Seo Hwa goes to strike but is instead cut open by the sword of one of Kwan Woong’s guards. A tear rolls down her cheek. Mr. Japan simply blinks, aghast, as he takes the scene in. He never stops looking at her and his eyes are the last thing she sees before she closes hers. Someone runs over and asks Kwan Woong if he’s all right. Mr. Japan is not happy at the turn of events. Kwan Woong can only sit there clutching his cheek, staring at Seo Hwa. Kwan Woong’s aide orders the guards to take Kwan Woong inside and get him a doctor. As they drag Kwan Woong off, Mr. Japan reaches down and takes Seo Hwa’s pulse. By his shocked reaction, you can tell she’s still alive.
Oh! The aide was Ninja Soh. Mr. Japan quickly takes out a handkerchief to cover Seo Hwa’s face as Ninja Soh comes over to investigate. The handkerchief has the symbol of the Inner Circle on it. This tells me: this may be the first ‘alliance’ meeting between Kwan Woong and the Inner Circle and that he was working with them even back then. What was so strategic about Seo Hwa’s father that Kwan Woong targeted him to be killed? Ninja Soh wants to know if Seo Hwa’s dead. Mr. Japan lies and says that she’s gone. Ninja Soh understands him, of course. Ninja Soh mutters under his breath at Seo Hwa about being vile and then orders her ‘body’ taken away.
Later it seems that Mr. Japan’s people paid off the undertaker so they could get her body. I mean, she could have expired between getting cut down and when they picked up the body. Of course, she didn’t because we’ve seen Seo Hwa in the future, but it could have happened. I guess Seo Hwa’s will for vengeance was too strong to let her die. Mr. Japan, of course, goes to check her pulse and there’s slight movement from Seo Hwa. He’s happy she’s alive and orders her taken inside.
Flashback to Kang Chi crying as a baby in the cave and Seo Hwa cries, “My baby!” I can’t tell if it was the flashback, cut-open Seo Hwa or the flashback in a flashback postpartum Seo Hwa who said it.
Back to the Present. Kang Chi is chained in the barn and Seo Hwa stares at him in the realization that this is her son. Although, why didn’t she try to find him before now? Kwan Woong says that Kang Chi isn’t even a man, but a monster. He has his father’s demon blood and his mother’s human blood. They take off his bracelet, but drop it in front of him, where he could grab it. Kang Chi screams. And starts to transform. This time, blue lights appear, like the blue lights that carried Wol Ryung’s body away. This is definitely her son.
Kang Chi looks up, with a face like a kicked puppy, and his eyes are glowing green. Seo Hwa’s voice says, pathetically, weeping, “He’s not a monster. My baby isn’t a monster.” Flashback to Kang Chi swaddled in the cave and Seo Hwa’s voice says, “He wasn’t a monster.” Blue lights are swirling around. Seo Hwa weeps over her baby and her dead husband.
Present. Seo Hwa can only stare in horror at what’s happening to Kang Chi. 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. The blue lights fade away. Do the blue lights mean that he was trying to heal? Because they don’t always show up.
Gisaeng House. Soo Ryun is livid and demanding Gob Dan tell her what just happened. Gob Dan says that they threatened to arrest *her ladyship* for hiding the Century House thieves. Soo Ryun snaps, “Does Wol Sun frighten you that much?” Gob Dan starts to cry as she tells Soo Ryun that Wol Sun told her that Chung Jo would die. All Gob Dan had to do was bring Kang Chi. As Gob Dan talks and sobs, Soo Ryun huffs, disgusted.
Training Camp. A very small container for a secret message. I mean, it’s about the size of something someone could swallow; and maybe that’s why it’s so small. Pyung Joon opens it and takes out the message.
Yeo Wool’s Room. Gon is telling her and Chung Jo that Kang Chi was lured into a trap. They just got a message from Soo Ryun. So this says that most likely Yeo Wool knows Soo Ryun’s a Pillar. Soo Ryun’s involvement seems to be a surprise to Chung Jo. Gon says that Soo Ryun and Tae Seo are now trying to discover what happened.
Yeo Wool immediately goes over and grabs her sword, but Gon grabs it too, to stop her. Pyung Joon has ordered them to act *after* the information gathering. Yeo Wool doesn’t care, she’s just worried about Kang Chi. If he loses control, things will get much worse. Worse than any of them think. Gon tries to reason with her: He heals. He can’t die. But none of you saw the out-of-control gumiho Kang Chi like she did. All they’ve ever seen is the gumiho Kang Chi that’s driven solely by instinct and not by Kang Chi’s mind. Yeo Wool fires back that those things don’t mean that Kang Chi can’t be hurt! He still hurts. When you cut him, he bleeds. When you hit him, he bruises. Gon knows that he still feels pain like the rest of them. She vows that she won’t let Gon stop her.
Yeo Wool tries to walk around Gon but he stops her again. She slaps his hands away and dares him to try it again. They have a staring contest that’s interrupted by Chung Jo. She has something to say. Really? Yeo Wool doesn’t turn around and is polite as she can as she says she doesn’t have time today to stop and listen. Chung Jo quickly says that it’s about Kang Chi’s mother. This gets both Yeo Wool and Gon’s attention. Chung Jo tells her that Seo Hwa appears to still be alive. And you were being all twisty about deceit and betrayal with Yeo Wool when you knew this information WHICH IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT than who killed Wol Ryung 20 years ago. Slap her, please!!!
Kang Chi slowly wakes, groaning pitifully. Kwan Woong asks Seo Hwa what she suggests they do. Her face looks like it’s all she can do to control herself, but seeing Kang Chi in pain is torturing her. The minute Kwan Woong addresses her, the ice mask goes back on and she plays indifferent. She wants to know what he means. He’s talking about with this animal. She spits out that Kwan Woong knows what she wants: the map.
Kwan Woong asks Seo Hwa if she cares what they do to Kang Chi. Beat him? Strangle him? She doesn’t care? She hisses that now he’s getting it. She yells for them to kill the animal. Whatever they do, it’s their affair. All she needs is her map! Kang Chi can do nothing but sit there and listen. Seo Hwa turns to leave but Kang Chi’s stare catches her eyes. She struggles for a moment and then leaves without saying anything. Pil Mok gives a glance backward at Kang Chi and Kwan Woong. Kang Chi watches, through blurry vision, Seo Hwa and her men walk away.
Seo Hwa’s Room. She’s alone and overcome. She clutches her chest and she gasps and shivers. She remembers Kang Chi telling her that he was found abandoned in the river. She covers her mouth with her hands and drops to the floor. Again, she grabs the fabric of her skirt as she squelches a scream. And the tears start to come.
Century House Barn. Kang Chi is struggling. Kwan Woong lifts Kang Chi’s head with a fan to gloat. Kwan Woong’s really lucky that Kang Chi’s so weak right now, because the look he’s giving Kwan Woong says Kang Chi would kill right now if he were able to. Kang Chi wants to know what they gave him. Wild wine. It puts the drinker in a stupor. Until, of course, you die of excruciating pain. The veins are showing on Kang Chi’s neck now.
Kwan Woong wants to know where the map is. You’ve just told him he’s going to die because of something you’ve already done. Why would he help you? This makes Kang Chi mad enough that he lunges at Kwan Woong. Kwan Woong is just barely quicker. Kang Chi stands there struggling against the chains. I told you he wanted to kill Kwan Woong. Kwan Woong is amazed. How is Kang Chi even standing after 5 glasses? Then Kwan Woong makes a crack about Kang Chi’s birth: “No wonder she tossed you in the river.” This stops Kang Chi cold. Oh, crap. I can see where this is going.
Kwan Woong continues: “No wonder she doesn’t care 20 years later.” Although he knows that’s a lie because of how much struggle was playing out on her face. But he’s just that kind of scumbag. Kang Chi wants to know what he means. Kwan Woong clarifies: Yoon Seo Hwa, his mother. The sad puppy dog face has returned and Kwan Woong revels in how much he’s going to torture Kang Chi.
Kwan Woong snarks: “Wrong question. Ask me, ‘Are you sure?’ instead.” He says he’s curious if it’s really her himself. Kang Chi goes back to struggling again, but this time grunts with pain as the wild wine affects him further. Kwan Woong tells him to save his strength, because the more he struggles, the faster it works and the more pain he’ll feel. Poor Kang Chi! He already looks in agony. Kwan Woong says that Kang Chi should behave himself if he wants to survive the night. Dang! That’s some strong wine. Why the heck would they keep that stuff around the gisaeng house and *when* is Soo Ryun going to kick Wol Sun to the curb? I don’t understand why she keeps her around. Kang Chi’s pitiful screams of pain are heard around Century House, including by Seo Hwa, who’s being tortured almost as much over what they’re doing *to* her son.
Gisaeng House. Tae Seo is there with Soo Ryun. She hands him a dragon pill. Cheesy name. But still cool. Kang Chi has to take it within a day of drinking the wine for it to save him. Soo Ryun makes it all the more plain as she tells Tae Seo that Kang Chi has to take it but sunset at all costs. Tae Seo takes the pill and looks at it. And I am wondering what he’s thinking. I mean, with Kang Chi gone, he might get Yeo Wool’s heart. The girl or his brother? Hmm…
Century House. Eok Man and Ma Reum run up to Tae Seo. I guess he chose to save his brother. Tae Seo asks if they’ve checked the barn and the stables. Ma Reum says there’s no chance to sneak it in, not with all the guards there. Tae Seo ordered them to go to the kitchen and have them make rice balls. Then he holds out the pill. Ma Reum quickly grabs it, saying, “Allow me. I’m his father.” Aw. I’m getting a little misty at that!
Training Camp. Teacher has come to see if Yeo Wool is up. Yeo Wool’s fully dressed in her fighting gear, bow and quiver strapped on. When Yeo Wool says she’s leaving, Teacher declares that it’s not happening without Pyung Joon’s permission. Yeo Wool asks Teacher if she’s ever been in love? With all her heart and soul? Aw. Aw. Aw. “You smile when he does, cry when he does. When it’s just enough to be with him?” I kinda think that this is how Gon feels about her, even though she’s oblivious to it. Her words obviously affect Teacher.
Teacher exits Yeo Wool’s room and sighs. As she’s about to walk away, Gon appears, asking if Yeo Wool’s awake. Teacher answer yes, and Gon wants to go in her room, but Teacher blocks is way, demurely rubbing the wood of her door. It doesn’t stop Gon for long, who opens the doors to find her room empty. Teacher let her go! Gon demands to know where she went and WE GET TEACHER’S NAME: Yeo Joo! Her name is Yeo Joo! She looks up at him and asks him if *he’s* ever been… in love? Gon is surprised at that question. Watching him blink like that and snap his mouth shut, I had to do it twice.
The Village. Yeo Wool is looking Bong Chool. I knew she was a smart cookie! She asks him if her remembers her, and he describes her as his brother’s buddy. He wants to know what she wants and when she says a favor, he tells her that favors cost money. She wants him to hit Century House with her, to steal Choi Kang Chi.
The Barn. Ma Reum opens the door and sees Kang Chi struggling. He enters carrying the rice balls. There are at least 8 guards in the room. Ma Reum says that he’s there with some food. A guard wants to know who sent him. Tae Seo told him to say they’re from Lady Miyamoto. Enough rice and meat for everyone. Ma Reum gets permission to pass out the rice balls.
Kang Chi looks bad. Ma Reum asks for permission to give the last ball to Kang Chi. The guard picks it up and throws it over to Kang Chi, where it’s just out of reach. Ma Reum protests that his hands are chained. He picks up the rice ball and holds it out to Kang Chi. He sees Kang Chi’s glowing green eyes and is shocked. Kang Chi gasps, “Father.” Ma Reum starts to cry at the sight of his son. And I cry at his reaction. He quickly starts to chew into the rice ball, to get to the cure. I cry some more at how much this man loves his son. He tells Kang Chi to eat. Kang Chi gasps that he’s hurting like he’s dying, which stabs Ma Reum in the heart. Ma Reum tells Kang Chi that it’s all the more reason to eat. He holds out the rice ball and meaningfully eyes it. Kang Chi finally sees the cure inside.
As Kang Chi’s about to bite, the guard slaps the ball away, yelling and pushing Ma Reum to the ground. What’s he doing? It’s a tense moment until the guard snarks that animals don’t use their hands and Kang Chi should slop it up. The guard orders Ma Reum dragged out, who yells to Kang Chi, “Just one bite! One bite!” And the ball is too far for Kang Chi to reach. To make things worse, the guard kicks it away and then smirks at Kang Chi as he eats his own ball. There sits the pill with the cure, too far away to do anything but stare at him.
Tae Seo asks Ma Reum if Kang Chi got the antidote. Ma Reum says that he didn’t Kang Chi eat it. Tae Seo says that Kang Chi has to eat it so they can rescue him. Why not before?
Kang Chi stares desperately it the rice ball while the rest of the guards ignore him.
Kwan Woong is in with Seo Hwa. He wants to tie Kang Chi up in the market square so the villagers will stone him to death. Seo Hwa fist clenches as Kwan Woong declares that he’ll then petition the throne to punish Soon Shin for harboring him. She says that because of his rank, it won’t be easy. Kwan Woong croons that normally that’s true, but he’s quite close to the current prime minister. He again invites her to come see the show in the square, after all, you don’t see a monster stoned to death every day. Then he leaves. Seo Hwa says, through gritted teeth, “He has to die.” Pil Mok tells her not yet; they still need him. She doesn’t want to be dissuaded, but he reminds her that she’s sworn her loyalty to the Miyamoto clan. This seems to hold her back, just barely.
Outside, Kwan Woong sneers, “I wonder how long you can hide your true identity.” And he’s interrupted by a yelling Bong Chool. Who hates Kwan Woong’s guts for double crossing him and leaving him for dead. And Bong Chool has ten friends with him. Eok Man and the other servants don’t know what to do. Kwan Woong demands to know what’s going on.
Bong Chool snidely smiles as he says, “Long time, My Lord.” Kwan Woong doesn’t even recognize him. Slam! If he wasn’t determined before, the fact that you don’t even remember that you tried to have him killed, Bong Chool’s not the kind of guy to let that go. Bong Chool reminds him and Kwan Woong laughs that he survived. Kwan Woong wants to know why Bong Chool’s there. Bong Chool declares that he wants what’s coming to him, for services rendered, plus a little extra for the risking his life. Kwan Woong is practically incredulous at this. Bong Chool calls Kwan Woong ‘His Grace-less’ and declares that since he’s not paying up, they’ll just have to stay there and wait. They perform a sit in.
Kang Chi really wants that rice ball. It sits there and mocks him. A guard comes in and reports to the head guard, the one that told Kang Chi to slop it up. He leaves three guards behind, while the rest go to take care of the disturbance. Almost immediately one of the guards gets an arrow in his chest. It’s Yeo Wool! Instead of shooting the other two from her defensively superior position where they’re basically sitting ducks, she throws down her bow, draws her sword and jumps down to fight them. The rice ball gets kicked around in the process. Lots of Kang Chi watching to rice ball get kicked around. And some pretty nice swordsmanship from Yeo Wool.
Courtyard. The lead guard demands that Bong Chool and his men get up. Bong Chool says that they would but they can’t. The guard draws his sword. Several other guards do, too. This scares his men and they start to get up. Bong Chool bellows, “Who told you to get up?” They’ve been threatened before and just need to tough it out. They lie back down. But Bong Chool makes the mistake of looking in the barn’s direction, which Kwan Woong notices.
The Barn. Yeo Wool runs one of the guards through. The ball is kicked almost within reach. Yeo Wool is about to strike down the other guard when Kwan Woong bursts in, demanding she lower her weapon. Yay! Kang Chi was able to eat the pill. The guards bring in a beaten up Bong Chool and throws him to the ground. He tells Kang Chi, “Sorry,” before passing out. Kwan Woong gloats at Yeo Wool, did she think she could trick him? She wants them to let Kang Chi go; they have no right to chain up an innocent man. Kwan Woong answers that he’s not a man but a monster. A monster gets treated like one. And my awesome Yeo Wool laughs and says exactly what I’m thinking, “The only monster here is *you*.” This causes Kwan Woong to slap her. Bad idea, Kwan Woong. Nobody hurts Kang Chi’s girl. Even if he won’t fight for himself, he’ll fight to the death to protect her.
Kang Chi starts struggling against the chains, but isn’t strong enough to break them. Kwan Woong orders Yeo Wool tied up. Kang Chi seems to be getting stronger and just so we know that he’s eaten the cure, the camera pans down to the rice ball with the cure gone from where it was lodged.
Eok Man is telling Tae Seo that they’re planning on tying Kang Chi up in the village square. Flashback. Tae Seo’s meeting with Soo Ryun. She tells him that if Kwan Woong tries to use Kang Chi to threaten Soon Shin, Kwan Woong must be stopped at all costs. Present. Tae Seo looks over at his sword.
They’ve brought Kang Chi out to the courtyard. Lots of servants are around. Kwan Woong crows, “Take a look. This is the real Choi Kang Chi.” Eok Man and the other servants see Kang Chi’s eyes. But that’s not the real Kang Chi. The real Kang Chi is who they know. Ma Reum is struggling to see his son in pain.
Kwan Woong orders Kang Chi tied up in the square and rocks passed out to the sheep. Ma Reum bows before Kwan Woong, begging him to spare Kang Chi. From Kang Chi’s response, I don’t think he ever expected Ma Reum to do this for him. Ma Reum says that Kang Chi was Park Moo Sol’s foster son and that he reared Kang Chi as his own son. Not that Kwan Woong would care about any of that. He doesn’t love anybody. As he begins to weep, Ma Reum says he’ll do anything if Kwan Woong will spare his son. Kwan Woong sneers, “What a whiner!” and orders Ma Reum taken away. But instead of taking him away, they drag Ma Reum a few feet and then start kicking at him. All Ma Reum does is yell Kang Chi’s name and all Kang Chi can do is yell, “Father!”
Finally, Kang Chi’s strength’s back. He yells in his gumiho voice that he ordered them to stop! He busts free of his chains and throws backward the men holding him. With his super speed he rushes forward and throws the guards off his father. And then easily knocks down the rest, including this really cool move where he jumps and grabs a guy around the neck with his legs and slams him to the ground. He’s about to get Kwan Woong when he feels intense pain. Kang Chi grabs his chest and blood flows out of his mouth.
Kwan Woong muses that Kang Chi must really want to die. The wild wine’s going to finish him soon enough. Kang Chi smiles and replies that it’s more than enough time to kill Kwan Woong. That, Kwan Woong did not expect and looks scared as Kang Chi charges him. But Kang Chi’s stopped. By Wol Bae. And Wol Bae’s an excellent fighter who looks at Kang Chi without any fear. He stops Kang Chi enough to tire him. But then he steps aside to reveal Seo Hwa in a hanbok, her face stoic. Kwan Woong is shocked. It really *is* Seo Hwa. But it doesn’t stop him from saying, “Look at him. No wonder you tossed him in the river as a baby.”
Kang Chi passes out. The servants rush to catch him, with Eok Man holding him and he and Ma Reum shaking him and calling his name. This really gets me. Even though they saw the monster, they still see Kang Chi. He never understood how much they love him. Seo Hwa’s eyes are on her son. Kwan Woong tells Seo Hwa that she surprises him and he could swear he’s seen her before. Then he orders his men to take Kang Chi to the square. Ma Reum and Eok Man won’t let him go, even as the guards pull at them.
Finally, Seo Hwa’s had enough. And I really think that she’s planning an even more special place in hell for you, Kwan Woong. She yells for them to stop because it’s enough. She tells Kwan Woong that he wins. Kwan Woong has no idea what she means. She confirms that she’s the woman he killed 20 years ago, Yoon Seo Hwa. Wol Bae looks at her like he didn’t expect her to say that. Seo Hwa asks Kwan Woong what he’s planning on doing, now that he knows. Well, Pijo? They have an intense staring contest with Kwan Woong’s lips twitching every now and then.
On the outskirts of the courtyard, Tae Seo has arrived, sword in hand. Aw. He sighs when he sees Seo Hwa standing before Kwan Woong. But he still clenches his sword. I love that he was going to risk everything to save his brother.
Pyung Joon is before Soon Shin, asking him what he plans to do about Kwan Woong. Soon Shin replies that killing Kwan Woong won’t end things. They need the Japanese list of officers throughout Namdo. And then Pyung Joon says the obvious: Kwan Woong is getting worse by the day. Soon Shin tells him that timing is everything. Victory goes to those who understand that. Pyung Joon sighs in response. Soon Shin asks my question: What’s Pyung Joon so worried about? Pyung Joon tells him that So Jung came to see him and they have to stop Wol Ryung. Now, here’s something that just occurred to me. If a gumiho can only be killed by another gumiho, how was Pyung Joon able to kill Wol Ryung?
Flashback. Pyung Joon’s Office. He’s sitting at his table with So Jung, who’s telling him that they have to stop Wol Ryung. The moment his memory is lost, he will destroy the world. So what stopped him before? This monk. Pyung Joon asks what he can do. So Jung tell him it’s not him; the only person that can stop Wol Ryung is Kang Chi. Wol Ryung is a 1,000 year demon now, according to So Jung. Kang Chi is the only one who can do it. Whereas before he was a thousand-year-old demon (since they keep calling Kang Chi’s gumiho side his demon side) that just hung out in the mountains. This is what bugs me about this monk. He keeps making pronouncements like these and they continually aren’t totally right. The difference between Wol Ryung now and then is when he loses his memories, he’s not going to be kind or compassionate anymore. His power hasn’t changed, just the man wielding it.
So Jung’s Library. The creepy black mist is moving toward Wol Ryung. No! Foreboding, ominous music plays as Wol Ryung opens his eyes. He looks completely dead. So Jung appears at the top of the stairs and calls out Wol Ryung’s name. He fails to notice the black mist that’s swirling around. He keeps calling for him and looking for him. Like an idiot. And then he looks behind him.
Wol Ryung is outside, black veins bulging, draining the life out of some poor someone. Not just someone but a bunch of someones. And unlike before, where one person made the black veins go away, this time each life only makes a few of them disappear. That's *a lot* of bodies.
Soon Shin’s Office. He says, “Demon or not, it’s his father.” But hasn’t Kang Chi shown himself to be more pragmatic than that? Most sons pick up their fathers’ blood feuds, but not Kang Chi. Soon Shin says that Kang Chi bears a terrible curse, to be forced to kill his own father. Pyung Joon sighs again. I can’t tell if it’s because he feels bad for Kang Chi or because his daughter will probably be at Kang Chi’s side when he goes to kill Wol Ryung.
Kang Chi lies in bed, I guess it’s Seo Hwa’s room since she’s there watching over him. She has a smile on her face as she watches him sleep. Ma Reum is there too. I’m glad he’s not too worse for wear. He’s wearing a similar expression of love. They’re softly talking about Kang Chi, I guess so not to disturb his sleep. Ma Reum’s telling her about how they found Kang Chi. When she asks him about being a father to Kang Chi, Ma Reum says that he fed and clothed him but Moo Sol was truly a father to him. And I get a little misty thinking about how much Moo Sol loved Kang Chi. Seo Hwa’s starting to clench her fists again as Ma Reum says that Kang Chi has always been bright, since he was small. And Kang Chi’s reputation throughout Yosu as the finest of men. He’s respectful towards his elders and kind to those weaker than himself. Ma Reum smiles as he says that there’s no son like him.
Abruptly, Seo Hwa stands. Without looking at Ma Reum she tells him not to tell Kang Chi about her, to act like he doesn’t know who she is. Because that’s a good idea. All this secrecy is going great so far. I mean, if you were talking to each other, you would know that your husband is alive. When Ma Reum protests, Seo Hwa insists that it’s for the best. Ma Reum reluctantly agrees. She quickly leaves the room, presumably to keep from breaking down in front of Ma Reum. He follows after her. When they’re gone, Kang Chi opens his eyes. He’s heard everything.
Outside, Seo Hwa slowly walks and then after a moment, walks purposefully across the courtyard and into Tae Seo’s room. He asks her how he can help her. She asks him about her offer for him to be her son. She wants to know if he can give up everything and swear loyalty to them. Right then I would have been ‘hold up.’ Give up everything? Isn’t Tae Seo doing this to save his sister and his friends? That’s giving that up, too. Seo Hwa tells him she knows he a spy for Pyung Joon, supplying Soon Shin with information. She wants him to stop it, swear loyalty to them and take over Kwan Woong’s role. He asks her if she’s asking him to betray his country.
Without a change in her expression, she says, “Betray? Don’t be silly. What’s your country done for you? Did it save your father when he was unjustly accused? Or prevent your sister from becoming a gisaeng?” Is she talking about Tae Seo or herself? Because it sounds more like *her* reasons for betraying her country. “When you lost your family, your name, everything, what did your country do?” Tae Seo tries to stop her rant but she’s on a roll. What hope is there while men like Kwan Woong are in power? Can I remind you, aren’t you the one who kept him there? Giving him all that money and assistance? Isn’t it really *your* fault that the slime ball isn’t dead in an alley somewhere? She tells him to stop being silly and take back Century House. Save his sister and swear loyalty to them. If he agrees to do that, she’ll kill Kwan Woong. I think your sister wants that honor. Tae Seo is shocked at her words. She was really riled up during that speech. It was kind of scary. She blinks several times as she calms herself.
Kwan Woong is in with Pil Mok and he’s demanding to know exactly what they’re up to. Pil Mok doesn’t know what he means. Kwan Woong says, “That tramp, Seo Hwa–“ and he’s interrupted by Pil Mok, calling her ‘her ladyship.’ Kwan Woong arrogantly answers back, “That tramp!” He knows what she’s about. She’s come here to kill him under the auspices of the Inner Circle. Pil Mok’s still trying to salvage this. He protests that they’ve come to seek and alliance with Century House, without a hidden agenda. Kwan Woong shouts, “Silence!” He’s decided there isn’t going to be an alliance.
Pil Mok protests and Kwan Woong arrogantly asks Pil Mok, “What? You think I won’t? You think I can’t kill that tramp Seo Hwa again?” Boy, Kwan Woong’s bought into his own PR. He’d be nothing without them and he’s there strutting like he’s the one who achieved it all and who holds all the power. He has no comprehension of fealty or loyalty, so the idea that they would protect her over their bottom line, doesn’t even cross his mind. Pil Mok’s now looking at Kwan Woong almost like he’s a disgust cockroach he wants to cruch.
Kwan Woong promises that if he feels like it, their organization will never set foot in Joseon again. Really? Really? Because you’re that powerful? I sigh. Pil Mok wants time. Kwan Woong says he’s not a patient man. Obviously. Controlled by his impulses. But they already knew that. Pil Mok needs to decide. Is the Inner Circle with him or Seo Hwa? Pil Mok tells him that it’s enough but Kwan Woong repeats his ultimatum. I’m really surprised that Pil Mok hasn’t whipped out a sword and slit his throat yet.
Ma Reum sort of stumbles into Kang Chi’s room, bringing some food, and finds Kang Chi gone. Kang Chi is slowly leaving Century House. He sees his mother and turns to look at her. I don’t think she’s seen him. Kwan Woong’s voice echoes, “No wonder you tossed him in the river as a baby.” He remembers Seo Hwa telling Kwan Woong to kill him, that she doesn’t care what he does with Kang Chi. And then her asking Ma Reum not to tell him about her. What a horrid thing to think, that your own mother doesn’t want you.
Seo Hwa turns and sees Kang Chi looking at her. There’s staring and then she smiles and comments that he’s awake. He tries to make light of things. She asks him if he’s leaving and when he says yes, she tells him to be safe and it’s good that he’s going. Kang Chi starts to blink really quickly as the tears are forming but he turns and starts to walk away. Seo Hwa sadly watches him go.
But Kang Chi stops and turns back around to face Seo Hwa. He’s polite as he says what’s on his mind. He’s wondering… Did she hate him that much? His face is killing me. There are tears in his eyes and so much hurt. He can barely say the words. Seo Hwa’s smile drains away. Did she hate him so much that she threw him into a river? When we both know it was So Jung and it was strategically done to give Kang Chi a good family. Why didn’t Moo Sol ever tell him that story? Or Ma Reum? So he would know he wasn’t thrown away? Was he so awful?
Seo Hwa’s nostrils are flairing as she looks at Kang Chi and tries not to break down. Although he’s not going to realize that’s what’s going on. He’s not that perceptive. She doesn’t say anything but just looks at him. He sort of laughs and says that he just wanted to ask. It looks like it’s all that she can do not to break down. Kang Chi’s chewing his lip and he looks so sad. Where’s Yeo Wool when you need her? Kang Chi, since Seo Hwa said nothing, says that he just wanted to ask, so he goes to leave. She just watches him go. And I’m screaming with clenched fists for her to run after him and grab him and hug him!!! Kang Chi looks so heart broken and Seo Hwa, tears are now running down her cheeks.
After Kang Chi’s gone, Seo Hwa sinks to the ground and beats her chest, weeping. I don’t understand her logic. She was looking for her son. She’s found him. Why doesn’t she want him to stay? How is this a good idea? How is this a good idea?!! In the distance, Pil Mok watches her. He looks sad for her. But is he going to abandon her for the good of the Inner Circle’s plans? And wouldn’t they be Seo Hwa’s plans, too?
Gisaeng House. Chung Jo has assembled Wol Sun. A bunch of the other gisaengs are also there, but I can’t tell if it’s because Chung Jo called them there or if they were hanging out with Wol Sun. Chung Jo pours some liquor. Wol Sun wants to know what Chung Jo is doing. Chung Jo wants to put an end to their little feud. Wol Sun is all cocky and asks Chung Jo if she’s sucking up because Wol Sun has Kwan Woong’s favor now. Do you really? Because I don’t think so.
Instead of answering, Chung Jo reaching down and presents Wol Sun with this beautifully ornate box. I mean, I *want* this box. Beautiful. Chung Jo says that it’s a gift. As Wol Sun opens it she smirks about Chung Jo’s pathetic offering to win her over, but she stops when she sees everything that’s inside: rings, hair ornaments, necklaces. Wol Sun is obviously affected, but she keeps her bluster going.
Wol Sun slams the lid closed and tells Chung Jo she knows what kind of fox Chung Jo is. She drinks. There’s a subtle smile that escapes Chung Jo’s lips as Wol Sun drinks. Wol Sun declares that she’ll let Chung Jo’s behavior go this time, but don’t cross her again. Chung Jo has smiled outright now. Does Chung Jo understand? Chung Jo replies that as she said, ‘Don’t cross me again.’ Did she give her some wild wine? Wol Sun is shocked at her words and so are the other gisaengs.
Suddenly, Wol Sun grabs her throat and gasps, “What did you put in my drink?” Yes, it’s wild wine. Heh. Chung Jo tells Wol Sun to relax; she'll give Wol Sun the antidote by tomorrow night. ‘Til then, she can suffer the same fear and pain that Kang Chi did. Wol Sun screams her name, but the wrath of Chung Jo is out. Her face is practically in a snarl as she tells Wol Sun to never try to use her again. Because next time, she won’t use wild wine. It’ll be poison. Does Wol Sun understand? Chung Jo and Gob Dan leave Wol Sun to her suffering.
Outside the room, without looking at Gob Dan, Chung Jo declares that she cannot be threatened. She can’t be hurt. Gob Dan needs to remember that and never disappoint her again. Wow, snap! What a repayment for trying to protect you. Don’t adopt too many of Kwan Woong’s habits. Everyone makes mistakes. Stuff like that does not inspire loyalty. Some screams from Wol Sun and Chung Jo leaves.
The Barn. Yeo Wool and Bong Chool are tied to different posts. Yeo Wool yells at him to wake up and he finally does, responding to his mommy. Yeo Wool says that it’s her, not his mommy. He’s still not with it, because he asks his mommy where they are. Yeo Wool tells him that they need to escape. Bong Chool looks down and realizes he’s tied up. He complains about how tight they are. Don’t see how Yeo Wool can’t wiggle down out of them. Bong Chool has a belly but she does not.
There are grunts outside. Kang Chi bursts in. As Kang Chi runs over and starts untying Yeo Wool, Bong Chool tells him that he was so worried. He says that he’s not crying because Kang Chi’s saving them. These are tears of joy in seeing Kang Chi alive.
Yeo Wool is free and she and Kang Chi have a moment. She asks how he is. He tells her that he’s fine since got his father’s antidote in time. She tells him that his color is still off. The concern is evident on her face. He just stares at her with his sad look, taking her and her love in, and then he grabs her for a hug. She asks if something’s wrong and he replies that nothing’s wrong. As long as he has you, it doesn’t matter who else doesn’t love him. Because he has you. Aw, I’m crying again. She starts to hug him back and pat his back with her hand. He tries really hard not to cry.
Over in the corner. Bong Chool’s trying to get Kang Chi’s attention. He struggles and manages to swivel around the pole, to see them embracing. He’s shocked to see Kang Chi hugging Yeo Wool. I guess he thinks Yeo Wool’s a boy, too, judging by Bong Chool’s expression. He quickly looks away, like he’s not supposed to be seeing it. But he sneaks another look and silently whimpers.
Training Camp. Not only is Gon waiting for their return, but Song is, too. Smiles. Song is playing with the dirt and from the look on Gon’s face, he’s finding it very annoying. Why didn’t Gon go after her, by the way? He always has before. And he knew where she was going. Writers? But if he had, we wouldn’t be getting this scene. Hee.
Suddenly Song spots them walking up the steps. At least they’re not holding hands. Since it’s late, Kang Chi wants to know what Song’s doing there. Song says that he was waiting with Master Gon. Gon makes a face like he doesn’t know what Song is talking about. I love Gon. Kang Chi has to tease Gon a bit, asking if Gon was worried about him. Of course Gon says he wasn’t, why would he be? Then he looks away sheepishly. Song busts him some more, telling him that he was, too, worried. ALL DAY LONG. This makes both Kang Chi and Yeo Wool smile because they know that Gon is awesome. Tae Seo sent them word that Kang Chi was fine and Gon’s been pacing there ever since. Gon looks so uncomfortable, wearing this frumpy face. Gon tells Song to be quiet. Kang Chi and Yeo Wool laugh. Gon asks Yeo Wool if *she’s* all right.
Yeo Wool wants to know if Pyung Joon knows she snuck out again. He says that Pyung Joon went to see Soon Shin. Ah, so that’s why he didn’t go, so that he could cover for her in case Pyung Joon came back before she did. This makes sense except for the part where he didn’t leave, knowing she was going into danger, before Tae Seo sent word that they were okay.
Song asks if they’ve eaten. Kang Chi replies that he’s dying of starvation. Song says that he and Gon are, too. Aw, Gon didn’t even stop to go eat. Yeo Wool proposes they eat. Song says he’s with them. Kang Chi puts one arm around Yeo Wool and one around Song and they run off for the kitchen. Gon looks at them, almost with a ‘hey, what about me?’ face but then laughs to himself. I think he's happy that his friend, Kang Chi, is okay.
Oooo! Gong Dal’s made them a feast! Including soybean stew with beans. I wonder how that tastes. Kang Chi wants to know if Gong Dal spiked it with anything. Tincture of red ginseng, perhaps? Gong Dal tells Kang Chi that he *is* studying the effects of fermentation. Kang Chi is surprised but Song tells him that no one experiments like Gong Dal. Is that a good or bad thing? They all laugh and Kang Chi is happy to be there with them.
As they eat, Kang Chi’s smile slowly leaves. Yeo Wool notices. You’re going to make me cry, Kang Chi! He slowly starts to tear up, looking down so they can’t see his tears, and tries to be his usual sunny self. Everyone else stops eating, too, because they can see his pain, even though he’s not looking at them. I am really crying now. Dang it! Yeo Wool reaches over and puts her hand on his leg to comfort him. He smiles at her, but is still sad. Gon asks him if the food’s *that* good that it’s causing Kang Chi to cry. Aw, you’re a good guy, Gon. You know when someone needs an excuse, a way for people to ignore when you’re upset. That’s a good friend. Kang Chi sort of agrees that that’s it. Gong Dal tells him, and I think it’s with a dual meaning, for Kang Chi to eat up, because there’s plenty more where that came from. And I can hardly see at the moment. Dang it!
Kang Chi tries to be positive but he’s wearing that same sad face that he did when he was talking to his mother. Yeo Joo has appeared in the doorway. She holds up a carafe and asks if they’d like some wine. Aw, she wants to join in. Maybe she and Gon will work out after all. Gong Dal is ecstatic at the prospect and welcomes her in, calling her ‘Wine Lady.’ She passes Gong Dal the wine, so he can pour and *sits down next to Gon.* He's still oblivious that she likes him. There’s merriment as the scene closes.
Somewhere else, I guess a Restaurant. Bong Chool is knocking back drinks. His right-hand man tells him he’s acting weird. What’s got Bong Chool so upset? Bong Chool says that his brother, Kang Chi, like boys. Actually he cries it. And Bong Chool swears his buddy to secrecy, or else. Bong Chool doesn’t understand what’s wrong with women. And then, something I never thought I’d see in a saeguk, Bong Chool shouts, “adjusshi, more Soju!” Well, he didn’t exactly say that, but you know what I mean. Then he starts bawling some more.
Kang Chi’s in his room, staring at the piece of paper Soo Ryun gave him. I guess he’s trying to get himself back on track and distract himself from the fact that his mother hates him and thinks he’s a monster. And wants him dead, just like his dad. On the paper is that one symbol, Mok, or tree.
Flashback. I guess Yoon’s friends with Kang Chi now because he’s telling Kang Chi about even more bodies in the woods. You would think people would stay out of the woods with a soul sucker running around. It blazes a path from the hills all the way to the village. Is he being psychically drawn to Seo Hwa, since they seem to have a connection?
Gon is outside the camp, practicing his swordsmanship. There’s lots of air slicing sounds and he looks pretty studly. As he pauses, there’s clapping behind him. Kang Chi’s praising his craftsmanship. Kang Chi wants to know how he does it. Gon sheaths his sword and tells Kang Chi that he can’t learn by talking about it. Kang Chi asks Gon what he can do to become stronger. He has a lot to protect. Flashback to So Jung saying that only Kang Chi can stop Wol Ryung.
Gon replies that some things take more than strength. Kang Chi wants an example. Gon stumbles over an answer and looks really uncomfortable, but Kang Chi lets him off the hook by calling out the elephant in the room: he has to kill his own father. Gon is shocked that Kang Chi knew. Kang Chi does a somber yes grunt. Gon asks if he’s okay. Aw. They really are friends now. And I can remember the days when they just wanted to punch each other’s face in. Kang Chi sighs and is philosophical: All right or not, he’s the only one who can do it. Isn’t that right? Gon looks down and swallows hard. Then he tells Kang Chi to follow him. But aren’t you going to train him?
Scariness! Wol Ryung has reached the village. Moonlight shines brightly lighting up the night.
Century House. Tae Seo’s in with Seo Hwa and Pil Mok. She asks if Tae Seo’s made up his mind. He asks what’s in it for him, if he does this. Century House *and* his sister. And the full support of their organization. He wants to know what he’ll be expected to do. Seo Hwa tells him first, he needs to get their map back. Tae Seo wants to know when they’ll be killing Kwan Woong. Pil Mok’s startled at that question. I guess Seo Hwa didn’t fill him in on that part of the plan. Seo Hwa smiles malevolently and says, “He dies tonight.”
Kwan Woong is in his office, thinking and playing with those nuts again. There’s a noise, but no one answers when Kwan Woong asks who’s there. He pushes open his door and walks outside to find two of his guards lying on the ground. He demands the person show himself. And a sword arrives at his throat. Kwan Woong asks if Seo Hwa sent him. The ninja says nothing and goes to kill him, but instead there’s a slicing sound and blood spatters across Kwan Woong’s face. Who the heck saves him? Could Ninja Soh *finally* be back?
Training Camp Courtyard. Pyung Joon is there, sword in hand. Gon gets his attention. Pyung Joon means business since he’s wearing a bandana.
Wol Ryung pauses on his trek, black veins still present and his eyes glowing red. His voice asks, “Who? Who is calling me?” He’s outside Century House now. He *is* psychically linked to Seo Hwa!
Seo Hwa has a visitor. Yeo Wool’s come to see her. She identifies herself and Seo Hwa clarifies that she’s the daughter of Dam Pyung Joon. Seo Hwa wonders what brings her there so late and Yeo Wool says she wants to talk about Kang Chi. The smile that was on Seo Hwa’s face drains away.
Training Camp Courtyard. Kang Chi is shocked at what Pyung Joon’s ordered him to do: take off the talisman. He wants Kang Chi to take off the bracelet and face him. Pyung Joon draws his sword. Kang Chi totally looks confused and betrayed. Pyung Joon’s going to kill him now? Gon doesn’t seem to bothered by this turn of events. That’s your clue, Kang Chi, that this isn’t going to go badly. Faces montage and we end with Kang Chi in the courtyard and Pyung Joon holding a sword on him.
Thoughts
What an episode! Last one played with Yeo Wool’s insecurities. This one, with Kang Chi’s. Kang Chi found out the identity of his mother and thinks, just like his father, that she doesn’t love him and wants him dead. We all know that this is not the truth, but boy, is Seo Hwa being stupid right now. I don’t see what the harm would be to tell Kang Chi the truth. Or to embrace him as your son.
It’s interesting to see her logic in what’s she’s doing. This country, her people, did nothing to help her while the Japanese did everything to save her. It still doesn’t jive for me that her anger over people like Kwan Woong being in power, *she’s* the reason why he still is. If he didn’t have their money, he wouldn’t be where he is today. How does she not see that?
And when are they going to take Yeo Wool off house arrest, since it doesn’t seem to stop her from going *anywhere*? First to rescue Kang Chi and now she’s sitting in front of Seo Hwa late at night. Yeo Wool’s most likely there to tell Seo Hwa that she’s being stupid and to plead with her to tell Kang Chi that she loves him and wanted him. But could she at least, when she’s there, tell Seo Hwa that her husband is *still alive.* I think that information is going to change Seo Hwa’s perspective quickly, once she knows that she might be able to save him.
It’s very interesting the psychic link Seo Hwa and Wol Ryung share. Did they share it before? Or just after all this? She *was* the one who woke him up, which we already suspected, but this almost confirms it, since he’s being called to Century House by her.
Bong Chool thinks that Kang Chi likes men. That’s funny. And when’s that going to get cleared up? Especially in light of how flirty Bong Chool talks to Kang Chi, his reaction to it all is so weird.
I’m really wondering if Ninja Soh is finally back and that’s who saved Kwan Woong. I mean, it’s the only logical choice because I don’t think it was Wol Bae. Pil Mok didn’t know anything about her plan and she would have just sent Wol Bae if she wanted to include him. Is this going to get them to lose fealty with her?
And my thoughts move to Chung Jo. She’s becoming quite the cold, hard woman. I think the seeds were already there, but they’re sprouting badly. I wonder what Soo Ryun thinks of all this. I understand what she did to Wol Sun, but to threaten Gob Dan, a girl who was only looking out for you, that’s just too harsh.
Tae Seo seems to be considering Seo Hwa’s offer. But, I don’t think he’s really considering it. I think it would take a lot more than what she’s offering for him to betray his father, because that’s what she’s asking him to do. Moo Sol left Tae Seo with the Pillar of Accounting legacy and I can’t see Tae Seo just abandoning that for his own selfish desires. I can’t see him betraying the country his father died for to get what she’s offering. I can see him playing along in order to get the information they need. Although that makes me nervous, because I have a feeling that the Inner Circle is the equivalent of the Joseon era’s mob. You cross them, betray them, and they wipe you out for your disloyalty.
I’m also glad to see that Tae Seo worked to save Kang Chi when Kang Chi was dying. Again, this is why I don’t think he’ll really take Seo Hwa’s deal. Because he’s not the type of guy to do something for selfish motives. Kang Chi dead gets his rival for Yeo Wool out of the way. And it would be a legitimate reason, too. But he didn’t.
Kang Chi and Ma Reum’s complicated relationship. Ma Reum loves Kang Chi like a son and Kang Chi never understood that, or understood how much all of the people at Century House love him. Even after they saw his as a gumiho, they still rushed to his side when he collapsed. And after all that, Ma Reum just sees his son, Kang Chi. I hope Kang Chi remembers this.
Yeo Wool’s speech to Teacher, I mean Yeo Joo. That was great and perfectly sums up her feelings for Kang Chi. And I think his for her. Aw, I want a love like that. Does Pyung Joon standing there with the sword mean he’s decided to train Kang Chi, that his Kang Chi-hating days are over and he’ll be okay with them dating? They make each other better, dad. Really.
And I love that Kang Chi and Gon are now friends. Gon has really become attached to Kang Chi, despite himself. I love that. I know they’re always going to be bickering, but when the chips are down, they’ll be there for each other. Hee-hee. I still say, roomies fighting over the snoring and the toothbrush. Fun times!
The scene at the table with Kang Chi, Yeo Wool. Gong Dal, Song and Gon, that really struck my heart and I’m getting misty thinking about it. I am so happy that Kang Chi’s found a family that loves him and he *knows* loves him. One where he’s accepted, *all* of him and not just the pretty, shiny parts. Every single one of them knows who and what he is and they care about him anyway. They are the things that he wants to protect, these people he loves who love him back.
It looks like Wol Ryung and Seo Hwa might actually see each other next episode. Please let this bring back the Wol Ryung we all love. And please knock some sense into So Jung. It seems like everything he says with relation to Kang Chi is *wrong.* And I still want to know if So Jung’s really human, since Wol Ryung doesn’t consider him part of 'those people.'
No comments:
Post a Comment