Yeo Wool walks over to him and covers him with the umbrella. She says that he’s back. He grunts his yes and says he’s back. He hugs her. And even though he’s wet, the water on his face is tears. She says he must be tired. He grunts yes and adds a little, his voice quivering. She pats his back to comfort him, saying, “I see.” We hear Pyung Joon telling her to let him go. It’s the only way that he will leave, if she lets him go.
Flashback. Pyung Joon’s Office. He is sitting at the table with Yeo Wool. At his suggestion that they make Kang Chi go, Yeo Wool worries about him becoming a demon like Wol Ryung. This could happen if they fail to find the Book of Nine. Pyung Joon replies that ultimately, it’s up to Kang Chi. Like you have any basis for this or a history of correctly predicting Kang Chi’s reactions or behavior. Sometimes… Pyung Joon adds that only Kang Chi can find the Book. Pyung Joon offers to tell Kang Chi, if sending him away is too hard for her, but she wants to do it herself. Since it’s going to break both of their hearts. She even pulls a Seo Hwa and clutches her clothes as she grits her teeth and plows through the pain. She asks for some time and Pyung Joon gives her *three days.* Because he’s at risk of becoming a demon hinges on their quick response… Right. Not that it worked that way for Wol Ryung, but okay. Can anyone tell I feel bitter about this stupid development?
Present. Kang Chi and Yeo Wool hugging in the rain. Their theme has played during the entire Pyung Joon flashback and will continue through the rest of this scene. Yeo Wool thinks: “The time we have left together, from now, is three days. In that time we have, will I be able to send you away, Kang Chi?” Her heart is breaking even as she thinks the words and she cries, too. Both she and Kang Chi are silently weeping as they hold each other.
Next morning. Kang Chi wakes in his room, Yeo Wool sleeping beside him, her arm resting on his chest. It takes him a few seconds to notice it and then he doesn’t know what to do. So he just looks at her. Eventually, he reaches over to lift up her hand so that he can roll onto his side, facing her. He puts her hand back on his arm but continues to hold it. He watches her sleep, content. Finally, he whispers her name. She’s barely awake. He asks her why she’s there. A logical question, definitely. Not fishy at all. Without opening her eyes, she answers that it’s because he cried so much the night before. Aw.
Yeo Wool opens her eyes a crack and asks Kang Chi if he’s feeling better now. He smiles and nods. It’s definitely because of her. She closes her eyes again as she smiles. Kang Chi whispers that it’s morning and waits for it to sink in, counting the seconds passing with his fingers. After about four seconds, Yeo Wool’s eyes pop open with a ‘What?!!’ She starts to freak out, which amuses Kang Chi.
Kang Chi starts to tease her about it being their first night together. A little racy there, Kang Chi! Not that we didn’t already know that their minds were going there, but really! Yeo Wool laughs and tells him he must be feeling better since he’s joking around. For a brief moment, the sadness pokes through, but he tries to play it off. Yeo Wool thinks about how they only have three days. And I want to punch Pyung Joon. Why can’t Yeo Wool go *with* Kang Chi to find the book? Where is it written that he can find it, but only him alone? The logic! Even cryptic So Jung didn’t have that stipulation. Kang Chi asks her why she’s looking at him like she’s worried. She lies badly about having no worries.
Yeo Wool asks Kang Chi to tell her three wishes… because she wants to make him feel better. No other reason. Why are you lying now? It ended really badly last time and you agreed no more lies! Arg! Kang Chi is clueless, as usual.
Kang Chi’s first wish is… Rice. Specifically, the rice Yeo Wool makes. Yeo Wool looks at him like he’s a little crazy. His second wish… Is interrupted by Gon announcing himself. Kang Chi and Yeo Wool react like two kids caught doing something naughty. After waiting a moment, Gon opens the door to see Kang Chi ‘sleeping.’ Gon almost buys it until he notices Yeo Wool’s umbrella. A bell dings. Gon looks back at Kang Chi and his jaw clenches with suppressed anger. He slams the door shut. If that wasn’t a clue that he knows, they haven’t been paying attention.
Slowly Kang Chi opens is eyes and Yeo Wool peeks out from under the covers. Like that’s not compromising. You didn’t do anything, not that anyone would believe that *now.* After deciding that Gon is gone, they sigh in relief, only to have him thrust open the door with a slam (and a gong sound). What’s with the weird sound effects? Gon looks royally pissed. It’s the least stoic I’ve ever seen him. As they try to explain, Gon tells Kang Chi to shut his mouth. Screaming that he’s going to shut Kang Chi’s mouth for him, Gon lunges toward the bed and pounces on Kang Chi. My girl Yeo Wool tries to restrain him but gets elbowed in the chest instead. Yeo Joo just happens to wander by at that moment and sees Gon doing ‘something’ to Kang Chi, that men shouldn’t be doing. At least that’s *her* reaction. I am laughing really hard.
As Yeo Joo starts to sputter and tries to shield her eyes, Gon realizes how bad it looks (Kang Chi’s shirt is half off) and pulls his arm away (but doesn’t roll off Kang Chi). Yeo Wool tries to unruffle Yeo Joo’s feathers but Yeo Joo is appalled that Yeo Wool is in Kang Chi’s room in the first place. Which I find puzzling, since just a minute ago Gon mentioned that it was mid-day. It’s not like it’s early in the morning or something. And she’s been in his room before. Yeo Wool sputters that she’s preventing Kang Chi and Gon from doing something they shouldn’t be doing. Yeo Joo is confused and it sounds *really* bad. When Yeo Joo asks, Yeo Wool says it’s something that shouldn’t be done at all. Kang Chi and Gon both try to get Yeo Wool to stop while Yeo Joo is scandalized at the idea of something two men should never do while in bed. She runs off.
As Kang Chi straightens out his shirt, Gon yells at Yeo Wool for how Yeo Joo’s going to misunderstand. Yeo Wool replies that they were fighting, weren’t they? As if she hadn’t done a thing wrong. Eyes wide, Gon’s worried she’s going to tell other people. Narrowing her eyes, she replies that misunderstandings are scary, so he should not misunderstand Kang Chi and her. While Gon protests, Yeo Wool smiles mischievously at him. Yeo Joo has returned and demands to know why Yeo Wool hasn’t left yet. Yeo Wool smiles and scampers off.
Before she goes, Yeo Joo steals a look at Gon, who non-verbally says that it’s not what she thinks at all, but Yeo Joo just shakes her head, glares, and hurries off. Gon tries to catch her, but he can’t get up in time. So he’s stuck. Kang Chi begins to laugh. Gon turns around, flabbergast that Kang Chi is laughing at a time like this. Kang Chi is happy that he can still laugh after all that’s happened. Looking at Gon, he thinks, “It’s all going to be pass. Thanks to the people by my side, I can smile again.” Which is why Pyung Joon is STUPID. Gon can tell what he’s thinking, so he makes a face and tells Kang Chi to get over it already. Brooding isn’t attractive. Kang Chi nods and thanks Gon, who responds with a grunt, pursed lips and another grunt as he leaves. He wuvs Kang Chi. That’s so sweet.
So Jung’s House. He’s outside, playing with his books. I don’t know how else to put that. He, stops, noticing Wol Ryung, who is back to wearing white and letting us see both his eyes. So Jung says Wol Ryung’s name and Wol Ryung replies that it’s been a while. So Jung drops the books he was holding and walks, stunned, over to look at his old friend. So Jung asks if it’s really his friend, and the desperation in his voice makes me choke up a little, which surprises me a little, but not, because it’s *Wol Ryung.* Wol Ryung smiles softly and replies that it is his friend, Wol Ryung.So Jung staggers forward and wraps his arms around Wol Ryung, weeping that his friend has finally returned. So Jung is so happy, but Wol Ryung’s face is sad. Because Seo Hwa is dead. But he hugs his friend just the same.
Training Camp. So Jung has sought out Kang Chi. Kang Chi welcomes him in, but So Jung announces that he has someone who would like to meet Kang Chi. And I start to get choked up again. As Kang Chi is confused, So Jung steps to the side to reveal Wol Ryung. Staring.
Yeo Wool’s Room. She’s just told Yeo Joo that she needs to know how to make rice. When Yeo Joo wants to know why all of a sudden, Yeo Wool says that she’s not happy with just learning sewing. Yeo Joo tries to decide if she’s going to buy Yeo Wool’s story.
Courtyard. Kang Chi and Wol Ryung stand in front of each other. Neither looks very happy. Kang Chi asks if this is Wol Ryung’s original appearance. Wol Ryung grunts his yes. So *that’s* where Kang Chi gets it. Kang Chi starts to asks about Seo Hwa. Wol Ryung looks down and responds that she will, forever, be with him. But her death is implied. Looking back to Kang Chi, Wol Ryung says that they will never be separated again. Kang Chi says that he heard that Seo Hwa betrayed Wol Ryung. Again, looking away, Wol Ryung muses that perhaps it was him that betrayed the trust first. His fear that she would betray him might be what made him into the demon.
Wol Ryung says that it wasn’t anyone’s fault that he became a demon, but it was his heart, his fear that made it happen. So So Jung doesn’t know crap. Again. That stupid monk. He needs to just stay home and study more. Kang Chi says that he wants to resent someone, but who should it be? The name is Kwan Woong. That’s who. If he hadn’t have hunted Seo Hwa, Wol Ryung would have lasted and gotten the book and probably would be human by now. Wol Ryung replies that it’s better not to have any resentment or revenge. Those types of feelings are against the laws of nature. Instead, Kang Chi should believe in karma; people get what they deserve as they go through life. How did Seo Hwa deserve what she got? Or Kang Chi? Or Chung Jo? Or Tae Seo? How did any of them deserve what they got?
Kang Chi smiles slightly as he nods and remarks that Wol Ryung sounds like a proper demi-god, which makes Wol Ryung chuckle. Wol Ryung asks Kang Chi if he desires to be human. Kang Chi nods his yes. Wol Ryung’s advice: don’t be afraid of what he’s chosen. The moment he loses himself in fear will be the moment he loses everything. I don’t like the sound of that because those three days are ticking and then Kang Chi’s going to get abandoned for his own good. The opposite of trust is fear. Wol Ryung steps forward and I’m hoping he’ll embrace his son, but instead he gently puts his hand on Kang Chi’s shoulder and squeezes it, his eyes saying more than words can express. Kang Chi looks at the hand and then into his father’s eyes. Wol Ryung smiles sadly and then walks away.
But before Wol Ryung gets very far, Kang Chi speaks, asking if this is the last. Last what? Time he’ll see his father? That would be pretty lame, Wol Ryung! Wol Ryung stops and without turning around, replies, ‘Maybe.’ Kang Chi’s not looking at him either. Huskily, eyes brimming, Kang Chi replies, “I see.” And even still, as he’s feeling rejected, Kang Chi reaches out with his heart: turning toward Wol Ryung, he says, “But sometimes, sometimes, I'll miss you.” And makes me cry. Wol Ryung blinks a lot, because of his own tears, and turns around. Giving Kang Chi a small smile, he turns away and leaves.
Kang Chi watches Wol Ryung leave. And another Dad leaves. Man. So Jung comes up to place a hand on Kang Chi’s shoulder. Kang Chi thinks about how yet another person has walked out of his life. Why is this whole episode setting Kang Chi to be utterly and completely heart broken? What are the writers doing?!
Wol Ryung sits next to Seo Hwa’s corpse. Her body is surrounded by beautiful flowers. There are flowers all over their home. Rigor mortis has apparently already left her body, since Wol Ryung takes her hand and squeezes it. Then he lies down next to her, still holding her hand, and closes his eyes. The blue lights swirl and fill the cave. Outside, plants grow over the entrance. And just for a minute, as I cry and wipe my tears, I want to punch Wol Ryung for not sticking around for Kang Chi. I understand his loss and mourning, but he just told Kang Chi that they won’t be meeting again.
Century House. Kwan Woong stares off into space. If the man had a soul, he’d look depressed. Outside the office, Ninja Soh announces himself, but it doesn’t even register with Kwan Woong. Ninja Soh enters and announces that Pil Mok has caught a mole. Which we all know is Tae Seo. This gets Kwan Woong’s attention. They drag Tae Seo in and shove him to his knees. Tae Seo defiantly looks at Kwan Woong. Pil Mok says that Tae Seo’s been spying on the Inner Circle, so he’s brought the mole for Kwan Woong to interrogate.
So Jung’s House. Kang Chi has just asked about the Gu Family Book. So Jung can’t believe Kang Chi’s asking, since he obviously told the boy that he had to master his gumiho side first. And since it took his pop at least a century to do it, Kang Chi couldn’t possibly… Kang Chi takes off the bracelet. Why does he still wear it if he can transform at will? Less draining? No transformation, although Kang Chi acts like he’s surprised at first, before he starts giggling at So Jung’s surprise. So Jung wants to know how Kang Chi did it (implying some other mystical way besides the bracelet) and Kang Chi says that he controls it himself. So Jung sputters, “That fast?” Kang Chi says that he said that he would do it, so now So Jung needs to teach him how to find the Gu Family Book. So Jung clears his throat and purses his lips. So I guess you’re not as smart as you thought you were, monk.
The Library. So Jung plops a book on the table. It’s the book that will provide Kang Chi with the way to find the Gu Family Book. Because, of course, it should be difficult, otherwise all the gumihos would be doing it. Kang Chi tries to dive right in, but So Jung stops him and asks him if he really has to become human. Kang Chi is certain that his answer is yes. He’s thought it over a thousand times. That’s a lot of thinking! Kang Chi tries to look in the book again, but So Jung stops him, telling him that he doesn’t know a lot about living as a demi-god. He should try it for a while before deciding. Kang Chi replies that he wants to grow old with Yeo Wool. So Jung removes his hand.
As Kang Chi starts to look in the book, So Jung tells him that it takes 100 days. Same rules: no killing anything (which Kang Chi doesn’t think will be any problem); he can’t refuse any human who needs help (Kang Chi is also confident about that one); and Kang Chi can’t show let the gumiho out in front of any humans during the 100 days. But what about the people who already *know* he’s part-gumiho? So Jung says that Kang Chi has to leave them all. Why is he continuing to listen to this man?! He wasn’t right about Wol Ryung’s curse. He wasn’t right about how long it would take Kang Chi to learn to control his powers. Why don’t you just read the book and see for yourself?
Kang Chi clarifies: after the 100 days, he can return to his loved ones, right? So Jung declares that no one has ever succeeded in this quest. No one meaning Wol Ryung? Is that what that book says or just what you think? So Jung starts to lower the threat of demon-hood, but Kang Chi already knows. So Jung calls the quest impossible, *because Wol Ryung failed.* Wol Ryung was also betrayed by Seo Hwa, which is what caused the demon to emerge. But that doesn’t seem to figure into So Jung’s thinking. Because he’s an idiot. Kang Chi repeats his desire to grow old with Yeo Wool and says that a world where he’s left alone without her is unthinkable for him.
So Jung basically sighs and tells Kang Chi he doesn’t know anything. Memory of his words to Yeo Wool, that one of them might even die. Kang Chi blinks as he reacts to hearing this, like this is the first time it’s ever been mentioned to him, rather than something that Gon has mentioned. So Jung has to repeat himself and Kang Chi is so stunned that he puts the book to find the Gu Family Book down. Did Gon or Pyung Joon mentioning it to you not sink in? Did you think they were making it up? And why are you trusting a guy whose other declarations haven’t turned out the way he’s declared?! Somber music.
A jar drops to the floor, followed by Yeo Joo scolding Yeo Wool. I guess the rice-making isn’t going well. Her hanbok is really pretty, though. Yeo Joo is frustrated because it’s not the first time, or probably the fifth time either. Yeo Wool mutters about the pots breaking the minute she touches them. Oops. Apparently what she just broke was some of Gong Dal’s special medicine. As if on cue, Gong Dal and Song enter the kitchen. Gong Dal is shocked at the bomb that is Yeo Wool trying to cook. He wants to know what they’re doing in his kitchen. Both Yeo Joo and Yeo Wool nervously say that it’s a class about food. And they try to hide the broken jar behind them.
So Jung’s Library. Kang Chi repeats that one of them will die. So Jung says yes. Although he said that their fate *might* lead to one of their deaths, not *will* lead to it. Stupid idiot monk. And since Kang Chi’s part gumiho, who does he think the dead one’s going to be? (Yeo Wool.) As Kang Chi starts to protest, So Jung says something that makes me laugh harder than practically anything else in the series: “My words have never been wrong.” Really? How long was Wol Ryung a demon for? Because it wasn’t even a MONTH. Month… 12,000 months… Hmmm... Which one is right? It will take you at least 100 years to master the beast, Kang Chi… Not even 6 months later, it’s mastered. But his words have never been wrong. That moment was supposed to be super dramatic, what with the music and all, but that just absolutely killed any drama for me. My words have never been wrong.
Kang Chi declares that he doesn’t care what So Jung says, if Yeo Wool gets hurt, he’ll just heal her with his blood again. And the writers are really annoying me with how they just throw these rules out there, without any logic: You can only save a person once with divine blood. Although did he really save her? Was her life *really* in jeopardy? Isn’t that convenient, writers, that it will only work once. And how does this stupid monk know so much about gumihos anyway? So Jung repeats that Kang Chi should give up Yeo Wool.
Kang Chi’s trying to find the loophole in So Jung’s proclamation… Won’t his fate change if he becomes human? So Jung declares that it’s not his fate, but Yeo Wool’s, that’s leading them on this path… The person met under the peach tree at the crescent moon is most incompatible with her. Kang Chi remembers the peach tree and the crescent moon, but I guess he didn’t realize that it was her. Being drugged and all, his memory was hazy. Finding the book depends on Kang Chi, but it’s not going to change Yeo Wool’s fate. Kang Chi looks completely devastated by this news.
Yeo Wool waits in the courtyard in her pretty hanbok and pink shoes. Kang Chi returns to the training camp but doesn’t go all the way up the insanely steep steps. Instead, he sits on them. He knows he has to leave her, now, not just for 100 days. I personally would be a little upset at Yeo Wool for knowing this prediction but not sharing it or staying away from me, since it’s her death that will come from their relationship. How could she be so stupid? Is what I would be thinking.
Finally Yeo Wool comes out to the stairs and sees him sitting there. She asks what he’s doing. He replies that it’s nothing. And neither is being honest with each other. That’s what’s made your relationship successful so far. Talk to each other!!! She goes to sit by him, but he doesn’t want to meet her gaze. She says that it doesn’t seem like nothing. Something’s wrong with him. Slowly Kang Chi turns to look at her and he thinks, “You and I, one of us dies. It could be that we might end up dying.” Because the monk that is *never* wrong declared it so. Yeo Wool repeats her question, since he’s acting so strangely.
Kang Chi tries to change the subject – without answering her question – by asking Yeo Wool why she’s outside the camp. She smiles and says that she was waiting for him. When he asks, she tells him it’s because of his first wish. From his face, Kang Chi’s forgotten all about the wish-thing.
Kitchen, at the table. Yeo Wool declares that Kang Chi should be prepared to be amazed. She’s very proud as she reveals her rice, even picking up the bowl to model it. Her enthusiasm breaks through Kang Chi’s sullenness and he asks if she only made rice. A little indignant, she asks him if he knows how long it took her to make *that.* Kang Chi asks if he should try some and, with Yeo Wool’s nod, he digs in. And declares it tasty. Until he crunches something hard. He tries to play the pain off, but Yeo Wool worries that there was a rock in with the rice. A rock? How did you make this rice? She hurries and holds out her hand, telling Kang Chi to spit the rice out (into it). Instead he swallows his bite. She can’t believe he swallowed it, but he tells her that she even made the rock taste good. Aw. He’s too sweet.
A moment of bittersweet staring at each other as Yeo Wool thinks: “The time we have left to spend together, is only three days from today.” Kang Chi thinks, “You and I, one of us dies.” Yeo Wool wonders if she can send him away. Kang Chi wonders what he can do, since he has to leave or one of them will die. Both of them start to tear up. Yeo Wool tells Kang Chi to tell her his second wish.
They’re interrupted by Song entering, announcing the arrival of… Eok Man. He’s panting heavily. I bet it’s news about Tae Seo. Who should be able to talk himself out of his predicament, if he claims he was suspicious that the Inner Circle was going to betray Kwan Woong. That’s logical. Dramatic music plays.
Century House. Kwan Woong’s Office. Tae Seo kneels before a seated Kwan Woong. Kwan Woong demands to know whose orders Tae Seo is following. Soon Shin’s? Pyung Joon? Tae Seo answers that he’s been getting information from both of them. Kwan Woong asks if he’s saying he’s been a double agent. Tae Seo replies that it would make him useful to both of them, wouldn’t it? Kwan Woong thinks it’s quite strange and wants to know Tae Seo’s intentions. Tae Seo practically can’t hold back his smile as he asks if Kwan Woong wants to make a deal with him. This is even stranger in Kwan Woong’s mind. Doesn’t Tae Seo understand the situation he’s in? With one order, he could slit Tae Seo’s throat.
Tae Seo asks Kwan Woong why he doesn’t go ahead and try it. Tae Seo declares, rather pointedly, that the moment Kwan Woong cuts his throat, Kwan Woong’s fate will be over, too. Again, Tae Seo can hardly contain the laugh on his lips. And I’m loving the return of the stud Tae Seo! Tae Seo gloats that Kwan Woong’s not long for death by Soon Shin’s sword. So, what does Kwan Woong want to do? Deal with Tae Seo or die at the hands of Soon Shin. And Seo Hwa has infected Tae Seo’s speech pattern! No!!!!! Stare off.
Training Camp. Pyung Joon and Gon are dressed, ready for a night out on the town… Actually, they’re about to head over to Soon Shin’s because they heard about Tae Seo’s predicament. Kang Chi asks Pyung Joon to let him come, too. I guess Pyung Joon’s asking Kang Chi if he’s done mourning the loss of his parents when he asks if he’s put aside his feelings. Kang Chi replies that he has and this is enough for Pyung Joon. Surprisingly. At least after he gets the nod from Yeo Wool. She’s apparently coming, too, even though she didn’t ask, because I guess wherever Kang Chi goes, she goes, at least for the next three days. Song, Gong Dal and Eok Man watch them leave.
Soon Shin’s Office. Pyung Joon, Kang Chi, Yeo Wool and Gon their greeting. Pyung Joon says that he heard there was a problem. What, do they have spies in each other’s camps? How does this gossip get spread between the two places? Does that even make sense to spy on your allies? Soon Shin reports that the maps of the Inner Circle was stolen the night before. When the garrison, which apparently only has about 10 soldiers in it, so that it was practically empty when Soon Shin sent them to deter Wol Ryung… Everyone reacts and Pyung Joon asks if it was the Goongbon (Inner Circle) merchants. Soon Shin thinks it is, that they took advantage of the chaos at the naval base to steal back the map. As Soon Shin narrates, we see the ninjas kill guards and steal the map.
Century House. Pil Mok is quite pleased with himself. He’s talking to Wol Bae, with shogun-shoulders in the background. He declares that (getting back the maps) completes the first objective of their trip and is a great tribute. To their Lord Toyotomi, of course. Wol Bae mentions seeing a model of the turtle ship. Wol Bae asks if Pil Mok knew about the strange ship. As an answer, Pil Mok pulls out the drawing that Tae Seo handed over. Funny how Mr. Two-Face didn’t share that with you, Wol Bae. Pil Mok says that he heard Soon Shin was trying, but he never though that Soon Shin would succeed. Wol Bae actually saw a model of it?
Fade to the model of the turtle ship. Soon Shin is showing it to Pyung Joon, Kang Chi, Yeo Wool and Gon. Soon Shin calls it a Turtle Ship. Which is what I’ve been calling it from the beginning. Heh. Soon Shin says that by the middle of the month, a model 20 times as large as the model they’re looking at will be complete. Right now, this model is about 3 feet long. Soon Shin adds that the blueprints for the ship were hidden in the secret room they’re now in, so they were safe. If it’s a secret room, and Wol Bae saw the model, does that mean that you left the model out on your desk? Or Wol Bae was in your secret room?
Pyung Joon wants to know if they’re now at a disadvantage, since the map was stolen back. Soon Shin pulls away a canvas covering part of the wall to reveal the map, *whole.* Even though Kang Chi was missing a piece when he handed it over. Soon Shin declares that the map Wol Bae stole *was a fake.* Tricky. This is why he’s a stud.Kang Chi asks what else Tae Seo has to do, since all this has happened. He wants to go rescue his brother, particularly since Eok Man brought news that the boy is in *danger*! Kang Chi asks Soon Shin to just say the word.
Kwan Woong’s Office. He’s playing with his nuts again. Walnuts, people. This is a family show. I guess that’s what he does when he’s thinking deeply. Kwan Woong reaches a decision. He goes to Tae Seo’s room. Tae Seo is seated, back in his Sunday finest and calmly reading a book. After glancing at Kwan Woong’s entrance, Tae Seo goes back to his book. Heh. Kwan Woong asks if Tae Seo offered a deal and asks what the boy wants. Tae Seo stands and declares that he wants Century House back. Kwan Woong needs to reveal the truth about Moo Sol’s death and give back his sister, too. If Kwan Woong does those things, he’ll be left alive. But tortured, right? Kwan Woong sneers a little.
Kwan Woong declares that if Tae Seo gives him any false information or has exaggerated its worth, he’ll slit the boy’s throat. Tae Seo answers, saying that Soon Shin has the list from Seo Hwa. He calls her Ja Hong Myung, but potato, pa-tah-to. This gets a reaction out of Kwan Woong, at least in the face. Kwan Woong asks for clarification. It’s like Vizzini declaring ‘Inconceivable!’ No one’s supposed to out think the great Kwan Woong! Tae Seo clarifies that it's the list of the 11 officials who are on the Goongbon’s payroll. Tae Seo says that Soon Shin plans on interrogating them soon. And what does Kwan Woong think will happen if just *one* of them mentions Kwan Woong’s name? Could that be, possibly, maybe, being put to death for treason, maybe? Does that at all sound familiar, Kwan Woong? Tae Seo smiles with a little gloat while Kwan Woong glowers.
Kwan Woong steps closer to the desk and asks what solution Tae Seo is offering. Tae Seo says he needs that letter signing over Century House. He almost snarks that they don’t have a lot of time and Kwan Woong would be smart to move faster. He’s almost enjoying this too much. The muscles at Kwan Woong temples are twitching. Kwan Woong tells Tae Seo that he’ll let Tae Seo remain the general manager of Century House, and he’ll set Chung Jo free, once the situation settles down, of course. Then he asks Tae Seo what he plans on doing: dying with everyone or take back the inn and his sister? Well, as I see it, he’ll be able to do that *not* aligning with you. And you know that, too, Kwan Woong.
Tae Seo tells Kwan Woong that he should kill everyone involved before Soon Shin has a chance to move in. Whoa! If I didn’t know Tae Seo better, I would say that he’s being really blood-thirsty. But I know Tae Seo better and I suspect he’s just playing Kwan Woong. Kwan Woong is a little surprised at his blood lust, too, so he just glowers at Tae Seo.
Soon Shin is still meeting with Pyung Joon and Company. He pulls out the list that Seo Hwa gave him back at the training camp and hands it to Pyung Joon. He instructs Officer Kim to take another soldier with him to collect the traitors and bring them back to the naval base. He then tells Pyung Joon to watch the movements of Kwan Woong and the Inner Circle. Wasn’t he already doing that? He turns to Kang Chi, Yeo Wool and Gon and tells them he has a separate job for them.
As Officer Kim goes to follow Soon Shin’s orders, he finds the traitors already murdered. Kwan Woong moves fast! We see the ninjas taking care of more as Soon Shin crosses the names off of his list. Ninja Soh reports to Kwan Woong that they’ve taken many of them. He tells him not to get the job done by tonight. Soon Shin thinks as he crosses names off his list. I bet he’s hoping they catch at least one of them and he talks. Otherwise, there’s no real evidence.
Not to be quibbling here, or anything, but if Pyung Joon is responsible for watching the movements of Kwan Woong, why didn't he tell Soon Shin what was happening, so that they could have taken at least someone into custody?
Century House Courtyard. Pil Mok and shogun-shoulders arrive to demand to know what Kwan Woong is doing. Why is he killing their allies? Kwan Woong responds that it’s because Pil Mok couldn’t finish the job and kill Seo Hwa. Pil Mok is confused until Kwan Woong tells him that she handed over the list of people to Soon Shin. A true humanitarian, Kwan Woong says that networks can be rebuilt but they need to stay alive.
Ninja Soh arrives to say that three of their lackeys (magistrates) demanded to speak with Kwan Woong. He stuck them at the Gisaeng House to wait. Kwan Woong sighs and tells Ninja Soh to get his men ready and then stalks off after a final glare at Pil Mok. I see your true colors, shining through…
Officer Kim reports to Soon Shin that Soo Ryun’s sent a message about the three magistrates being at her house. Soon Shin grumbles that Officer Kim should round up the 10 most skilled soldiers. Soon Shin is planning on going personally to talk with the three soon-to-be-dead men. This is actually a bit gutsy on Soon Shin’s part since Kwan Woong could target him, too, outside the safety of his base. But Soon Shin is a soldier, so he eats fear for breakfast.
Kwan Woong leaves Century House with Ninja Soh and three other masked ninjas. I guess one for each of the soon-to-be-dead men. Hiding behind one of the buildings outside the gate are Kang Chi, Yeo Wool and Gon. Kang Chi says that to get to annex, they’ll need to go to the West Gate. When Yeo Wool plans on going first, Kang Chi reaches out his arm to stop her. She’s confused. I am a little, too. I guess that prediction is now making him over-protective. Kang Chi tells her that he and Gon will take it from there. Gon is visibly surprised at this one. Kang Chi says that this is his second wish: for her to stay there. Yeo Wool argues that his wish is invalid, since this is an order from Soon Shin. He doesn’t budge. So off Kang Chi and Gon go, with Yeo Wool looking confused and not a little mad.
Gisaeng House. Soo Ryun is pacing. Oh Mom arrives and reports that Chung Jo has gone over to the guest room (with the three soon-to-be-dead men). Wol Sun is there with two other gisaengs, entertaining the soon-to-be-dead men. One complains about having to wait while another mutters that he worries that they picked the wrong side. Why, yes, yes, you did. Chung Jo enters, a smile on her face. Wol Sun asks why she’s there. Chung Jo introduces herself and says that the Head Gisaeng personally sent her to entertain them. But before they can say which musical instrument they want her to play, Kwan Woong enters.
The soon-to-be-dead men are clueless as to their imminent demise. Kwan Woong orders Wol Sun to take the other gisaengs out, since the menfolk have important matters to discuss. She smiles pleasantly and complies. Chung Jo doesn’t go. Kwan Woong looks at her and asks why she hasn’t left. Chung Jo wonders who will pour their drinks. Kwan Woong chuckles and asks when she poured drinks so easily. When it means that you’ll be dead, Kwan Woong, because that’s what happens to traitors. Chung Jo asks why he’s doubting her, and he replies that he won’t go easy on her if she decides to betray him. He puts in his creepy I'm-yours, your-mine context, though, which makes me momentarily want to take a shower. Then he repeats his order, so Chung Jo goes.
Chung Jo silently passes word to Oh Mom, who passes it to Soo Ryun. Soo Ryun frowns and turns around. I guess she’s looking for Soon Shin’s arrival.
The three soon-to-be-dead men are asking Kwan Woong what’s going on. Everyone else has been killed, with only them left. Kwan Woong looks like he’s tolerating a cockroach scurrying on the counter. One of them wonders if this is Soon Shin’s doing. Kwan Woong says that Soon Shin wouldn’t have killed anyone; he would have just interrogated them and gotten Kwan Woong’s name. The men are confused and Kwan Woong says he didn’t have a choice. Duh, doofuses. It’s him. As they realize, one ninja appears and makes them dead men. Kwan Woong muses that in order to live, one needs to know how to get rid of a nuisance. Oh, I can't wait until that applies to you.
Leaving the guest room, Ninja Soh reports that now all 11 are dead. And Soon Shin enters the courtyard with his men. Soo Ryun, Chung Jo and Oh Mom are in the shadows, watching. Kwan Woong asks why Soon Shin is at a gisaeng house. Soon Shin replies that he’s come to capture the traitors who sold out their country to the Japanese. Kwan Woong snarks that Soon Shin’s working hard for the country today. A scream is heard and a gisaeng comes running outside. Soon Shin sends his men to find out what’s happening.
Soon Officer Kim reports that the dead men are dead. Kwan Woong snarks about something happening to those traitors. And then he smiles, like he's gotten the better of Soon Shin. Soon Shin just looks at him and chuckles to himself, which wipes the smile off Kwan Woong’s face. Turning back to Officer Kim, he asks if this means that 11 traitors have been eliminated. When that’s confirmed, Soon Shin looks back at Kwan Woong, almost smiling, which makes Kwan Woong squint his glare. Soon Shin asks Kwan Woong if he’s heard of the strategy of two tigers. That means letting the two tigers fight each other so he can get what he wants without lifting a finger. As that sinks in, Soon Shin says he’s relieved to have the traitors dead without having to going through the hassle of an interrogation first.
Kwan Woong starts a bit when Tae Seo enters. Stare off between Kwan Woong and Tae Seo. Soon Shin asks why Kwan Woong’s being like that. Is he perhaps involved somehow? Kwan Woong returns his glare to Soon Shin and asks if the man plans on setting him up as a traitor. Soon Shin answers that he’s considering what action to take. Kwan Woong spits that if Soon Shin plans on messing with him, he’d better prepare. Soon Shin answers with a probably and then wishes Kwan Woong safe travels. I love Soon Shin. The man certainly knows politics and strategy.
Before Kwan Woong leaves the gisaeng house, he pauses to glower at Tae Seo. Tae Seo just smiles at him. Hee hee. Kwan Woong stalks out with Ninja Soh behind him. Soon Shin tells Tae Seo that he’s done well. Tae Seo nods in response.
Century House. Kang Chi and Gon are sneaking. Suddenly, Kang Chi tells Gon to stop. Then they stop, drop and roll and are narrowly missed by some flying shooting stars. Instead of throwing more to kill them, the ninjas all jump out and point their swords at the two. Kang Chi and Gon survey the situation.
In his room, Kageshima is meditating. He opens his eyes. Because ninjas have super hearing.
Yeo Wool is waiting outside nervously. Suddenly she stops, sensing the ninja walking up behind her. I wouldn’t say sneaking, because the guy just walks up. She draws her sword and the ninja pulls out another blade. There’s some fancy fighting and then the ninja is able to cut her in the stomach. He kindly stops so that she can clutch her side for a moment. She decides to run, with the ninja chasing after her.
Kang Chi and Gon are standing back to back. Kang Chi removes his bracelet. And I’m thinking that Gon hasn’t been healed by your magic blood, yet, so it will still work on him, so I don't have to worry about Gon dying here. With a yell from Kang Chi, which Gon was probably waiting for as a signal that Kang Chi had gumiho'd, they start to fight the ninjas. Kang Chi uses things like his super speed to fight.
Yeo Wool enters the courtyard and she and her chasing ninja join the fray. She runs up behind Kang Chi. He doesn’t realize it’s her and strikes out. Luckily he just got her left arm, but there’s some staring. And the ninjas just decided to stop their attack. Kang Chi and Yeo Wool stare at each other. She can’t even say his name. Tears fall from both of their eyes. Gon saves her from getting cut down by a ninja and she sags to the ground. Kageshima appears and orders the men to stop. Kang Chi just looks at Yeo Wool and cries. Gon asks if he’s Kageshima. When Kageshima confirms his identity, Gon pulls out a letter, a message from the Admiral. One of the ninjas brings it to Kageshima, who reads it. I wish I could read Hangeul. Kageshima looks back at Gon.
Kang Chi staggers forward, bends down and asks Yeo Wool if she’s okay. She doesn’t answer. Kang Chi grabs a rock and cuts his hand open. Even though he drips the blood on her arm, nothing happens. We hear the monk’s words saying it’s once in a lifetime. Even as Kang Chi mutters, ‘please,’ nothing happens. He cuts his hand again to get more blood and nothing. He is going to do it again when Gon grabs his wrist and tells him to stop. Kang Chi and Yeo Wool cry.
Training Camp. Gong Dal is dressing Yeo Wool’s wound, with Yeo Joo in the background. Gon waits by the door. Pyung Joon enters. When Pyung Joon asks what happened, calling her badly injured, she smiles and tells him it’s just a small scratch. Gong Dal and Yeo Joo look at each other and don’t say anything. When Pyung Joon says he heard it was because of Kang Chi, she says that he was busy fighting and that he wouldn’t even let her go in Century House because she might get hurt. She didn’t listen and ended up getting hurt. Gong Dal tells Pyung Joon that her wound will heal quickly. As Pyung Joon processes this, Gon sadly walks out.
Outside, Kang Chi waits. He and Gon exchange looks. Gon looks like he wants to say something, but doesn't know what. Kang Chi looks more distraught.
Century House. Kwan Woong sits, panting, seething, after smashing a bunch of stuff in his office. Flashback to Soon Shin asking about the two tigers strategy. Kwan Woong slams his fist on the desk. Ninja Soh enters and announces Pil Mok. Stepping around the mess, Pil Mok sits and asks what’s wrong. Kwan Woong wants 10 capable ninjas. What’s with groups of 10 men? Pil Mok wants to know why and Kwan Woong replies that it’s to kill Lee Soon Shin.
Soon Shin stands in his office, thinking. It looks like he’s decided what to do.
Yeo Wool opens the door to Kang Chi’s room, but it’s dark and empty. She goes looking for him. At the kitchen, Song is reluctant to answer when she asks where Kang Chi is.
Outside on the steps, Kang Chi’s thinking. Yeo Wool arrives and acts like nothing’s wrong. She says that she knew he’d have this sort of reaction. He looks at her arm and asks how it is. She tells him it doesn’t hurt, because Gong Dal as a lot of good medicine. Kang Chi starts to tear up and suggests they go back inside the camp.
Yeo Wool demands to know why Kang Chi’s acting like this, since it wasn’t his fault. He replies that he was out of his mind after smelling the blood. Next time something worse might happen. He might even kill her. She asks him what he’s heard. He replies that the person she met under a peach tree and the crescent moon is dangerous for her, and it’s him. He starts to yell at her, asking why she pursued things with him. She says she wasn’t scared. But she could die! She says that she doesn’t want to lose him, just because of some ridiculous fate that they don’t know about.
Kang Chi remembers Wol Ryung telling him that the moment he feels scared, he will lose everything. He wasn’t talking about this situation, Kang Chi. And you're doing exactly what he warned you not to do. Kang Chi thinks that he is scared, because Yeo Wool could die. Tears in both their eyes, they look at each other. A tear drops out of his eye as he declares that their fate ends there. No! Arg! Stupid monk!!! Kang Chi says it’s his last wish: that they end it there. Their theme plays as they look at each other and the episode ends.
Thoughts
We’re coming in on the end of the series and Kang Chi just broke up with Yeo Wool. Arg!
Some ends were tied up with finale week around the corner. Tae Seo’s no longer at Century House. Which is a yay from me, because I didn’t want the boy to die. It’s obvious that Chung Jo will be Soo Ryun’s pillar successor and her exchange with Wol Sun reflected the change in their power positions within the gisaeng. Tae Seo was able to trick Kwan Woong into killing off all his allies and I think Gon delivered a letter from Seo Hwa to Kageshima, which will mean Kageshima turning on Pil Mok, even though I think that was already in the works.
There were some downright funny moments this episode, like Yeo Joo mistaking Gon and Kang Chi’s rolling on the bed as something other than Gon trying to kill Kang Chi. And there were some moments that really made me cry, like Wol Ryung’s goodbye to Kang Chi and then sealing himself up in the Garden of the Moon while holding dead Seo Hwa’s hand. That still chokes me up just thinking about that.
I still really hate the monk. The only thing I’ve seen him get right so far is that Kang Chi’s blood wouldn’t heal Yeo Wool again. Even though I would argue that she wasn’t near death the last time he healed her. In fact, So Jung announcing that he’s never wrong gave me the largest laugh I think the series has provided, when it wasn’t supposed to.
I understand why Kang Chi is leaving Yeo Wool. He wants to grow old with her and the thought of losing her is crushing him, especially because it would be caused by him. The noble idiot cliché doesn’t typically have such dire potential outcomes, so it’s understandable. I just wish that the monk hadn’t been so convincing.
I loved Tae Seo getting the better of Kwan Woong. Also the little smirk he wore while doing it. That was awesome. I would still be watching my back, since you know that Kwan Woong is vindictive and you just royally jacked up his plan.
It's a little strange to see Soo Ryun and company, since that whole storyline seems to have been pushed to the back burner. Not that I mind not having to see Chung Jo, because I don't mind it at all. I just wish they would have given some of Soo Ryun's back story, because I so want to know how she ended up as the Head Gisaeng.
Next episode I expect Kwan Woong to try to kill Soon Shin and fail. He’ll probably come after the gang at the training camp for good measure. And Kang Chi’s not going to be there again, so bad things might just happen. Is Kang Chi ever going to undergo his 100-day trial, because now doesn’t seem like a good time?
*** For anyone who didn't get my Vizzini comment, watch the movie, The Princess Bride, starring Cary Elwes and Robin Wright Penn. Very funny.
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