Great Queen Seonduk (2009): Season 1, Episode 43 - Episode #1.43 - full transcript
Queen Seon Deok
Enjoy:)
That is unfeasible.
It makes no sense!
What you and I did
was remarkable indeed.
My clamoring for
the throne as a woman,
or your claims that the bone
rank system is a barbaric facade.
What you and I did...
was awakening Mishil.
The long dormant dragon...
has awakened.
Episode 43
Yes.
I will do so firsthand.
So now you must join forces with me.
I shall take care of Mishil.
You must be mistaken.
Or Mishil must be out of her mind.
She is neither of sacred bone,
nor was she a direct descendant
of the royal family.
You already claimed that the bone
rank system is obsolete and barbaric.
You have no right to say that.
Then...
does Mishil have the right
to rule us all?
Because she took our nation
on her shoulders all this time.
May it be through
righteous means or not,
the responsibilities she took
upon herself deserve respect.
If you so willingly wish to acknowledge her feats,
then consign her the throne on a silver platter.
No... She might be
a remarkable specimen,
but she will only encumber
our country's development.
Because, no matter what, Mishil will
never be able to ignore her noble roots.
However, once I gain the throne,
I will foster my roots even further.
Roots called people, that is.
I might lack influence
and Mishil's acumen,
but that is the reason
I want that throne,
and why you and I,
on behalf of the royals,
Yushin Rang's Gaya forces,
and Alcheon Rang's provincial
powers, shall all unite.
That is why I extended my hand to you.
Now... the choice is up to you.
Are you really going to, firsthand?
Yes.
King Jinji,
Prince Baekjeong (King Jinpyeong),
and...
Lord Sejong.
Or Lord Chunchu.
I shall no longer push
for anyone's candidacy.
I will do it myself.
May you aid me.
Your Highness.
Did Mishil really
come to such conclusion?
That is what I deduced.
And Lord Chunchu?
He is a remarkable young man
full of resolve.
I believe wisdom
will guide his choice.
How did you get
to know that Yeomjong?
He helped my master
on many an occasion.
And he acquainted himself with
Chunchu when he returned to Shilla.
Now, they must have known each
other back in the Middle Kingdom.
He was also the first to
sense Lord Chunchu's potential.
If he helped your master,
what kind of help was it?
He could muster remarkable
connections and intelligence gathering.
Goguryeo, Baekje,
the Middle Kingdom,
even when it came to Shilla,
he seemed cognizant of every noble
and provincial power's history.
Is he trustworthy?
Well...
I guess as much
as a merchant would be?
As long as it benefits him,
we can trust him to deliver.
Is he efficient?
That is beyond any doubt.
That must be why the master
so often relied upon him.
What are you thinking?
Yes... First tell us about Mishil.
Unintended as it might have been,
Chunchu and I spelled the end
for two walls hampering Mishil.
The bone rank system, and gender?
Yes.
Up until now, Mishil could
not proclaim her candidacy,
but a new wind of change
is sweltering Shilla already.
Hence, Mishil will advocate
for her candidacy as successor?
Yes.
When it comes to meritorious
service and public confidence,
Mishil is second to none.
Also, she might no longer be
Imperial Princess of the Heavens,
but her influence
still dominates the court.
Overwhelmingly so.
It still does.
And, all the more important,
Mishil does not abandon her dreams.
So, should fate prohibit her from
becoming Queen, she would rather...
Rule by herself?!
This is nothing we could not imagine,
but she is quite the specimen.
Remember how shocked we were,
when Her Highness
clamored for the throne?
For a fellow woman like Mishil,
the shock would be indescribable.
Were she but a dreamer, she would
have never encumbered us so much.
Her decision to take
a stance at this juncture...
will render Chunchu's tentative
to create dissension fruitless.
She will have brought unity back
to Lord Seolwon and Lord Sejong,
who were on the brink
of taking up arms.
Is that true?
Why are you keeping quiet?
Is what Hajong said true?
Did she really...
My sister?!
I have been by her side
since her very first aspirations.
Of course, resentment at
my upbringing must have...
been the biggest impetus,
at the start.
However,
I found out by remaining by her side.
That our wishes had become one.
Her Highness's dreams are my dreams.
Ahh... Still...
No matter if she is the one,
it shan't be easy.
Her Highness is truly a bad person.
How could the desire to possess her
which she instills in men...
be more powerful than their
own wish to gain the throne?!
How could we call
ourselves men, otherwise?
Because that was an
even more unfeasible vagary.
Indeed...
Indeed it was.
I myself...
shall follow Mishil's wishes.
Anyhow, that sister of mine...
She is no ordinary woman.
I am sure everyone is aware of that,
but is that even possible?
Could it not be an armed coup?
A coup?!
Coup?!
Mishil would never do so.
Yes.
Just cause is way too
crucial for her to do so.
Considering what happened
during King Jinji's dethronement...
Yisabu.
Geochilbu.
Noribu, even Lord Munno.
She convinced them all.
She did so without
spilling a single drop of blood.
Also, when deploying troops, the most
unquestionable cause is necessary.
Rather than that,
using all the influence she mustered
and the accolades bestowed upon her...
to convince everyone
would be much faster.
Her Highness's biggest strength
was never losing sight of just cause.
That's right.
Did she not make it her crucial point,
even on this occasion?
Then, is she going to use the
Council of Nobles to gain candidacy?
Her Highness clamored for the throne,
why couldn't my sister do the same?
If you say female ruler,
she would be the first coming to mind.
Ehh... Still,
did she not say so herself?
That the nobles followed her exactly
because she did not wear the crown.
You never know how they'll react
if she truly becomes our ruler.
Then... Just like with King Jinji,
would she instead lead to
His Majesty's dethronement?
King Jinji's misrule was something
everyone was concerned about.
Yes, our current ruler
boasts no such faults.
Then...
Like for King Jinheung...
Murder, and altering
his final injunctions?!
Ohh Ohh!
Careful with those utterances.
That was only possible because we
were His Majesty's closest confidants.
Ehh... Then, what?!
How is she going to accomplish this?
It might just be a frontal offensive.
By frontal offensive...
Through the Council of Nobles, that is.
That most suits her plans.
The possibility is very strong.
Yes, I was thinking so myself,
but just like Lord Hajong says,
how will the nobles react?
There will be dissension
amongst the nobles.
Meaning that many people who followed
Mishil as she was second in command...
will abandon her side?
Yes, that certainly could happen.
No noble would wish
for Mishil on the throne.
Her Highness would be better,
in that case.
Yes, that's right.
That is why, on the contrary,
I think this benefits us.
This new determination shown by Mishil
heralds the advent of our strongest foe,
but, on the other hand, her strength
might instead wither because of it.
For her weak spot has been exposed.
Weak spot meaning...
The preparatives
are going well, I trust?
Yes, there are no issues
with the preparatives,
but are you going to set
that in motion right now?
Yes.
This seems to be the right time.
- However, that...
- Yes.
We will need a slight change of plans.
A carefully devised,
and meticulously prepared one.
A taxation reform?!
I did hear from Lord Yongchun that
you are planning taxation reforms...
to increase the influence of
self-sufficient farming, but...
Yes, Sire.
But, there is no way the
nobles would agree to that.
Yes, they will not approve of it.
That is a task which will take decades
of effort to come into fruition.
So why are you
making it a pending issue?
First, it is to show our people
what the royal family will do for them.
And the second?
What is the second reason?
My conjecture as it may be...
I think Mishil is
trying to gain the throne.
What?
What are you talking about?
That is, not through
Lord Chunchu's candidacy,
but ruling this land on her own?
Yes.
Hence,
the primary goal of this amendment...
is isolating Mishil's political allies.
And so it will happen.
{\a6}*Shilla land register
~ Jangjeok* Vol. 4 ~
Not a single lot shall be left unturned.
Survey every single one of them.
Yes.
Her Highness is here.
Pay your respects.
You may continue.
Yes.
- Get back to your tasks.
- Yes!
How did it go?
We got his consent.
It's a relief.
Bidam?
He's investigating some nobles'
registers inside there.
Let us go.
How are things proceeding?
For starters, I secured registers from
Yeomjong, numbering around the thousand.
Not only land possessions,
but conjugal ties,
connections and followers,
even their relationship with
Baekje and Goguryeo must be collected.
Yes, I was just doing so.
Also, even if not of noble ancestry,
affluent and influential
figures from the provinces,
or anyone intimately connected with
clans of note should be investigated.
Yes.
I shall take care of that,
so don't you worry.
Before we announce it publicly,
make sure utmost secrecy
is maintained at all times.
Yes.
I know this ordeal is
already keeping you occupied,
but I must ask you for
your assistance elsewhere.
Make sure His Majesty's
infusions and repast...
are administered separately.
And why...
- It cannot be because...
- Yes.
Just in case.
Mishil has taken the stand,
so we must be open
to all possibilities.
Yes, I will.
We must carefully
investigate all nobles.
Must we really meet
every single one firsthand?
Yes, we must meet them all,
and find out what they think
of Her Highness and the Princess.
So you are asking to
verify who is on our side,
against us, and even in the middle,
after Her Highness's momentous claims?
Yes, we must be aware of
the entire picture.
Well, anyhow... Don't almost
all nobles live in the capital?
{\a6}*Household representatives,
comprising several ga (residence units)
Clans leading over two thousand ho*
number in the thirty-five.
In truth, they are
all willingly peculating.
And around twenty-five
of those are on our side.
Also, around two hundred clans
with over three hundred ho.
Four hundred and fifty with
over a hundred households,
and besides them,
provincial clans with
some land possession...
Numbers might abound,
but from our perspective,
they don't make much
in the way of noise.
But, with the situation as it is,
their stance on the matter
suddenly becomes important.
And that is because they could
accord their military support...
to Her Highness's cause.
We must gain the approval of
a large portion of those nobles.
That's not too much
of an issue, is it?!
My unmarried sons...
Ohh... Eight of them.
As for you, how many
unmarried sons do you have?
My unmarried sons...
Well... That...
Ehhh...
You're so adept with numbers,
and you don't even know how
many unmarried sons you have?
It's not that simple in my case.
Anyhow...
If we let loose all your sons...
and have them marry into
their clans, that will do it.
That is the best solution!
Yes, even if that is what it will take,
we must create a strong bond.
Ahh... My acumen really
surprises me, these days.
Even my mother must have noticed.
How elated you must be,
my dear nephew.
About all that acumen of yours.
What are your thoughts
on this matter?
Even though you were the first
to learn of my intentions,
why did you not
react in the slightest?
I merely follow your lead.
I have no family to cope with,
nor any asset to worry about.
What Your Highness achieved...
has become the sole legacy
I will leave behind.
It sounds like resentment to my ears.
It is not.
Resentment as it may be,
it cannot be helped.
And that is because my relationship
with everyone else might even suffer,
but I know that you will still
earnestly follow me.
I trust it will
not be too late already?!
If only I had thought
of this a decade past...
Your Highness.
To start with, we observed how
the nobles will likely react to this.
Yes... A wise decision.
But I have no intention of squandering
time with fruitless competition.
Still, this all will be
valuable to us in other ways.
I ask you to continue.
But... What do you
plan to do with Chunchu?
Chunchu?!
To prepare for this
taxation reform amendment,
Her Highness is gathering intelligence
and land registers for all nobles.
Here.
- Taxation reform amendment?!
- Yes.
Looks like my aunt is
trying to follow my footsteps.
What are you referring to?
Never you mind.
Were there any further movements
from Lord Seolwon or Lord Sejong?
Right...
No particular movement.
And Mishil?
Well, Her Highness, too...
Nothing of note.
Where are you headed?
Milord.
Milord!
Aigoo... really.
I cannot figure him out.
Even my mother said we
shall proceed as planned.
I see... All right.
It is Daenambo
What brings you here?
Lord Chunchu is here.
Escort him in.
Yes.
Lord Chunchu!
How have you been?
You were all gathered here.
We have been looking for you.
No matter how youthly fervor forced
you to hasten with those nuptials,
you still are His Majesty's grandson.
{\a6}*Big ceremonial hall in Gyeongju
You should stage another
ceremony at Poseok Hall*.
Indeed!
We must accord this propitious
occurrence a suitable ceremony!
Not to mention, did you not
clamor to become successor?
It would only confuse the nobles.
Yes.
But, where is Lady Mishil?
I seek audience with Her Highness.
You may see her.
I bid you welcome, Lord Chunchu.
Yes, Your Highness.
I hear you married, during my absence.
My congratulations.
How elated Princess
Cheonmyeong would have been.
Reflecting upon it,
meseems Milord and I...
share quite the long history together.
Your grandfather,
the dethroned King Jinji...
Your father, Lord Yongsu.
Your mother, Princess Cheonmyeong.
I was the one who killed them.
And why could it be?
Because with the coarse hauteur their royal
blood accorded them, they attempted to repress me.
It is because they did not
devote their all to repress me!
That is the essence of conflict.
Do not mistake subterfuges
with mere mind games.
To become Queen, my life
was drenched in stratagems.
I devoted body and soul,
my entire life to this.
Should my presence daunt you,
hold onto me.
If revenge is your calling, devote your
all to vanquish me, like Princess Deokman.
Those are the only ways you will
ever be able to contend with me.
Stake your life to fight me,
or else, just perish.
Chunchu!
Why are you just leaving?
You are the one trying to
spread dissension, this time.
Are you trying to follow my footsteps?
Yes, I learned that from you.
And from Mishil as well.
Isolating your foe, without
going against your principles.
I am curious who will
triumph in the end.
Help me.
It must be with you.
Are you asking me...
to hasten and choose my side?
No...
You once asked me what
brought me to Seorabeol,
and which feelings might
have brought you here, right?
"Not only Mishil,
but also His Majesty and
this absurd country of ours...
shall be victims of my vengeance."
"I shall no longer trust
anyone in this world."
"Not His Majesty, nor the Queen..."
"Not Yushin Rang, nor anyone else...
shall be blessed with my confidence."
That is what I felt.
Arrogance and malice
sweltered your soul,
your mind captured by all the
victims of your impending vengeance.
You, too...
were feeling that, right?
But, Chunchu.
It did not work.
For I did not trust anyone,
there was nothing I could start.
Let us start together.
You and I.
Stop for a moment and listen.
From here on in, Her Highness's
nursemaid will be in charge...
of preparing His Majesty's infusions.
Make sure you record and
report every herb necessary.
She will also take care of
administering those infusions.
So follow your orders.
Yes.
From here on in, she will be
in charge of the Royal Dispensary.
Mother, you take care
of the royal repast.
Fine.
You must not only control all
ingredients used by the royal cuisine,
but any and all local produce
offered to His Majesty.
Don't you worry.
Also, before you serve His Majesty,
you must first have it tasted.
Control all infusions as well.
Yes, I will.
I also assigned more
men as royal guards.
Thanks to you and Deokman,
I can always rest assured.
You have come.
Yes.
Bidam and Alcheon already left.
I will escort you.
Let us go.
But... You don't look well.
Yesterday, I met Chunchu.
Convincing him will be arduous.
Wait for him.
Here you are.
My gratitude.
And Lord Ugwang?!
{\a6}*Old Pocheon, Gyeonggi Prov.
He is the governor of Gyeonseong County*.
He is Lord Doyong's brother-in-law,
{\a6}*Also known as dan,
1 sok = 15 square meters
and owns 3,400 sok* of land.
According to our findings,
nobles with at least three thousand
sok of land were the highest number.
Then, how about we set those
three thousand sok as our standard?
Meseems you still fail
to understand our goal.
Three thousand sok is not enough.
Your Highness.
- Why...
- Because by doing that,
creating dissension amongst
our foes would be impossible.
- Chunchu!
- Lord Chunchu.
It is true the number of nobles
owning that much is the highest.
However, nobles with
a rank lower than six,
or provincial powers
make up the majority.
It is true we must gain the support
of as many nobles as possible,
but should we not create the
most stringest of standards,
if we truly want those for or
against us to foment dissension?
Also, was not one of our goals to
secure as much influence as possible?
If you are ready to embrace me,
it will mean accepting my every facet,
even...
the vitriol which flows down my veins.
It is not just you,
would it not be the same
for everyone who joined my cause?
Vitriol, ambitions, hope...
I must embrace it all.
And they will be
the pillars of my legacy.
What I can do is becoming something
that can embrace all those people.
Should this embrace be too small
to contain your ambitions,
you can break free anytime you wish.
Mishil...
Can you vanquish her?
Mother...
My...
Mother...
Did you shed as many tears as I have?
It's five thousand sok.
We can use that as our standard.
Yes, that is correct.
Five thousand shall suffice.
It's done.
Then, is not announcing it
all that is left?
Yes, at the council
meeting in the morrow.
Before everyone,
we shall announce it.
Taxation reform?!
The land His Majesty
King Jinheung bestowed to...
all subjugated chieftains
and their people,
the majority of it
is now owned by nobles.
This goes against the
wishes of our former rulers,
who advocated for this as the
emblem of our territorial expansion,
and is as a result further
impoverishing our people.
But asking for the
same amount of levies...
is utterly absurd.
With five thousand sok as our standard,
we plan to subject owners
of five thousand sok and over...
to additional levies.
To anyone owning between five and
seven thousand sok of land, six hal*.
{\a6}*1 hal = 1/10
To anyone owning from seven
to nine thousand sok, seven hal.
And from nine to twelve
thousand sok of land owned,
eight hal.
To anyone possessing over
twelve thousand sok of land,
we will collect an
additional levy of nine hal.
Nine hal?!
How can you raise levies so much...
Instead, should anyone possess
less than five thousand sok of land,
their levies shall go
from five to three hal.
Any farmer owning land between
five hundred and five thousand sok,
two hal.
While any farmer owning
less than five hundred sok...
will only have to pay a one-hal levy.
Does that imply that all the tax
exemptions on those lesser nobles...
will be compensated by what
more powerful clans will pay?
Yes.
Hence,
we shall hereby promulgate
this reform ordinance,
so I strongly advise
the Council of Nobles...
to pass this amendment.
That is...
Should this taxation reform pass,
anyone owning
less than 500 sok, 1 hal!
1 hal!
Farmers owning
between 500 and 5,000 sok,
2 hal!
2 hal...
All you will need to pay is that.
Is that really so?
Does this mean 1 hal
is all we have to pay?
Her Highness Princess Deokman
proposed this amendment,
and should the
Council of Nobles pass it...
And would that be possible?
Aigoo... They don't call it
Council of "Nobles" for nothing,
and this sure does
not bring them any benefit,
so would they ever
pass an amendment like this?
I have never seen such
occurrence in my entire life.
Still, it was the
princess who proposed it,
would they dare try to stop her?
Anyhow... It sure would be a relief.
How nice it would be, if Her Highness
brought some solace to our lives?!
So let us hope for the best...
Hurrah for Princess Deokman!
Hurrah!
- For whom?
- Princess Deokman!
Hurrah for Princess Deokman!
Hurrah!
Can we really accept this?
If you are the Royal Palace Guards,
then you're protecting Her Highness.
Well... You sure could say that.
Go ahead... have some.
Take good care of her.
I am giving you special
treatment for that reason.
No worries.
Hyung!
Becoming Royal Palace
Guard was a great decision!
- Me, too.
- Right! Me too!
Ehh... You miserable skinflints.
Just for a bottle, you dolt?!
Aigoo...
Tell me about it.
For just a bottle?
Pathetic fools.
Ehh... just pathetic.
The hell are you prattling about?
This is only for the Royal
Palace Guard. Out of the way!
As if you paid this yourself,
you little shameful rat.
Look at you, growing wrinkles
and still nothing but a midget.
Over there!
Bring some ddeok and more meat!
Let's see something tasty, shall we?!
Aigoo, look how incensed
he turns at the sight of meat.
"Let's see something tasty!"
You fool...
Stuff yourself...
Breathe every now and then, will you?
Pour one.
Here...
Some for him as well.
Have some, stuff yourself.
In return,
do... what's that again... squid...
that song you're good at.
All right!
"My father caught it,
my mother dries it out,
it's the squid I'm about to eat!"
Go on, go on.
"The squid whose eyes
blink is here for us..."
All petty nobles
and plebs are in tumult!
They are celebrating Her Highness.
Is she out of her mind?
Is she not turning
her back on the nobles?
She is not.
What she is going for
is creating dissension.
Dissension?!
Think about it.
Is it not about making sure two groups
are accorded different treatment?
Just like Lord Chunchu's
marriage with Boryang...
ended up creating a
conflict between you two?
Indeed.
What Her Highness is trying to do is
spreading dissension amongst the nobles.
There must be some nobles
who will be swayed by this,
and should that happen...
Those joining her cause
will emerge as well.
Yes...
Meseems Her Highness is
showing more wisdom by the day.
This is much too unfair.
Tell me about it.
How could one do
something so heedless?
Seems like an obsession about doing
something at all cost afflicts her.
But... Is asking for those who
possess more to pay more levies...
that unfair a practice?
Then, do you approve her amendment?
Approve or not,
it is a rational proposal...
That is what I'm saying.
Is that not right, Seokpum Rang?
Would you not benefit
from those exemptions yourself?
That is of course the case,
but exemption from levies
is not the only issue.
Right.
Her Highness's despotism
is the problem.
All powerful nobles will have to
compensate for the exemptions?!
If that is not tyranny, what is?
But did not those nobles enjoy
more benefits, all this time?
What are you trying to say?
Sangseon.
What will happen to
this amendment proposal?
How would I know that?
You are part of the Board of
Taxation, so would you not know?
I do hope this amendment
will pass myself,
but the Council of Nobles...
What did Her Highness say?
She had the utmost confidence.
Should we not let small and medium
nobles voice their views on the matter?
My father is coming to the
capital to join the council himself,
and asked me to meet His
Excellency the Sangdaedeung.
Then, let me join you.
I will meet Lord Yongchun as well.
Wait...
Let us have a word.
What is that supposed to mean?
We are here to voice our
approval of the taxation reform.
What?
Are you out of your mind?
My father told me to
convey his wishes as well.
What is it?
We accorded you our
support for a long time.
What are you implying?
That should we stop
the amendment from passing,
you will stop supporting us, is that it?
It is our earnest request.
Request...
The antagonism between lesser and
more powerful nobles is on the rise.
It is a very realistic
and direct proposal,
so voices of dissension already
were heard at the council hall.
Yes, seems like Her Highness's
wishes have come into fruition.
But, should even the lesser
nobles support her proposal,
will the Council of Nobles
still pass the amendment?
She did not do this with that in mind.
Then?
It will still be rejected, with eight against,
and only Lord Seohyeon and I approving.
But, the nobles who rejected
this motion will incur the wrath...
of lesser nobles
and all the other people.
Her goal is showing who will
be for or against this motion.
So is it to show our people what the
Council of Nobles is truly made of?
Indeed.
Wolya.
What is the matter?
Piltan Rang was
seeking audience with you.
My father wishes for you
to relay this to Her Highness.
Seems like the small and
medium nobles are reacting.
Yes.
My father sent communication that
he will join the council meeting.
Is that so?
Ahh...
This as well.
What does it say?
Lord Jujin seeks audience.
Lord Jujin would be...
the best support we could ask for.
He might possess less than
five thousand sok of land,
but he commands five thousand
elite troops from a nearby post.
And there is a significant number
of nobles willing to join our cause.
They all are interested.
Sister.
Will you continue
taking this lying down?
The lesser nobles
are causing a commotion.
They're explicitly showing resistance!
Yes, many ask for the amendment
to be passed, even with revisions.
Deokman sure knows how to adapt
to situations, when shown the path.
Are you meeting with
the nobles I mentioned?
Yes, I met them all,
but their stance
might have changed already.
Mother...
If this keeps up,
our support will be decimated.
Mother!
What is that silence, again?
Sister, if this keeps up, we will
be the sole recipients of their wrath.
Yes, we shan't let that happen.
There is no need to incur
our people's resentment.
Hence, support
this motion at the council.
What?
Support it?!
Dear...
What...
What?!
Mother, what... on earth...
Lord Sueulbu for Lord Sejong.
Lord Jinchun for Lord Seolwon.
Lord Shimbo for you, Misaeng,
while Lord Hajong shall
meet with Lord Sungshin.
Convey these messages to them.
You must directly meet them.
And bring back their retort
by the hour of the Ox (1~3 am).
What are you waiting for?
Hasten!
Tomorrow is the day.
Pay your respects!
You must be all aware of the
taxation reforms Her Highness proposed.
We are hereby gathered
to decide upon this matter.
Manifold deliberation must
have preceded this meeting,
so without further ado,
I suggest we proceed with the voting.
May Your Excellencies
make your decision.
Use the tablets before you.
~ Approval ~
Nine approve.
Nine?!
And one against.
In accordance with our nation's
long-standing unanimous vote rules,
we hereby announce this
amendment has been rejected.
Nine?!
With only one exception,
they all approved it?!
They got us.
They managed to reject it, but still
avoided everyone else's resentment.
This is Mishil's doing.
I again have a proposal.
Not further deliberating
any rejected motion...
is a long-standing rule of our council.
It is not the same
motion I am proposing.
I propose to change the
council's unanimous vote rule...
into a majority vote.
Unanimous voting is one of
our council's foremost traditions.
Are you going to change
our code at its roots?
Only the council still uses unanimous
voting amongst Shilla's apparatuses.
Even the very pillar
of this nation, the Hwarang,
use majority votes,
not to mention any motion
of the thirteen boards.
Only the council keeps
favoring unanimous voting,
and should any proposal
meet your disapproval,
it has always ended up being rejected.
Not only does this impede
our country's development,
but, as it is but an expedient to
protect the powerful nobles' interests,
I propose voting regulations
for the council of nobles...
move to a majority vote.
Right!
That's right.
What she said is right!
~ On the Next Episode Of ~
QUEEN ~*~ SEONDEOK
Don't you realize unanimous
voting also benefits you?
No reform will ever come
into fruition with this system.
And should they propose you
leave deliberation to the council?
This does not suit you, Sister.
How could Mishil crumble this way?
Mishil follows her dreams?!
- She is a person just like everyone else.
- May it even be my downfall,
I will go out in style.
We will force her to react impulsively.
Well, to that extent...
You realize what she is scheming?
Again... I almost showed you the path!
We ask Her Highness Princess
Deokman to no longer deliberate...
Untie me!
Then, convince me
to turn my back on Mishil!
Pungwolju,
must you force us to witness this?
Everyone, follow me.
Capture them!
You dare wield your swords
in this sacred place?
You two, this is
unquestionable treason!
Troops from Sangju are
marching towards the capital.
His Excellency is down!
They murdered him!
It's a coup.
An... insurrection?!
Mishil staged a coup.
I am the only one
who can solve this! The only one!
Enjoy:)
That is unfeasible.
It makes no sense!
What you and I did
was remarkable indeed.
My clamoring for
the throne as a woman,
or your claims that the bone
rank system is a barbaric facade.
What you and I did...
was awakening Mishil.
The long dormant dragon...
has awakened.
Episode 43
Yes.
I will do so firsthand.
So now you must join forces with me.
I shall take care of Mishil.
You must be mistaken.
Or Mishil must be out of her mind.
She is neither of sacred bone,
nor was she a direct descendant
of the royal family.
You already claimed that the bone
rank system is obsolete and barbaric.
You have no right to say that.
Then...
does Mishil have the right
to rule us all?
Because she took our nation
on her shoulders all this time.
May it be through
righteous means or not,
the responsibilities she took
upon herself deserve respect.
If you so willingly wish to acknowledge her feats,
then consign her the throne on a silver platter.
No... She might be
a remarkable specimen,
but she will only encumber
our country's development.
Because, no matter what, Mishil will
never be able to ignore her noble roots.
However, once I gain the throne,
I will foster my roots even further.
Roots called people, that is.
I might lack influence
and Mishil's acumen,
but that is the reason
I want that throne,
and why you and I,
on behalf of the royals,
Yushin Rang's Gaya forces,
and Alcheon Rang's provincial
powers, shall all unite.
That is why I extended my hand to you.
Now... the choice is up to you.
Are you really going to, firsthand?
Yes.
King Jinji,
Prince Baekjeong (King Jinpyeong),
and...
Lord Sejong.
Or Lord Chunchu.
I shall no longer push
for anyone's candidacy.
I will do it myself.
May you aid me.
Your Highness.
Did Mishil really
come to such conclusion?
That is what I deduced.
And Lord Chunchu?
He is a remarkable young man
full of resolve.
I believe wisdom
will guide his choice.
How did you get
to know that Yeomjong?
He helped my master
on many an occasion.
And he acquainted himself with
Chunchu when he returned to Shilla.
Now, they must have known each
other back in the Middle Kingdom.
He was also the first to
sense Lord Chunchu's potential.
If he helped your master,
what kind of help was it?
He could muster remarkable
connections and intelligence gathering.
Goguryeo, Baekje,
the Middle Kingdom,
even when it came to Shilla,
he seemed cognizant of every noble
and provincial power's history.
Is he trustworthy?
Well...
I guess as much
as a merchant would be?
As long as it benefits him,
we can trust him to deliver.
Is he efficient?
That is beyond any doubt.
That must be why the master
so often relied upon him.
What are you thinking?
Yes... First tell us about Mishil.
Unintended as it might have been,
Chunchu and I spelled the end
for two walls hampering Mishil.
The bone rank system, and gender?
Yes.
Up until now, Mishil could
not proclaim her candidacy,
but a new wind of change
is sweltering Shilla already.
Hence, Mishil will advocate
for her candidacy as successor?
Yes.
When it comes to meritorious
service and public confidence,
Mishil is second to none.
Also, she might no longer be
Imperial Princess of the Heavens,
but her influence
still dominates the court.
Overwhelmingly so.
It still does.
And, all the more important,
Mishil does not abandon her dreams.
So, should fate prohibit her from
becoming Queen, she would rather...
Rule by herself?!
This is nothing we could not imagine,
but she is quite the specimen.
Remember how shocked we were,
when Her Highness
clamored for the throne?
For a fellow woman like Mishil,
the shock would be indescribable.
Were she but a dreamer, she would
have never encumbered us so much.
Her decision to take
a stance at this juncture...
will render Chunchu's tentative
to create dissension fruitless.
She will have brought unity back
to Lord Seolwon and Lord Sejong,
who were on the brink
of taking up arms.
Is that true?
Why are you keeping quiet?
Is what Hajong said true?
Did she really...
My sister?!
I have been by her side
since her very first aspirations.
Of course, resentment at
my upbringing must have...
been the biggest impetus,
at the start.
However,
I found out by remaining by her side.
That our wishes had become one.
Her Highness's dreams are my dreams.
Ahh... Still...
No matter if she is the one,
it shan't be easy.
Her Highness is truly a bad person.
How could the desire to possess her
which she instills in men...
be more powerful than their
own wish to gain the throne?!
How could we call
ourselves men, otherwise?
Because that was an
even more unfeasible vagary.
Indeed...
Indeed it was.
I myself...
shall follow Mishil's wishes.
Anyhow, that sister of mine...
She is no ordinary woman.
I am sure everyone is aware of that,
but is that even possible?
Could it not be an armed coup?
A coup?!
Coup?!
Mishil would never do so.
Yes.
Just cause is way too
crucial for her to do so.
Considering what happened
during King Jinji's dethronement...
Yisabu.
Geochilbu.
Noribu, even Lord Munno.
She convinced them all.
She did so without
spilling a single drop of blood.
Also, when deploying troops, the most
unquestionable cause is necessary.
Rather than that,
using all the influence she mustered
and the accolades bestowed upon her...
to convince everyone
would be much faster.
Her Highness's biggest strength
was never losing sight of just cause.
That's right.
Did she not make it her crucial point,
even on this occasion?
Then, is she going to use the
Council of Nobles to gain candidacy?
Her Highness clamored for the throne,
why couldn't my sister do the same?
If you say female ruler,
she would be the first coming to mind.
Ehh... Still,
did she not say so herself?
That the nobles followed her exactly
because she did not wear the crown.
You never know how they'll react
if she truly becomes our ruler.
Then... Just like with King Jinji,
would she instead lead to
His Majesty's dethronement?
King Jinji's misrule was something
everyone was concerned about.
Yes, our current ruler
boasts no such faults.
Then...
Like for King Jinheung...
Murder, and altering
his final injunctions?!
Ohh Ohh!
Careful with those utterances.
That was only possible because we
were His Majesty's closest confidants.
Ehh... Then, what?!
How is she going to accomplish this?
It might just be a frontal offensive.
By frontal offensive...
Through the Council of Nobles, that is.
That most suits her plans.
The possibility is very strong.
Yes, I was thinking so myself,
but just like Lord Hajong says,
how will the nobles react?
There will be dissension
amongst the nobles.
Meaning that many people who followed
Mishil as she was second in command...
will abandon her side?
Yes, that certainly could happen.
No noble would wish
for Mishil on the throne.
Her Highness would be better,
in that case.
Yes, that's right.
That is why, on the contrary,
I think this benefits us.
This new determination shown by Mishil
heralds the advent of our strongest foe,
but, on the other hand, her strength
might instead wither because of it.
For her weak spot has been exposed.
Weak spot meaning...
The preparatives
are going well, I trust?
Yes, there are no issues
with the preparatives,
but are you going to set
that in motion right now?
Yes.
This seems to be the right time.
- However, that...
- Yes.
We will need a slight change of plans.
A carefully devised,
and meticulously prepared one.
A taxation reform?!
I did hear from Lord Yongchun that
you are planning taxation reforms...
to increase the influence of
self-sufficient farming, but...
Yes, Sire.
But, there is no way the
nobles would agree to that.
Yes, they will not approve of it.
That is a task which will take decades
of effort to come into fruition.
So why are you
making it a pending issue?
First, it is to show our people
what the royal family will do for them.
And the second?
What is the second reason?
My conjecture as it may be...
I think Mishil is
trying to gain the throne.
What?
What are you talking about?
That is, not through
Lord Chunchu's candidacy,
but ruling this land on her own?
Yes.
Hence,
the primary goal of this amendment...
is isolating Mishil's political allies.
And so it will happen.
{\a6}*Shilla land register
~ Jangjeok* Vol. 4 ~
Not a single lot shall be left unturned.
Survey every single one of them.
Yes.
Her Highness is here.
Pay your respects.
You may continue.
Yes.
- Get back to your tasks.
- Yes!
How did it go?
We got his consent.
It's a relief.
Bidam?
He's investigating some nobles'
registers inside there.
Let us go.
How are things proceeding?
For starters, I secured registers from
Yeomjong, numbering around the thousand.
Not only land possessions,
but conjugal ties,
connections and followers,
even their relationship with
Baekje and Goguryeo must be collected.
Yes, I was just doing so.
Also, even if not of noble ancestry,
affluent and influential
figures from the provinces,
or anyone intimately connected with
clans of note should be investigated.
Yes.
I shall take care of that,
so don't you worry.
Before we announce it publicly,
make sure utmost secrecy
is maintained at all times.
Yes.
I know this ordeal is
already keeping you occupied,
but I must ask you for
your assistance elsewhere.
Make sure His Majesty's
infusions and repast...
are administered separately.
And why...
- It cannot be because...
- Yes.
Just in case.
Mishil has taken the stand,
so we must be open
to all possibilities.
Yes, I will.
We must carefully
investigate all nobles.
Must we really meet
every single one firsthand?
Yes, we must meet them all,
and find out what they think
of Her Highness and the Princess.
So you are asking to
verify who is on our side,
against us, and even in the middle,
after Her Highness's momentous claims?
Yes, we must be aware of
the entire picture.
Well, anyhow... Don't almost
all nobles live in the capital?
{\a6}*Household representatives,
comprising several ga (residence units)
Clans leading over two thousand ho*
number in the thirty-five.
In truth, they are
all willingly peculating.
And around twenty-five
of those are on our side.
Also, around two hundred clans
with over three hundred ho.
Four hundred and fifty with
over a hundred households,
and besides them,
provincial clans with
some land possession...
Numbers might abound,
but from our perspective,
they don't make much
in the way of noise.
But, with the situation as it is,
their stance on the matter
suddenly becomes important.
And that is because they could
accord their military support...
to Her Highness's cause.
We must gain the approval of
a large portion of those nobles.
That's not too much
of an issue, is it?!
My unmarried sons...
Ohh... Eight of them.
As for you, how many
unmarried sons do you have?
My unmarried sons...
Well... That...
Ehhh...
You're so adept with numbers,
and you don't even know how
many unmarried sons you have?
It's not that simple in my case.
Anyhow...
If we let loose all your sons...
and have them marry into
their clans, that will do it.
That is the best solution!
Yes, even if that is what it will take,
we must create a strong bond.
Ahh... My acumen really
surprises me, these days.
Even my mother must have noticed.
How elated you must be,
my dear nephew.
About all that acumen of yours.
What are your thoughts
on this matter?
Even though you were the first
to learn of my intentions,
why did you not
react in the slightest?
I merely follow your lead.
I have no family to cope with,
nor any asset to worry about.
What Your Highness achieved...
has become the sole legacy
I will leave behind.
It sounds like resentment to my ears.
It is not.
Resentment as it may be,
it cannot be helped.
And that is because my relationship
with everyone else might even suffer,
but I know that you will still
earnestly follow me.
I trust it will
not be too late already?!
If only I had thought
of this a decade past...
Your Highness.
To start with, we observed how
the nobles will likely react to this.
Yes... A wise decision.
But I have no intention of squandering
time with fruitless competition.
Still, this all will be
valuable to us in other ways.
I ask you to continue.
But... What do you
plan to do with Chunchu?
Chunchu?!
To prepare for this
taxation reform amendment,
Her Highness is gathering intelligence
and land registers for all nobles.
Here.
- Taxation reform amendment?!
- Yes.
Looks like my aunt is
trying to follow my footsteps.
What are you referring to?
Never you mind.
Were there any further movements
from Lord Seolwon or Lord Sejong?
Right...
No particular movement.
And Mishil?
Well, Her Highness, too...
Nothing of note.
Where are you headed?
Milord.
Milord!
Aigoo... really.
I cannot figure him out.
Even my mother said we
shall proceed as planned.
I see... All right.
It is Daenambo
What brings you here?
Lord Chunchu is here.
Escort him in.
Yes.
Lord Chunchu!
How have you been?
You were all gathered here.
We have been looking for you.
No matter how youthly fervor forced
you to hasten with those nuptials,
you still are His Majesty's grandson.
{\a6}*Big ceremonial hall in Gyeongju
You should stage another
ceremony at Poseok Hall*.
Indeed!
We must accord this propitious
occurrence a suitable ceremony!
Not to mention, did you not
clamor to become successor?
It would only confuse the nobles.
Yes.
But, where is Lady Mishil?
I seek audience with Her Highness.
You may see her.
I bid you welcome, Lord Chunchu.
Yes, Your Highness.
I hear you married, during my absence.
My congratulations.
How elated Princess
Cheonmyeong would have been.
Reflecting upon it,
meseems Milord and I...
share quite the long history together.
Your grandfather,
the dethroned King Jinji...
Your father, Lord Yongsu.
Your mother, Princess Cheonmyeong.
I was the one who killed them.
And why could it be?
Because with the coarse hauteur their royal
blood accorded them, they attempted to repress me.
It is because they did not
devote their all to repress me!
That is the essence of conflict.
Do not mistake subterfuges
with mere mind games.
To become Queen, my life
was drenched in stratagems.
I devoted body and soul,
my entire life to this.
Should my presence daunt you,
hold onto me.
If revenge is your calling, devote your
all to vanquish me, like Princess Deokman.
Those are the only ways you will
ever be able to contend with me.
Stake your life to fight me,
or else, just perish.
Chunchu!
Why are you just leaving?
You are the one trying to
spread dissension, this time.
Are you trying to follow my footsteps?
Yes, I learned that from you.
And from Mishil as well.
Isolating your foe, without
going against your principles.
I am curious who will
triumph in the end.
Help me.
It must be with you.
Are you asking me...
to hasten and choose my side?
No...
You once asked me what
brought me to Seorabeol,
and which feelings might
have brought you here, right?
"Not only Mishil,
but also His Majesty and
this absurd country of ours...
shall be victims of my vengeance."
"I shall no longer trust
anyone in this world."
"Not His Majesty, nor the Queen..."
"Not Yushin Rang, nor anyone else...
shall be blessed with my confidence."
That is what I felt.
Arrogance and malice
sweltered your soul,
your mind captured by all the
victims of your impending vengeance.
You, too...
were feeling that, right?
But, Chunchu.
It did not work.
For I did not trust anyone,
there was nothing I could start.
Let us start together.
You and I.
Stop for a moment and listen.
From here on in, Her Highness's
nursemaid will be in charge...
of preparing His Majesty's infusions.
Make sure you record and
report every herb necessary.
She will also take care of
administering those infusions.
So follow your orders.
Yes.
From here on in, she will be
in charge of the Royal Dispensary.
Mother, you take care
of the royal repast.
Fine.
You must not only control all
ingredients used by the royal cuisine,
but any and all local produce
offered to His Majesty.
Don't you worry.
Also, before you serve His Majesty,
you must first have it tasted.
Control all infusions as well.
Yes, I will.
I also assigned more
men as royal guards.
Thanks to you and Deokman,
I can always rest assured.
You have come.
Yes.
Bidam and Alcheon already left.
I will escort you.
Let us go.
But... You don't look well.
Yesterday, I met Chunchu.
Convincing him will be arduous.
Wait for him.
Here you are.
My gratitude.
And Lord Ugwang?!
{\a6}*Old Pocheon, Gyeonggi Prov.
He is the governor of Gyeonseong County*.
He is Lord Doyong's brother-in-law,
{\a6}*Also known as dan,
1 sok = 15 square meters
and owns 3,400 sok* of land.
According to our findings,
nobles with at least three thousand
sok of land were the highest number.
Then, how about we set those
three thousand sok as our standard?
Meseems you still fail
to understand our goal.
Three thousand sok is not enough.
Your Highness.
- Why...
- Because by doing that,
creating dissension amongst
our foes would be impossible.
- Chunchu!
- Lord Chunchu.
It is true the number of nobles
owning that much is the highest.
However, nobles with
a rank lower than six,
or provincial powers
make up the majority.
It is true we must gain the support
of as many nobles as possible,
but should we not create the
most stringest of standards,
if we truly want those for or
against us to foment dissension?
Also, was not one of our goals to
secure as much influence as possible?
If you are ready to embrace me,
it will mean accepting my every facet,
even...
the vitriol which flows down my veins.
It is not just you,
would it not be the same
for everyone who joined my cause?
Vitriol, ambitions, hope...
I must embrace it all.
And they will be
the pillars of my legacy.
What I can do is becoming something
that can embrace all those people.
Should this embrace be too small
to contain your ambitions,
you can break free anytime you wish.
Mishil...
Can you vanquish her?
Mother...
My...
Mother...
Did you shed as many tears as I have?
It's five thousand sok.
We can use that as our standard.
Yes, that is correct.
Five thousand shall suffice.
It's done.
Then, is not announcing it
all that is left?
Yes, at the council
meeting in the morrow.
Before everyone,
we shall announce it.
Taxation reform?!
The land His Majesty
King Jinheung bestowed to...
all subjugated chieftains
and their people,
the majority of it
is now owned by nobles.
This goes against the
wishes of our former rulers,
who advocated for this as the
emblem of our territorial expansion,
and is as a result further
impoverishing our people.
But asking for the
same amount of levies...
is utterly absurd.
With five thousand sok as our standard,
we plan to subject owners
of five thousand sok and over...
to additional levies.
To anyone owning between five and
seven thousand sok of land, six hal*.
{\a6}*1 hal = 1/10
To anyone owning from seven
to nine thousand sok, seven hal.
And from nine to twelve
thousand sok of land owned,
eight hal.
To anyone possessing over
twelve thousand sok of land,
we will collect an
additional levy of nine hal.
Nine hal?!
How can you raise levies so much...
Instead, should anyone possess
less than five thousand sok of land,
their levies shall go
from five to three hal.
Any farmer owning land between
five hundred and five thousand sok,
two hal.
While any farmer owning
less than five hundred sok...
will only have to pay a one-hal levy.
Does that imply that all the tax
exemptions on those lesser nobles...
will be compensated by what
more powerful clans will pay?
Yes.
Hence,
we shall hereby promulgate
this reform ordinance,
so I strongly advise
the Council of Nobles...
to pass this amendment.
That is...
Should this taxation reform pass,
anyone owning
less than 500 sok, 1 hal!
1 hal!
Farmers owning
between 500 and 5,000 sok,
2 hal!
2 hal...
All you will need to pay is that.
Is that really so?
Does this mean 1 hal
is all we have to pay?
Her Highness Princess Deokman
proposed this amendment,
and should the
Council of Nobles pass it...
And would that be possible?
Aigoo... They don't call it
Council of "Nobles" for nothing,
and this sure does
not bring them any benefit,
so would they ever
pass an amendment like this?
I have never seen such
occurrence in my entire life.
Still, it was the
princess who proposed it,
would they dare try to stop her?
Anyhow... It sure would be a relief.
How nice it would be, if Her Highness
brought some solace to our lives?!
So let us hope for the best...
Hurrah for Princess Deokman!
Hurrah!
- For whom?
- Princess Deokman!
Hurrah for Princess Deokman!
Hurrah!
Can we really accept this?
If you are the Royal Palace Guards,
then you're protecting Her Highness.
Well... You sure could say that.
Go ahead... have some.
Take good care of her.
I am giving you special
treatment for that reason.
No worries.
Hyung!
Becoming Royal Palace
Guard was a great decision!
- Me, too.
- Right! Me too!
Ehh... You miserable skinflints.
Just for a bottle, you dolt?!
Aigoo...
Tell me about it.
For just a bottle?
Pathetic fools.
Ehh... just pathetic.
The hell are you prattling about?
This is only for the Royal
Palace Guard. Out of the way!
As if you paid this yourself,
you little shameful rat.
Look at you, growing wrinkles
and still nothing but a midget.
Over there!
Bring some ddeok and more meat!
Let's see something tasty, shall we?!
Aigoo, look how incensed
he turns at the sight of meat.
"Let's see something tasty!"
You fool...
Stuff yourself...
Breathe every now and then, will you?
Pour one.
Here...
Some for him as well.
Have some, stuff yourself.
In return,
do... what's that again... squid...
that song you're good at.
All right!
"My father caught it,
my mother dries it out,
it's the squid I'm about to eat!"
Go on, go on.
"The squid whose eyes
blink is here for us..."
All petty nobles
and plebs are in tumult!
They are celebrating Her Highness.
Is she out of her mind?
Is she not turning
her back on the nobles?
She is not.
What she is going for
is creating dissension.
Dissension?!
Think about it.
Is it not about making sure two groups
are accorded different treatment?
Just like Lord Chunchu's
marriage with Boryang...
ended up creating a
conflict between you two?
Indeed.
What Her Highness is trying to do is
spreading dissension amongst the nobles.
There must be some nobles
who will be swayed by this,
and should that happen...
Those joining her cause
will emerge as well.
Yes...
Meseems Her Highness is
showing more wisdom by the day.
This is much too unfair.
Tell me about it.
How could one do
something so heedless?
Seems like an obsession about doing
something at all cost afflicts her.
But... Is asking for those who
possess more to pay more levies...
that unfair a practice?
Then, do you approve her amendment?
Approve or not,
it is a rational proposal...
That is what I'm saying.
Is that not right, Seokpum Rang?
Would you not benefit
from those exemptions yourself?
That is of course the case,
but exemption from levies
is not the only issue.
Right.
Her Highness's despotism
is the problem.
All powerful nobles will have to
compensate for the exemptions?!
If that is not tyranny, what is?
But did not those nobles enjoy
more benefits, all this time?
What are you trying to say?
Sangseon.
What will happen to
this amendment proposal?
How would I know that?
You are part of the Board of
Taxation, so would you not know?
I do hope this amendment
will pass myself,
but the Council of Nobles...
What did Her Highness say?
She had the utmost confidence.
Should we not let small and medium
nobles voice their views on the matter?
My father is coming to the
capital to join the council himself,
and asked me to meet His
Excellency the Sangdaedeung.
Then, let me join you.
I will meet Lord Yongchun as well.
Wait...
Let us have a word.
What is that supposed to mean?
We are here to voice our
approval of the taxation reform.
What?
Are you out of your mind?
My father told me to
convey his wishes as well.
What is it?
We accorded you our
support for a long time.
What are you implying?
That should we stop
the amendment from passing,
you will stop supporting us, is that it?
It is our earnest request.
Request...
The antagonism between lesser and
more powerful nobles is on the rise.
It is a very realistic
and direct proposal,
so voices of dissension already
were heard at the council hall.
Yes, seems like Her Highness's
wishes have come into fruition.
But, should even the lesser
nobles support her proposal,
will the Council of Nobles
still pass the amendment?
She did not do this with that in mind.
Then?
It will still be rejected, with eight against,
and only Lord Seohyeon and I approving.
But, the nobles who rejected
this motion will incur the wrath...
of lesser nobles
and all the other people.
Her goal is showing who will
be for or against this motion.
So is it to show our people what the
Council of Nobles is truly made of?
Indeed.
Wolya.
What is the matter?
Piltan Rang was
seeking audience with you.
My father wishes for you
to relay this to Her Highness.
Seems like the small and
medium nobles are reacting.
Yes.
My father sent communication that
he will join the council meeting.
Is that so?
Ahh...
This as well.
What does it say?
Lord Jujin seeks audience.
Lord Jujin would be...
the best support we could ask for.
He might possess less than
five thousand sok of land,
but he commands five thousand
elite troops from a nearby post.
And there is a significant number
of nobles willing to join our cause.
They all are interested.
Sister.
Will you continue
taking this lying down?
The lesser nobles
are causing a commotion.
They're explicitly showing resistance!
Yes, many ask for the amendment
to be passed, even with revisions.
Deokman sure knows how to adapt
to situations, when shown the path.
Are you meeting with
the nobles I mentioned?
Yes, I met them all,
but their stance
might have changed already.
Mother...
If this keeps up,
our support will be decimated.
Mother!
What is that silence, again?
Sister, if this keeps up, we will
be the sole recipients of their wrath.
Yes, we shan't let that happen.
There is no need to incur
our people's resentment.
Hence, support
this motion at the council.
What?
Support it?!
Dear...
What...
What?!
Mother, what... on earth...
Lord Sueulbu for Lord Sejong.
Lord Jinchun for Lord Seolwon.
Lord Shimbo for you, Misaeng,
while Lord Hajong shall
meet with Lord Sungshin.
Convey these messages to them.
You must directly meet them.
And bring back their retort
by the hour of the Ox (1~3 am).
What are you waiting for?
Hasten!
Tomorrow is the day.
Pay your respects!
You must be all aware of the
taxation reforms Her Highness proposed.
We are hereby gathered
to decide upon this matter.
Manifold deliberation must
have preceded this meeting,
so without further ado,
I suggest we proceed with the voting.
May Your Excellencies
make your decision.
Use the tablets before you.
~ Approval ~
Nine approve.
Nine?!
And one against.
In accordance with our nation's
long-standing unanimous vote rules,
we hereby announce this
amendment has been rejected.
Nine?!
With only one exception,
they all approved it?!
They got us.
They managed to reject it, but still
avoided everyone else's resentment.
This is Mishil's doing.
I again have a proposal.
Not further deliberating
any rejected motion...
is a long-standing rule of our council.
It is not the same
motion I am proposing.
I propose to change the
council's unanimous vote rule...
into a majority vote.
Unanimous voting is one of
our council's foremost traditions.
Are you going to change
our code at its roots?
Only the council still uses unanimous
voting amongst Shilla's apparatuses.
Even the very pillar
of this nation, the Hwarang,
use majority votes,
not to mention any motion
of the thirteen boards.
Only the council keeps
favoring unanimous voting,
and should any proposal
meet your disapproval,
it has always ended up being rejected.
Not only does this impede
our country's development,
but, as it is but an expedient to
protect the powerful nobles' interests,
I propose voting regulations
for the council of nobles...
move to a majority vote.
Right!
That's right.
What she said is right!
~ On the Next Episode Of ~
QUEEN ~*~ SEONDEOK
Don't you realize unanimous
voting also benefits you?
No reform will ever come
into fruition with this system.
And should they propose you
leave deliberation to the council?
This does not suit you, Sister.
How could Mishil crumble this way?
Mishil follows her dreams?!
- She is a person just like everyone else.
- May it even be my downfall,
I will go out in style.
We will force her to react impulsively.
Well, to that extent...
You realize what she is scheming?
Again... I almost showed you the path!
We ask Her Highness Princess
Deokman to no longer deliberate...
Untie me!
Then, convince me
to turn my back on Mishil!
Pungwolju,
must you force us to witness this?
Everyone, follow me.
Capture them!
You dare wield your swords
in this sacred place?
You two, this is
unquestionable treason!
Troops from Sangju are
marching towards the capital.
His Excellency is down!
They murdered him!
It's a coup.
An... insurrection?!
Mishil staged a coup.
I am the only one
who can solve this! The only one!