These episodes were a bit slow in pace, but important details were revealed, and more seeds were planted.
Episode 15
Pain and Sadness of being Mother and Son
Ji Sang finally realizes the true meaning behind that black tortoise ring and figures that Young Ji is actually his birth mother. These relationships are so complicated. You want them to reunite, yet you know they can't because he'll be in danger.
Lee Seung Yeon acts out that internal struggle really well, I'm really moved by her crying scenes.
Revelations, Threats
Jung Geun has a meeting with the two nosy parents of Ji Sang and finds himself hearing something of use to him. I wonder how Jong Dae, this 'father' of Ji Sang's will be contributing to the foundation of the Joseon dynasty later on...because I really can't see any great attributes in him right now.
The Evil Priestess is wary of Ban Ya and orders her helper to search her background. Lo and behold, Bong Choon is the one housing Ban Ya to the E.P's surprise. Before they can take action, Bong Choon arrives right at their doorstep and gloats that the E.P can't lay a finger on her as she is the 'godmother' of the girl accompanying the King. She warns the E.P to step down soon or she'll make her. I have a feeling the E.P won't let this woman off easily this time...
Sad Fate, Sad Couple
And the most heartbreaking couple. The Queen has to spare her man to another woman to make a prince. Sigh, if only they knew that their attempts will only end up in vain later on...
Seriously, why are these 2 so pitiful? What have they done wrong to earn this sad fate...
Birth of a Heir
So the night comes where the King spends the night with Ban Ya and the prophecy holds true, as MooHak and Creepy Monk witness the thristy dragon coming down to take a sip at Ban Ya's mother's grave. I love when MooHak tells the Creepy Monk that those 2 only managed to prolong a 'falling dynasty' and it will soon end with a new leader. Darn it, just can't wait to look at their faces when that time comes!
Kill that Darn Pest!
So after getting assured by Young Ji that he'll always be her son no matter what, Jung Geun heads to the E.P to tell her to kill Ji Sang, Young Ji's real son. Wow, now I really see how that phrase "like mother, like son" comes into play here. Here your 'real' mother tried doing the exact same thing 'N' years ago, and now you're learning from her again.
Prison Break?
Yes! The exciting part only comes right at the end! Ji Sang recognizes Lee Sung Gye, but he doesn't. Their comrade gets captured, just as smart Ji Sang observed, and now they're planning to escape? Together?
Episode 16
Family Portrait
Thought I had to capture this moment. Family picture! Jung Geun breaks the news to his 'parents' that Young Ji's son is alive. Moo Young is startled and goes "I'm sure I stabbed him!" Aha, well you should've checked if he was breathing then, says Lee In Im.
Save me
The assasin sent in prison to kill Ji Sang fails at his mission when Lee Sung Gye knocks him unconcious with his bowl (yes!). Ji Sang conveninetly finds the key but only can open his door. Lee Sung Gye tells him to report to Choi Young to save him. Gosh, I love their partnership already!
I Have Not Seen Him...
I must say, Hae In is not good at lying, but luckily Jung Geun can't see through her. He barges in her room and she's all calm and is all like "Hey Jung Geun, what brings you here so late?" And I'm all like, someone just barged through your door, shouldn't you be a bit more startled even though he's a friend? Jung Geun warns her that she'll get in trouble if she helps a prisoner escape but she says she'd never do such a thing (in her 'lying' voice). After he leaves, out pops Ji Sang under her covers! Haha, I would've never thought that... Up till now, I only see Hae In as the one liking Ji Sang. Ji Sang shows affection, but in his 'playful' way so I can't say it's love right now. I wonder how it'll develop.
Please Do Not Have A Change In Heart
And Ji Sang finds Choi Young just in time and he manages to stop Lee In Im sending him off to China. He rushes to the "confused" King Gongmin to sort things out and presses that if he continues doing this, none of his loyal subjects will trust him anymore. Sigh, if only our "confused" King would listen, Choi Young. But he agrees and Lee Sung Gye is saved. I really, really don't have sympathy for the King anymore. I mean, Ryu Tae Joon is great at it, it's just that, his character is being written as the King who only listens to evil and willingly follows. I must say, this is a huge contrast from what I'm watching in Faith (Lee Min Ho, Kim Hee Sun)!
I love the exchanges all 3 of them have, Choi Young telling Lee Sung Gye not to have a change of heart, when Lee Sung Gye tells him being in prison can really change your view of the world.
He is my Son!
The only way to save Ji Sang is to tell the King that he is Dong Yoon's son and has the 'divine eyes' to find Ja Mi Won. Seems like the King still hasn't given up on it and orders Ji Sang to find it within 5 years, on the condition his mother will be held 'hostage' in the palace, never allowed to go out. Now...of course Ja Mi Won is just an excuse. Young Ji tells her son to go escape and never find Ja Mi Won, but I don't think Ji Sang scoured the country for years to find you...then leave again lady. Ja Mi Won has been mentioned so many times now that I really want to see how 'great' it is.
The Battle...Begins
Just looking at this scene brings chills to you doens't it. It's like they're meeting already to bring upon a new era. But no, Ji Sang and Lee Sung Gye are brought to Moo Hak by fate and we get more 'bonding' time when Moo Hak reveals Ji Sang is Dong Yoon's son and Ji Sang tells Lee Sung Gye that he's searching for Ja Mi Won. Moo Hak's that really important character where he says one important thing each scene. He hints at Lee Sung Gye preparing for a new era while Lee Sung Gye is like "listen to you and get into trouble again?".
How long are you going to kill people in the battlefields, it's time you save lives
By The Queen's Orders
Thanks to the E.P, Queen Myungduk (a.k.a Gongmin's mother) drops by to tell them to lay things off and get another match for a concubine. Something tells me you might be a step too late...
Let's Join Forces
Ban Ya is told she no longer needs to sleep with the King and I guess in desperation heads over to the E.P to bargain with her. I don't quite get if the E.P is just playing along when Ban Ya tells her she'll give her what she wants if she joins forces, or if she really means it...
Creepy Village...with Creepy Women
The crew (Ji Sang, Moo Hak and the other 2 that decided to tail along) come upon a village and decide to stay for the night, but Moo Hak notes he finds the village very strange...
And might I add, Hae In has is sporting a really modern knapsack there...(or it might just be me).
Strange all right. When women dressed in white robes come and kidnap Ji Sang! He opens his eyes unaware of being moved (uh..okay) and ghosts! Yes, I'd be freaked out if I saw middle-aged woman in white robes in the middle of the night. Yes I would.
Now what do they want exactly?
........
Totally the highlight of the episode. The woman in white robes. As I said, these 2 episodes were moving along slowly, nothing 'big' taking place. I hope we get more juicy stuff coming up.
