the Japanese and the purpose of the map. Could it maybe be related to Kwan Woong wanting to rule his own island? Maybe? Soon Shin says that the map isn’t enough proof. Soo Ryun adds that if they act too quickly, Kwan Woong’s allies would move to protect him. Soon Shin sighs and adds that Pyung Joon’s allies already insist that there isn’t going to be any war. Hwang Yun Gil and Kim Song Il – who ever they are – already want to stop their defense projects. Pyung Joon calls then despicable for putting politics before defending the nation.
Kang Chi mutters to himself that there was one more. They finally notice that he's been feeling around his shirt looking for something. Not that it hasn't been noticeable, or anything. Kang Chi tells Soon Shin that he was certain he got all eight of the map pieces. And then he realizes… He must have dropped it in that woman’s room. You know, you really should have gotten her name too, since you were smart enough to give her yours.
Century House. Seo Hwa has assembled her men. She’s demanding that Wol Bae explain himself. Wol Bae declares that there’s no excuse. Pil Mok remarks that for this to happen so soon. Seo Hwa cuts him off, summing up the situation. The map they spent months preparing is gone. Does this mean that they were responsible for all those deaths, rather than Kwan Woong? She tosses the one piece of the map she has on the table and orders them to find Kang Chi, since he has their map. Wol Bae looks up at her. Seo Hwa correctly states that Kang Chi must know how valuable it is, since he took it. Seo Hwa wants no excuses and no apologies. And she’s willing to do anything to get the other pieces of the map. Even if it means killing Kang Chi. Her son, that’s she’s been looking for. Not that she knows this yet. Um, Wol Bae are you going to speak up about Kang Chi’s glowing green eyes and superhuman strength?
Yeo Wool is yelling at Kang Chi for dropping a piece of the map. Which is a little unfair, since without Kang Chi they wouldn’t *have* the map, let alone know about it. Kang Chi’s frustrated too and is standing there with his hands on his hips. Yeo Wool is happy at least that the woman didn’t see his face. Well… Kang Chi tries to laugh that one off, saying it happened by accident. Gon’s just glad that she didn’t get Kang Chi’s name. Well… Kang Chi laughs again. Boy, does he feel stupid. Gon looks at him horrified that he could be *that* stupid. Exactly, Gon. Yeo Wool is appalled, too, and Kang Chi just hangs his head. He starts to whine about how she asked him for it and he had to answer. Then he tries to make it better by telling them that she covered for him. That’s why he did it, to put her at ease. Gon adds that he did it because she was pretty. Kang Chi doesn’t say anything. Yeo Wool huffs, disgusted that Kang Chi is a man.
Seeing Yeo Wool’s reaction – it seems like throughout this conversation, he’s been responding to how Yeo Wool feels about everything. Gon, he’s not worried about him. – Seeing her reaction, Kang Chi says that it wasn’t so much that she was pretty, just that she looked familiar. Is that a fetal memory? Because a baby can’t see when it’s first born and she was gone before you could. It was like he knew her. Yeo Wool isn’t buying it. No matter how much Kang Chi protests.
Gon is annoyed because Kwan Woong is suspicious enough as it is, without adding to the problem. He sarcastically tells Kang Chi, ‘good job.’ Heh! Ah, the blustery Kang Chi’s back. Gon wasn’t there, he doesn’t know the situation. She helped him hide. Yeo Wool doesn’t want to talk about it any more and gives a jab about how they’re going to have to spend the night at the gisaeng house, thanks to *someone.* She tells Gon that they’ll leave in the morning. Apparently Pyung Joon has already decided that, since Gon adds that her father already agrees with that plan. Whose room are they in right now? Kang Chi doesn’t want Yeo Wool to be mad. He protests again that the Japanese lady wasn’t pretty. Really. Yeo Wool just huffily looks away, making Kang Chi sigh in frustration. Gon’s looking at him with a small smile on his face.
Soo Ryun has just told Pyung Joon that she thinks the Japanese woman is Seo Hwa, that though she’s not sure, her information is pointing in that direction. You definitely better tell Kang Chi *now* Pyung Joon. He still thinks his dad *and* his mother hates him. Strike while he’ll be more inclined to forgive you! Soo Ryun remarks about how both a woman they thought was long dead and the demon Wol Ryung have both returned. These could be omens, of a great national catastrophe. And they don’t mention how all this happened *after* Kang Chi had his first gumiho attack. Pyung Joon says that if what she thinks is true, he’s worried for Kang Chi. At least he said *for* instead of about. Maybe he’s thawing a little. Soo Ryun says that she’s actually more worried for Seo Hwa. She still hasn’t figured out why Seo Hwa would side with Kwan Woong. Me neither.
Outside her office door, Chung Jo is holding a tray with tea and has been listening the whole time. So, great, now she knows both secrets involving Kang Chi’s parents. And she’s going to be stupid enough to tell him, isn’t she, to suit her own purposes instead of what’s best for Kang Chi. Chung Jo has taken he tray back to the kitchen. Oh Mom is there. She asks why Chung Jo brought the tea back to the kitchen. Chung Jo wants to know about this Seo Hwa person. How is she related to Kang Chi and Soo Ryun and Pyung Joon? Don’t talk, Oh Mom! Don’t do it! Oh Mom wants to know how Chung Jo knows to ask about them. She ignores the question and presses Oh Mom to tell her.
Century House. The gauzy curtain is up. Kwan Woong is demanding to know what Seo Hwa is keeping from him. She needs to spit it out now. She’s not wearing her hat. Kwan Woong’s got a problem with her keeping the map secret and having a decoy. Seo Hwa tells him to calm down but he snaps that she’s the one being rude. Kwan Woong declares that he means to have Namdo’s commercial and military power and all its assets. He gives her an ultimatum. Either she show her face and they keep working together or else all the deals are off. It’s interesting how arrogant he is. He’s where he is not because he did it by himself, but that the Inner Circle basically set it up for him. Why does he feel like he is so essential to her plan that she has to cowtow to him? Seo Hwa’s thinking the same thing, because she asks, “Oh? All deals, you say?”
Kwan Woong says that it’s a battle to the death. If Soon Shin gets that map, both of their futures are at risk. So it’s time to choose. Either he abandons Seo Hwa or– She interrupts him but he yells the other part: or she stops lying! Pil Mok and Wol Bae don’t look too happy, especially Wol Bae. Just chop his head off, Wol Bae. You can say the thief did it. Kwan Woong snots that alliances are give and take. It’s up to her to determine what he chooses.
Kwan Woong rises to leave when Seo Hwa calls after him to wait. He smiles to himself that he’s gotten his way. Or has he? Moustache twirl. Seo Hwa wants to know if Kwan Woong can get the map. He says he’ll answer that question if she shows him her face. She thinks for a moment and then orders Wol Bae to open the curtain. Pil Mok is a little shocked. Wol Bae doesn’t want to but she orders him again. Wol Bae shares a nod with Pil Mok and Pil Mok raises the curtain. Seo Hwa looks to the side as he does. Dramatic music plays.
Kwan Woong’s eyes get a little wide as he watches the curtain rise and sees her face clearly for the first time. Seo Hwa turns to glare at him. He’s shaking and it looks like there are tears in his eyes. He starts to plod forward, as if in a trance, when Wol Bae gets up to stop his approach. Wol Bae growls that Kwan Woong’s gone far enough.
Kwan Woong returns to his room, dazed at this revelation. He doesn’t understand how she could be alive. His obsession is alive. Trembling fist clench.
Flashback. Kwan Woong asks her is she’s Seo Hwa. She defiantly answers that she’s Lady Miyamoto. He’s in a daze and he’s all business. He’s seen her, now can he get the map?! Those are tears because one’s about to run down Kwan Woong’s cheek. You’re a sick, sick, man, Kwan Woong. It’s like someone you loved has just returned from the dead, but all you ever had with her is an obsession. Sicko.
Kwan Woong’s Room. He’s still shaken and yells for Captain Soh. The guy that’s been working in Ninja Soh’s place comes in to tell him that Ninja Soh isn’t back yet. Frustrated, Kwan Woong picks up a box and throws it to the ground, smashing it. Tae Seo just happens to see this little outburst.
Soon Shin is looking at a message. He’s decked out in full admiral gear. We can’t really see what it says. Ma Reum is with him. Soon Shin goes and considers the stolen map.
Soo Ryun’s Room. She tells Kang Chi that he was a great help the night before and that Soon Shin has the map because of him. Kang Chi smiles with relief that the map is in the right hands. He’s just worried about how mad Pyung Joon is. Pyung Joon I think is one of the most frustrating characters in this entire series, right after Chung Jo. And I’m putting him before So Jung because I see him more. This is the 2nd time that Kang Chi has saved the bacon and accomplished the plan and yet he’s still angry at him for being where he wasn’t supposed to be with his daughter. And I guess the arguing thing isn’t going to work anymore, since you guys were in cahoots together.
Soo Ryun says that Pyung Joon isn’t furious. He’s worried. That’s small comfort for Kang Chi. He just wants Pyung Joon to like him. Soo Ryun tells Kang Chi that she can see his mother in him. Kang Chi’s surprised that Soo Ryun knew her. So I guess now he wants to know about his parents, since he’s met his father and all. Soo Ryun doesn’t respond when Kang Chi asks about Seo Hwa. Instead, she takes a piece of paper and writes a letter on it. She gives it to Kang Chi.
Kang Chi is confused. And so am I. Soo Ryun explains that it’s a task. Kang Chi is still confused and she has to spell it out for him: “I am one of the Four Pillars.” She shows him her scarf and tells him she is the keeper of the lily seal. Kang Chi is shocked. Soo Ryun asks if it’s because she’s a woman or because she’s a gisaeng. It’s neither. Kang Chi isn’t like that. He starts to sputter that that’s not what he meant when Soo Ryun smiles. She tells him that there are no classes in the Four Pillars. Commoner, slave, merchant, noble, man, woman, they all work together for the common good. Quietly Kang Chi says, “I see.” Kang Chi still wants to know what his task is. Soo Ryun tells him he is to cut down the tree on that paper. Is this busy work to distract him from finding out about his parents and the role Pyung Joon played in everything? And she wants him to bring her the house that he builds with it. What? Aw, it’s another one of the Pillar riddles. Man! Kang Chi’s as clueless as I am, since you can’t bring a house unless it’s a really small house.
Yeo Wool is in with Chung Jo, waiting. Oh, great. I thought maybe we lucked out and Chung Jo wasn’t going to be snotty, but no such luck. I can already see it coming. Chung Jo asks Yeo Wool is she’s ever heard the name, Seo Hwa. Yeo Wool turns to look at Chung Jo as she says that Seo Hwa is the name of Kang Chi’s mother. Did Yeo Wool know that? When Yeo Wool says no, Chung Jo says, “I see.” What is that supposed to mean? I’m starting not to like her again.
Chung Jo continues saying that Seo Hwa was a noble forced to become a gisaeng. And then she fell in love with a demi-god. Yeo Wool says that she knew that part. And she turns around to look back at the door, like she doesn’t want to continue this conversation. Then Chung Jo swoops in for the kill, asking Yeo Wool if she knew who killed Kang Chi’s father. He was a marshal at the time. Yeo Wool freezes but doesn’t turn around. I’m really not liking you now, Chung Jo. This petty jealousy is really ugly.
Kang Chi is wandering down the hall toward Chung Jo’s room, wondering what the heck the paper means. Bring a house built with it… What does that mean?
Yeo Wool spins around as Chung Jo says Marshall Dam Pyung Joon, your father, he’s the one that killed Kang Chi’s father. Did she know that? Yeo Wool’s face says yes and Chung Jo snots, “I see that you did.” Yeo Wool starts to try to tell Chung Jo that it’s complicated, but Chung Jo wants to know if Kang Chi knows. You *know* he doesn’t. Why is she being so obnoxious?!! Yeo Wool looks like she’s about to cry when Chung Jo asks if she’s hiding it from him. And I want to slap Chung Jo as she says, “You know and you act all sweet and innocent? Interesting definition of love you’ve got.”
Finally Yeo Wool tries to shut Chung Jo up since she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. But Chung Jo won’t stop, declaring that deceit is the worst, that it’s no different than betrayal. Doesn’t she think so? Arg! It’s not her secret to tell, you stupid woman! And, no, you don’t have any understanding of how complicated the issue is. You’re just happy to throw something in Yeo Wool’s face since she’s twice the woman you are and has been there in ways that you never could be! Yeo Wool’s about to break down in tears as she says, “It’s not something I care to discuss with you.” And *then* she decides to leave the room. Should have done that about five minutes earlier.
Arg! Kang Chi is standing on the other side of the doors. He’s heard everything and his face shows it. Yeo Wool is horrified. Chung Jo seems to be surprised. Like you weren’t hoping that this would happen so you could break them up and swoop in there and sidle up to Kang Chi? Yeo Wool and Kang Chi just stare at each other. Kang Chi’s face is killing me. It’s like she’s kicked a puppy. He asks, “Yeo Wool, what does this all mean?” I’m glad that he’s not asking the harpy over there. Yeo Wool can’t say anything. She runs off. I bet she’s convinced that Kang Chi hates her now. Arg! Chung Jo! Chung Jo’s sitting there looking like she’s trying to figure out some way to salvage this, to turn it around in her favor. You know, if you *really* cared about him, you wouldn’t have done that to him. Slowly, Kang Chi turns to look at her.
Yeo Wool walks, destroyed, because Kang Chi not only heard the secret but knows that *she* knew. It’s hard for her to breathe, she’s so upset. All she can say is ,”No, oh, no.” Gon happens to walk by and sees her. Immediately he can tell she’s upset and rushes to her, asking what’s wrong. Is she ill? Completely freaked out, she turns around to face him, but she’s not seeing him. She asks, “What now? What will I do?” Gon feels bad for her and asks what’s wrong. He probably thinks that she and Kang Chi got in a fight or something, because he’s got a comforting big brother face on. She sobs that it’s over and that Kang Chi will never look at her the same again. Aw, it’s not that bad, Yeo Wool. Stupid Chung Jo!!! Then she plunges her face into her hands and sobs, wondering what she’s going to do. Gon looks like he’s going to cry to and struggle to figure out what to do. It’s obvious that he wants to put his arms around Yeo Wool and comfort her, but he doesn’t know if he should. He’s got a lot of jaw clenching going on.
In Chung Jo’s room, Kang Chi stares off into space. Chung Jo’s gotten up to stand near him. She asks how much he heard. What do you think, stupid woman! What a stupid question! Then he woodenly turns to look at her. Again she asks how much he heard. All of it. She swallows and looks away. And then apologizes? She’s sorry. She didn’t want him to find out that way. Really? Kang Chi wants to know if it’s true. Chung Jo nods slightly and says that Pyung Joon killed his father. Kang Chi’s mother gave birth alone and then she died. So his parents didn’t throw him away. Kang Chi reaches out and braces himself on the wall. Then he silently starts to cry. His parents didn’t throw him away. And it’s all Pyung Joon’s fault.
Seo Hwa sits, staring at the one piece of the map she has. She looks desperate and angry.
Wol Ryung is panting in So Jung’s library, clinging to a table. He’s struggling. Don’t go, Wol Ryung! Stay, please!!! So Jung appears with a bowl of something. He asks if Wol Ryung is okay. Wol Ryung is very confused. He can’t tell where he is. So Jung tells him that he’s in the library. Wol Ryung came there on his own. Oh, So Jung brought rhododendron for Wol Ryung’s wound.
Oh, no. Good Wol Ryung’s gone. He grabs So Jung by the wrist and throws him into a wall. Then he speeds over and grabs So Jung by the throat. Wol Ryung doesn’t even remember who So Jung is. So Jung says his name and then tells Wol Ryung that he’s the only friend that Wol Ryung has. Wol Ryung is struggling because he can’t remember any of it. Wol Ryung lets So Jung go and backs away from him slowly. So Jung still wants to help him, but Wol Ryung tells him to go away and not to come near. He leaves So Jung’s house. So Jung looks sad for his friend.
Pyung Joon’s Office. Pyung Joon has a visitor. It’s So Jung. What’s he going to say now?
Chung Jo’s Room. She’s still sewing. She’s told Gon that Kang Chi is gone. Yeo Wool hovers in the background. Gon seems a little freaked out at the news. Aw, grumpy bear does love his friend. Chung Jo tells them that Kang Chi said he needed to see someone. And, of course, you let him go. She suspects that he’s going to talk to his father’s killer. Why don’t you just say Pyung Joon? I’m fist clenching big time! I suspect that Yeo Wool’s told Gon everything, because he’s as alarmed as she is at that statement. Yeo Wool runs off. Gon bows to Chung Jo before he runs after her. Don’t be polite to her!!! Chung Jo sadly strokes the bluebird she’s sown into her clothing. I don't feel sorry for her at all.
Oh, rats. I was hoping he was going to see So Jung, but no, he’s back at the training camp. He’s got a very somber, determined look on his face. Song’s in the courtyard and runs over to greet him, but Kang Chi doesn’t even acknowledge him and just walks right by. Way to hurt your friend, Kang Chi.
Pyung Joon is sitting at his desk, staring at his sword. Presumably the same sword he used to kill Wol Ryung. Kang Chi storms in, without knocking. He looks rightfully angry. Pyung Joon just stares ahead instead of looking at him. Kang Chi goes over to the desk. His fists are clenched. He also looks heart broken, that this man he looked up to did this and kept it from him. I said you should have told him, Pyung Joon! Finally Pyung Joon looks up at him, his jaw clenching. Kang Chi just stares at him with his kicked puppy face.
Yeo Wool and Gon are running as fast as they can back to the training camp. Arg! Even worse, Chung Jo should have come and gotten them when Kang Chi left instead of just letting them find out some time in the future. I want to put a beat down on her, seriously. And I’m not a violent person. Yeo Wool thinking as she runs, “No. Don’t Kang Chi!”
Pyung Joon stands. Then he reaches down and picks up his sword. He throws it at Kang Chi. Luckily, Kang Chi catches it. And Pyung Joon says, “That’s it. The sword that killed your father 20 years ago.” Dude! Did I mention you were frustrating? You could be less rude. Kang Chi wants to know, “How could you?” Pyung Joon answers that Wol Ryung killed 15 of his men. I don’t think that’s what he’s asking. He says that in the end, Wol Ryung attacked Kang Chi’s mother, so he had no choice. All this seems perfectly reasonable and probably would have been received relatively well, had you said it earlier and prefaced it with an apology.
Kang Chi wants to know if his father was so terrible (that he deserved death?). He attacked his own wife? Was he so cruel? Pyung Joon replies that Wol Ryung had been betrayed. Like Kang Chi, he wanted to become human. He observed 100 days of ablutions to get the Book of Nine. Actually it was 89, but technicalities. But Kang Chi’s mother was terrified when she saw Wol Ryung’s true face. Kang Chi’s expression and the tears growing in his eyes says that he can understand how that felt. And so why couldn’t you tell him this before?
Pyung Joon wants to go on but Kang Chi interrupts him, asking if his mother betrayed his father. And now he’s making excuses to protect her?! Pyung Joon responds that it’s not an excuse, but Kang Chi’s a little tired of the crap. Tears streaming down his face, he draws the sword and shouts, “So! My family’s tragedy began at the point of this sword, Master? Pyung Joon can’t say anything. And actually, it started with Kwan Woong framing your grandfather, so that your mother got sold as a gisaeng, so that he could be able to rape her.
Yeo Wool and Gon have reached the training camp. Song’s still sweeping the courtyard. They run up to him and ask about Kang Chi. Song says that Kang Chi went to see Pyung Joon and that he’s in there now. Both Yeo Wool and Gon are freaked out by that statement. Gon’s eyes even bulged. There’s a noise and it’s Kang Chi. He’s left Pyung Joon’s office. He slowly walks toward them. And it looks like his hands are bloody. Yeo Wool looks down and yes, they are bloody. It’s dripping. She and Gon assume that it’s Pyung Joon’s blood. Gon twitches at Kang Chi, screams 'Master' and then runs for Pyung Joon’s office. Song hurries after him, leaving Kang Chi and Yeo Wool alone.
Finally she stops looking at the blood dripping from his hands. Why would it still be dripping if it was Pyung Joon’s blood? He’s just looking at her. He says her name and she slowly walks toward him like she can’t believe that he just killed her father. Then she just walks by him without saying anything. Ouch! How’s that for faith in him? That’s worse than not telling him in the first place. They show her walking by him, from different angles, about twelve times. Kang Chi just hears Wol Ryung’s voice say, “Trust me. All humans can offer is betrayal.” Another tear falls down his cheek as it sinks in what Yeo Wool’s done.
Gon arrives at Pyung Joon’s office, with Yeo Wool on his heels. Pyung Joon’s just standing there looking at his sword, which is broken in half and lying on his desk. That’s where the blood came from. Holding the sword as he BROKE IT IN HALF. Gon, still freaked out, eyes bulging, can’t believe his eyes. He asks if Pyung Joon is all right. Pyung Joon keeps looking at the sword. Yeo Wool follows Pyung Joon’s gaze.
Flashback. Kang Chi breaks the sword in half with a clink. Still crying he declares that what happened 20 years ago happened before we were born! Don’t make him and Yeo Wool pay for the past. What happened between them is their affair. Then he throws the sword on the desk.
Yeo Wool knows what she’s done and runs out of the office. Gon turns around to watch her go. Pyung Joon’s face reads resignation at his loss. It should read shame, too, for AGAIN underestimating Kang Chi’s character. You were so worried about his vengeance. Never once did he even ask for anything like that, since it’s not something that involved him.
Yeo Wool rushes out of the building to find an empty courtyard, She starts yelling Kang Chi's name and desperately looking for him. At least he didn’t go very far. He’s at the bottom of the stairs, by the spot where they almost kissed. He’s looking at his hand and the blue lights that have appeared to heal him. He looks completely defeated. Run over to him, woman. But no. Yeo Wool just stands there, looking at him, not letting him know she’s there.
Finally, Yeo Wool slowly walks toward Kang Chi. He hears her footsteps but doesn’t turn around. Awkward silence. You can tell that Yeo Wool doesn’t know what to say. Eventually, Kang Chi turns around to look at her with his kicked puppy dog face. She still doesn’t know what to say, so she says his name. She says, “Listen…” but then Kang Chi starts sullenly walking toward her. And then he just walks by her. Oh, my heart is breaking and I am crying. I didn’t think I would cry, but I am. Kang Chi just leaves her there alone.
Aw! But then Kang Chi comes back up behind Yeo Wool and embraces her. I’m crying more now. He is such a good man! He tells her, “No more. No more secrets between us. No more walking by me like I’m not there.” Yeo Wool just says, “I felt so bad, For you. I didn’t know what to say. So I said nothing. I’m sorry.” Kang Chi starts to cry again and I’m crying more.
Kang Chi turns Yeo Wool around to look at him. She doesn’t want to look at him, with those tears running down his cheeks. He tells her to look at him and she won’t. He sighs and takes her face in his hand. This time she looks at him when he tells her to. She’s crying, too. Kang Chi tells her he loves her. She can’t believe it. He says he loves her so much. She says his name and grabs him in a hug.
Wol Ryung’s voice says, “Don’t trust them.” Kang Chi responds, “I want to.” Wol Ryung: “You can never live with them.” Kang Chi: “I will always want to.” Both of them cry some more and I cry harder. And they just hug each other, relieved.
So Jung’s Library. Wol Ryung’s back there and sitting on the floor. I can’t tell if it’s smoke or what that’s swirling in the air. It doesn’t look like there’s been a fire. But ominous music is playing. Arg! It’s like the blue lights except they’re black and as they draw near him, the demon emerges, veins bulging all over including his face. Wol Ryung slowly opens his eyes. He looks like everything that was the good Wol Ryung is gone.
Seo Hwa is sitting in her room when suddenly she’s struck with a terrible feeling, like it’s scary and painful. She’s not sure what it is but it frightens her.
Kwan Woong is sitting in his office, rolling walnuts in his hand. He’s staring off into space. Pil Mok is there, so this is weird, his behavior. Kwan Woong says that he keeps thinking that her ladyship reminds him of someone. So does he not think it’s Seo Hwa? What? Pil Mok’s sure her name isn’t Yoon Seo Hwa? Pil Mok says that he’s sure. Kwan Woong kind of seems to accept that. He passes Pil Mok Tae Seo’s slave papers. As well as the money they gave him for Tae Seo. He says he doesn’t need the money. When Pil Mok protests, Kwan Woong says that it’s his gift. And then he tries to recruit Pil Mok. Pil Mok smiles at his flattery.
Kwan Woong tells Pil Mok that if he finds himself unhappy, there’s always a job for him waiting. Like he would do that. He knows what kind of man you are. Pil Mok isn’t really smiling and says that he’ll pretend he didn’t just hear Kwan Woong just say that. Kwan Woong just wants him to keep it in mind; it’s a serious offer. Pil Mok excuses himself.
As Pil Mok starts to go, Kwan Woong asks if it’s true that Kang Chi stole the map. Pil Mok says that it’s true. Uh-oh! There’s that stupid Soon Shin letter. Pil Mok leaves. To the air, Kwan Woong asks whether Kang Chi stayed at the gisaeng house the night before. Oh, he wasn’t talking to the air, because Wol Sun is hiding behind the divider behind him. She even adds that he was staying with Kwan Woong’s darling Bluebird. Kwan Woong’s wheels are turning.
Training Camp. Kang Chi’s smiling walking down the steps. Gob Dan’s waiting for him. She tells him that Chung Jo’s asking to see him. Kang Chi stops smiling. Gob Dan adds that Chung Jo has something to tell him. You should take Yeo Wool with you, so Chung Jo knows that her stunt didn’t work.
Gisaeng House. Gob Dan looks really unhappy, although she tries to smile reassuringly at Kang Chi. Something’s off.
Training Camp. Teacher is telling Gon about the visitor. Since Yeo Wool knew the girl who came, Chung Jo, Teacher let her in. Crappers! It was a trap, since Kang Chi’s gone to see her and she’s here.
Flashback. Kang Chi tells Gon he’s going to see Chung Jo. Gon knows something’s very wrong.
Yeo Wool’s room. She’s in a hanbok again. Chung Jo is there. Yeo Wool stands to face her. I would want to rip her hair out for all the trouble she caused. But at least Kang Chi reaffirmed that he loves her, Yeo Wool, very much, so she doesn’t have to worry about Kang Chi dumping her for Chung Jo, the harpy. They just look at each other, not saying anything.
Gisaeng House. Gob Dan lets Kang Chi into Chung Jo’s room. Wait, what? Chung Jo is there. This has to be a trick. Incense is burning as Chung Jo pours Kang Chi some liquor. This is definitely a trick. There’s incense burning. I don’t like where this is going. The incense is making Kang Chi cough. ‘Chung Jo’ tells Kang Chi to drink the liquor. He wants to know why. She smiles and says that they’re old friends. What’s more natural than a drink between friends? He sighs but doesn’t drink.
‘Chung Jo’ tries a different tactic: guilt. Is Kang Chi too good to drink with a gisaeng? She starts to pout and mopes that *she’ll* have one. He stops her hand and drinks the liquor. But doesn’t notice that it tastes funny. ‘Chung Jo’ smiles as he drinks it, happy that her ploy worked. She says that it’s a shame that he only has just one. Dude, you proved you’re not being a snob. Don’t drink anymore!
Training Camp. Yeo Wool remarks that it’s late and asks Chung Jo why she’s there. Chung Jo says that they need to talk. Really? How about you apologize? Yeo Wool asks if it’s about Kang Chi. Chung Jo smiles slightly and says that it is. I wonder why she’s smiling? I suspect that she’s chuckling about Yeo Wool’s concern for Kang Chi, how it never waivers.
I guess the fumes of the incense are finally getting to him, because Kang Chi looks a little woozy. ‘Chung Jo’s’ offering him another drink. He protests that he’s already had four. So the incense and the drugs in the tea. That’s got to be the only reason she keeps making him drink it, to knock him out. She says that if he has one more, she’ll explain why she sent for him. I would have asked for that four drinks ago, Kang Chi. Kang Chi sighs and drinks it. The smile on ‘Chung Jo’s’ lips is almost evil.
Gob Dan is standing outside, hating herself for having to go along with this trick. Then do something about it!!! Soo Ryun and Oh Mom have appeared. She spins around, worried at the plot being discovered and asks Soo Ryun what she can do for her. Soo Ryun is looking for Chung Jo. When Gob Dan stumbles with her answer, Soo Ryun demands she explain herself.
Gon enters Yeo Wool’s room, where she and Chung Jo are staring at each other. He wants Chung Jo to state her business. Yeo Wool demands Gon explain for barging in while she’s entertaining a guest. Not answering Yeo Wool and still looking at Chung Jo, he asks Chung Jo about her appointment with Kang Chi. He wants to know why Chung Jo’s there. Chung Jo is naturally confused, because *she* wasn’t the one asking for the appointment. Gon then says, “You didn’t know?” Chung Jo turns to look at Yeo Wool, concerned.
So the drugs and incense are really working on Kang Chi now. Why hasn’t Soo Ryun come in and asked what’s going on? There she is. Immediately, she notices the smell and orders Oh Mom to open the windows. Apparently it’s pretty powerful because Oh Mom and Gob Dan are covering their noses and mouths and Soo Ryun is trying to fan it away. Although, wouldn’t that smell have penetrated the paper walls of the gisaeng house? Or crept out under the door? Drugged and dazed, Kang Chi flops around to look at her.
Soo Ryun doesn’t understand and asks *Wol Sun* what she’s up to. Wol Sun? Kang Chi turns back around and the spell is broken. He’s shocked to see Wol Sun sitting there. She just smugly smiles at him. She smirks as she answers they were just having some wild wine. Because it’s so Kang Chi’s character to come to a gisaeng house. Soo Ryun is almost speechless. They’re having wild wine? Kang Chi can only stare at Wol Sun in disbelief.
Kwan Woong’s soldiers suddenly rush in, with Kwan Woong behind them. He praises Wol Sun. Wol Sun rises and give him a head bow while smiling in his direction. Kwan Woong snarks, “Doing well, Kang Chi?” Kang Chi isn’t in the mood and tries to stand up, but he can’t because of the drugs. Soo Ryun tells him not to move since it only makes the effects worse. Wol Sun innocently says that he only had five cups. Soo Ryun is horrified and asks Wol Sun if she’s insane. I guess that much is really dangerous. Eek! That much wild wine can be *lethal.* Wol Sun testily declares that Kang Chi wouldn’t get drunk. Kwan Woong crows about how Kang Chi must be a monster after all, if he’s this five after that much wine. Kang Chi’s feeling worse.
Soo Ryun demands to know what Kwan Woong’s doing. Spinning on her, he snaps, “Silence!” He’s in the middle of catching the Century House thief. If she doesn’t want to be accused of harboring him, she’d better shut up and stand back. Kwan Woong’s soldiers grab Kang Chi and drag him back to Century House. Not the Magistrate’s Office, where a thief should go, but Century House. He also sweeps from the room. Soo Ryun is quickly trying to come up with a plan. First thing, kick Wol Sun out.
Seo Hwa’s Room. Pil Mok has reported that Pijo has Kang Chi. Wol Bae is also there. Seo Hwa stops to think about the implications of this. Seo Hwa goes to see Kwan Woong in that barn. Kang Chi’s on the floor, drugged and chained up. She squint glares at him with one of her eyes twitching. Kang Chi does not look well.
Seo Hwa asks if Kang Chi has the map. With that stupid accent of hers. Kwan Woong says that he’s not himself; he’s had too much wine. I don’t think it’s just wine that’s doing this. Kwan Woong says that he hasn’t questioned him yet. Seo Hwa wants to know why Kwan Woong put a drunk man in chains. Kwan Woong tells her that Kang Chi isn’t a man. Seo Hwa is startled by that statement and asks Kwan Woong to clarify what he means. Kwan Woong tells her that he has his father’s demon blood and his mother’s human blood. And evidently Wol Bae didn’t bother to tell her about the green-eyed, superhuman Kang Chi that he encountered.
Seo Hwa’s face barely flickers her dread at what she’s understanding him to say: this is her son, that she’s been hunting everywhere for. Pil Mok’s face reads, ‘oh, crap!’ So does Wol Bae’s along with what I think it him kicking himself for not putting the pieces together himself or telling her about Kang Chi’s green eyes and superhuman strength. Kwan Woong just sits there and smirks at her as Kang Chi pants in the background.
Looking back at Kang Chi, Kwan Woong remarks that he hasn’t seen Kang Chi’s true face yet. That *is* his true face. Turning back to Seo Hwa, he adds that he thought they should see it together. It should be interesting, right? Seo Hwa dead-faced glares at him for what he’s doing. She looks at Kang Chi, actually now a little terrified that this is her son struggling, at the mercy of Kwan Woong.
As Seo Hwa stares at Kang Chi, Kwan Woong orders the bracelet to be taken off. Wol Ryung’s bracelet. A guard grabs his wrist and Kang Chi wants to know what the guard is doing. He begs the guard not to remove it, but the guard does and throws it to the ground. Channel Yeo Wool, Kang Chi, please. Kang Chi winces and twists in pain. Seo Hwa is horrified. Kwan Woong just looks over at her. Kang Chi’s grunting because he’s trying to control himself. He screams in utter pain and then grunts and struggles some more. But then he starts growl-panting. It’s all coming back to Seo Hwa now.
Pil Mok and Wol Bae look at each other as Seo Hwa stares at Kang Chi. What’s she going to do? Admit for sure that she’s Seo Hwa to stop this? Or let them torture and potentially kill her son? Finally, Kang Chi looks up with them with his glowing green eyes. He doesn’t look hostile, just upset they did this to him. Seo Hwa now knows this is definitely her son. All the guards shrink back a little at the sight of Kang Chi’s transformation. Pil Mok and Wol Bae are taking it all in. Seo Hwa’s blinking so the tears don’t come. Kang Chi just looks at her, growl-panting.
Kwan Woong asks if this monster is the one that Seo Hwa’s been looking for. Her eyes turn to glare at him and there’s almost a snarl on her lips. She doesn’t answer but just glares at him. He smirks at her, knowing he’s trapped her one way or the other. Kang Chi suddenly grunts with terrible pain and faints. This obviously affects Seo Hwa. She looks like she wants to scream and run to him, but the episode ends.
Thoughts
My immediate thought: What is Seo Hwa going to do? And I hate Kwan Woong! How terrible is that? To watch the son you’ve been searching everywhere for, struggle and go through pain like that. I’ve said it before, but Kwan Woong is an evil man. He’ll do anything to get what he wants.
The biggest thing I take away from this episode is how Kang Chi is the best of humanity, really, even though he’s not considered human. A normal human would have killed Pyung Joon for revenge. Instead, all Kang Chi was upset about what how Pyung Joon’s guilt was making Yeo Wool unhappy. A normal human wouldn’t have forgiven either Pyung Joon or Yeo Wool quite so quickly. A normal human would have lashed out and hurt the ones who hurt him. But he didn’t do any of that. He destroyed *with his own strength* the sword that brought so much misery to his family. He didn’t hold it against Pyung Joon. In fact, what he was really upset about was how he’s been trying to earn Pyung Joon’s favor and the guy couldn’t even tell him what happened until Kang Chi already found out.
I really think that Pyung Joon was expecting Kang Chi to come there and kill him. And how did So Jung know that Kang Chi knew? It’s the only way that Pyung Joon would have been expecting Kang Chi. And was the evil swirling balls of darkness a result of Kang Chi’s despair and hurt? And, no! Wol Ryung is lost now and just a demon. This is not going to be fun, watching Kang Chi destroy his own father. If he can. But I’m digressing. Pyung Joon seemed to really be just waiting for his death, waiting for Kang Chi. He had a very resolved expression. And he wasn’t going to beg, either, the way that he defiantly threw the sword at Kang Chi. This man!
This whole part of the episode was so hard to watch. Kang Chi’s eyes when he realized she lost faith in him, what a betrayal it was. Her walking by like he wasn’t there. So painful. But I love Kang Chi’s forgiveness. And I think that’s part of the over-arching lesson to take from all this: forgiveness. To forgive those who hurt you, that’s what makes you human.
Kang Chi’s character is pretty amazing. Not only is he quick to forgive and still believe in Yeo Wool, but he also tells her what hurt him by telling her what to stop doing: no more secrets. I hope she learns her lesson there. It was really pathetic hearing her give her apology and explanation, but it was good, too, because it said that she didn’t really betray him, that she didn’t tell him because she didn’t want to hurt him, not because she didn’t believe in him.
I think it’s very fitting, how Kang Chi knows what he wants: to believe in the people around him and be with them always. That part makes me cry, too. Because that’s such a good heart, to be able to let go of the hurt and concentrate on the people instead. AND KANG CHI BROKE THE SWORD IN HALF WITH HIS BARE HANDS. Enough said. Is Pyung Joon going to trust him now? Or is he still going to be stupid? Is he going to eat some crow with Kang Chi and Soon Shin, for being so arrogant? Probably not, but it’s nice to dream.
I have returned to my previous feelings toward Chung Jo, but they’re stronger now. Before I just didn’t like her. Now I think I really just hate her. How spiteful and selfish she was this week! Her circumstances are not an excuse, because she was like that as a kid when she threw the salve in to pond instead of giving it to Kang Chi for his bite wounds. She may not have thought that Kang Chi would overhear, but as soon as he left, she should have sought out Gon or Yeo Wool to warn them about where Kang Chi was going. Chung Jo had no problem with them getting there too late to stop Kang Chi from doing something that could get him put to death, namely murder. Why? Because she wanted to dig the knife in a little deeper into Yeo Wool about what a horrible person Yeo Wool is. I wanted you to be the one who did Kwan Woong in but now I don’t think so. You don’t deserve that satisfaction.
On a lighter note, Kang Chi now knows all the Pillars except one: Tae Seo. That’s going to be trippy for him. I missed Gong Dal this week. That old man better live for a long time. Kang Chi needs to go and ask him about Soo Ryun’s assignment. What is that anyway? I catch on a lot faster than Kang Chi and I’m stumped.
A few other thoughts:
- Why does Soo Ryun keep Wol Sun around? She needs to kick Wol Sun to the curb or tie her up to the tree of shame for several days to break her. And make sure you rip out her hair, too.
- Soo Ryun definitely deserves her pillar: how she exposed the decoy just shows how smooth she can be in maneuvering things to get information. I still don’t get why she told Kwan Woong that the decoy was a fake. The only thing I can think is that she knows of Kwan Woong’s obsession with Seo Hwa and is using that to maneuver Kwan Woong into making some bad self-destructive decisions.
- And how did Kwan Woong become so enamored of Seo Hwa? It’s just so sick. Lusting after a friend’s daughter. Sick!
- Soo Ryun’s take on how all of them, regardless of who or what they are or what their status is, how they all are working for the common good, is a really interesting concept. It explains why she doesn’t necessarily look down on what they do at the gisaeng house, since they’re all, including the gisaengs, a piece of one giant puzzle.
- *When* is Kwan Woong going to send someone after Ninja Soh? Is he lying dead in a ditch somewhere? How is he going to be discovered, since they were off somewhere deep in the woods? I don’t doubt he’s still alive, though.
- And finally, no! My beloved Wol Ryung is gone and only the demon remains. Are he and Seo Hwa psychically linked, since she seemed to react to his transformation into the demon Wol Ryung? Does that mean there’s still hope for him? Please, please?!
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