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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!
Nine to one?!
~ Episode 44 ~
Nine approved,
and only one was against it.
But, as the council favors unanimous voting...
It was rejected.
Nine approved?!
Lord Sejong, Lord Misaeng, Lord Hajong...
They must be amongst those nine.
Yes, Milord.
It is indeed as you suggest.
Mishil does it again.
Seems like she was behind all this.
They certainly could not let the taxation reform pass,
but they also wanted to escape any criticism...
their refusal to accept it would have incurred?!
But, Her Highness proposed to change the council's unanimous vote...
to a majority vote, proposal which is being deliberated upon at the moment.
Majority vote?!
Well... I am sure it will not pass.
They could not reach a unanimous vote on the reform,
majority vote?!
Would something like that ever pass?
It will not pass, but it is by no means a bad stratagem.
Why?
Still, think of how disheartened all the nobles wishing for those reforms will be.
So we must foment even more disheartenment, you mean?!
And that disheartenment must be directed at the council.
They're quite the fruitless parade, are they not?
- Right? - Indeed!
Those feelings...
"They are of little worth..."
Such feelings is what we must foment.
Make your choice.
Her Highness's proposal to change our council's voting procedures...
was approved by two,
and rejected by eight members,
therefore leading to its rejection.
Think this will mean a triumph for Your Highness?
I merely reciprocated,
Your Highness.
I ought to...
Think of how propitious the passing of that reform would have been.
How lamentable. Nine to one?!
I had no expectations on the matter, none whatsoever.
There was no way it would pass!
Then... What brought you all the way here?
Was not "expectations" what led you here?
Ohh... that!
With all the land those council members possess,
there was no way they would pass such reform from the start.
From the start...
Even knowing that, I still had some expectations.
But we once again found out, uh?!
As long as unanimous voting dominates the council,
nothing in this country will ever change!
What are you trying to say?
Did I ever say anything about your clan?
Is being in possession of plentiful land and assets a crime?
Wangyun Rang was not talking about that.
The reason certain clans might be in possession of larger territory...
is either because their efforts led to such expansion,
or because their meritorious service granted them such benefits.
Is that a crime?
Even petty nobles with very little land boast the same kind of fealty.
So does this discriminatory treatment show any fairness?
There is a clear difference between people,
do we have to equally divide land now?
What is wrong with you two?
Are you telling me Deokman was the one proposing for majority vote?
Lord Seohyeon and I did approve,
but as all the other council members were against it,
the motion was rejected.
Was it not impossible from the very start?
Did not the council use unanimous voting for the last seven centuries?
I am sure Her Highness herself knew the motion would not pass.
Yes... As even that was rejected,
all the lesser nobles who participated voiced their disapproval.
It is likely that is what Her Highness wished for.
Are you telling me she did this to show how fruitless the council has become?
It is very likely those were Her Highness's intentions.
Right...
She managed to show that anything which would go against...
the powerful nobles' benefit would never pass.
Sire.
Are you all right?
Should we escort you to your berth?
I am fine.
Fret not.
Are we not mutually engaging in one subterfuge after another?
Majority vote? What a most discerning move.
Yes, as any proposal would find it arduous to pass with this system.
Is not unanimous voting a seven century-long tradition?
However,
it is a vestige of the past which no longer suits our current situation.
All it has become is a subterfuge to favor the powerful nobles' interests.
And that is because no reform would be approved unanimously by them.
That is certainly true.
Still.
Still, Your Highness...
Do you realize that same unanimous voting...
is also benefiting you?
What?
Should the nobles propose a motion to oust you from any decision making?
With a majority vote, only six votes of approval...
would be required to force you out of any further deliberation.
However, since it is still unanimous voting,
be it Lord Seohyeon or Lord Yongchun,
would not a single vote against the motion cause it to be rejected?
And that is why you continue enjoying your status.
I see.
I was indeed gaining benefits myself.
Our statute and institutions...
They are always a perilous sword with two edges.
Not only their foe, but even those wielding it may injure themselves.
Then,
is using such statute and institutions to contend with your foes...
such immoral behavior?
Statute and institutions...
Again... again...
I almost risked telling you everything, once again.
How sagacious your sincerity can be.
It almost caused me to once again fall for that trap of yours.
If I may...
Hey! Minions!
Aigoo... What now?!
The council rejected both proposals.
- Uh?! - Ehh... You pathetic dolts.
You are the true minions...
Wake up, will you?
Looks like expectations completely floored them?!
They are really angry, uh?!
That is too bad. What a shame!
You dolt, how much land does your clan possess?
Why are you suddenly curious about that?
*1 sok = 15 square meters
Aigoo... look at you. Over five thousand sok*?
Uh?!
Had this amendment been passed,
your clan's lives would have been improved!
Ehh... You ignoramus.
He doesn't even realize what can benefit him.
You pathetic dolt...
Tell me about it.
Does he have some issues up there?
Just stay put, uh?!
That's kind of true...
Aigoo... you're so hopeless.
Wake up, you dolt.
Let's go.
Couldn't smell money if it was under your nose...
Ehh...
I just thought that...
Why did you hit me?
Now that I think about it, you dolt,
is that how you address your direct superior?
Well deserved, wasn't it?
You dolt.
So it should have passed, uh?!
On second thought, the taxation reform was not such a bad proposal.
Is that not right, Seokpum Rang?
So...
Are you saying it should have passed successfully?
Why are you suddenly raising your voice?
It is because of the drivel you're uttering!
Listen, Seokpum Rang.
Had this amendment passed,
it would have meant benefits for your own clan as well.
The same goes for mine.
Don't you realize it is but a subterfuge by Her Highness...
to make Lady Mishil's followers sway?
However, both you and I incurred heavy losses during the last crops crisis.
It might not mean much for the powerful nobles,
but one of the pillars holding our clan was lost in the fray.
Nothing I said was uncalled for.
Careful with your parlance.
The reason we are still here, and still own any land at all...
It all happened because of Her Highness Lady Mishil's benevolence.
Have you forgotten?
Seokpum Rang!
Seokpum Rang!!
I really...
Ever since the princess came back to Seorabeol,
there has not been a single day of tranquility.
Why, is anything the matter?
All the petty nobles who participated at the last council...
are gathering here and there and making such a commotion!
From their point of view, it is understandable.
It makes no sense!
Unanimous voting is a seven century-long tradition of ours,
so how and why would you suddenly abolish it?
No.
In the end, it must be indeed abolished.
No... In truth, the council itself is a rather fruitless apparatus.
Your Highness!
What?
"Rather fruitless"?!
What is that supposed to mean?
Yes. Should I achieve my grandiose endeavors,
it will be the first thing I will abolish.
Of course, now is not the time.
What did you just say?
Lord Chunchu!
Do what with the council?!
Is that not the case?
Was I speaking in haste?
But in the end, should we not rid ourselves of the council altogether?
Shouldn't we?
Right... I do think so myself.
However... The council is a seven century-long tradition of ours.
Abolish it, Your Highness?!
Our path shall from now on be laden with sudden upheavals.
Hence... I was indeed thinking whether we should rid ourselves of it.
What our nation needs now are rapid decisions,
and the ability to rapidly make plans come into fruition.
Yes... So you spent the night preparing this?
No, I just could not catch sleep.
I took the time to devise such plans,
may you take a look.
What a cowardly and baseborn artifice...
Yes, it certainly is.
"It certainly is"?!
But, it should be much more cowardly, baseborn and spurious, Milord.
Yes... I shall find the kind of solution you are looking for.
The more ignoble and squalid, the better.
Enough that anyone reading it would be disgusted by its vulgarity.
But, Mother... What would that be?
Is it the morrow?
Or the day after?
Tomorrow.
What is perturbing you?
Sister...
Must we really do this?
Why?
Are you feeling uneasy about this?
Why would any of this perturb my mind?!
I just...
Just?!
I just think this behavior does not suit you, Sister.
Whatever disdain your peers accord you,
I believe the annals of history will consign you to a luminous legacy.
However, this can besmirch everything you have accomplished so far.
It certainly could.
The world does indeed fear you, and shows you contempt,
but never have you acted against principle.
But when it comes to this, I hardly think it is the case.
No... Once...
I once did do something against principle.
Sadaham...
My devotion for him convinced me to abandon everything...
and plan to together elope.
That was against my every principle.
Yes...
It was that which moved me to never repeat such behavior.
So, why do it now, of all times?
I now share the same sentiments as those days.
Quite similar to what I felt for Sadaham.
Similar as in...
Enough that Mishil will abandon principle to follow her dreams,
and should even failure be bestowed upon her,
she will go out in style.
Well, to that extent?!
What? Piltan Rang and Wangyun Rang's fathers?
Yes. As they both own less than five thousand sok of land,
they could have become recipients of your taxation reforms.
That is good to hear. Where are they?
I shall meet them right away.
The Pungwolju just told me.
I am whelmed with gratitude for your support.
~ Lord Jujin ~ (Piltan's father, Sangju commander)
You need not flatter us.
We should rather be the ones to extend you our sincerest gratitude.
Do not even mention it.
We can only be in awe at the concern you have shown...
for the lesser nobles and their situation.
No...
It is nobles of purpose such as yourself...
who should aid this country to go through the reforms it so fervently needs.
The council has become nothing more than a pretext...
for the powerful nobles to maintain their supremacy.
From here on in, I will need your support.
- Yes, Your Highness. - Yes. Your Highness.
So, how did she seem?
She requested our support to reform the council of nobles.
Reform the council?!
Yes.
Saying it has become a mere pretext to continue your supremacy...
Lord Jujin.
You know, right?
That this is nothing but a subterfuge by Her Highness...
so that the nobles will foment dissension.
You cannot let this sway you.
There is nothing that would sway me,
but as I am staking my life on this...
No.
You have a responsibility to maintain public order in the capital.
How could that ever go against principle?!
I am counting on Your Excellency.
Did you come here yourself, Your Highness?
I thought Lord Misaeng would come...
It is... our first meeting, I trust?
I have heard a lot about you. Seems like you granted us valuable support?!
And what could I possibly have done?
I merely conveyed to Lord Misaeng talebearing I learned during my journeys.
And that is why I hold your endeavors in high esteem.
And hope this mutual respect will continue.
I cannot express how grateful I am to hear that, Your Highness.
Any further instructions you would like to give us?
I hear you and Bidam are close.
Take Bidam with you,
and leave the capital on an excursion for the next two days.
For excursions, you mean...
Just that.
Find a pleasant spot up in the mountains,
enjoy fresh water and the gentle breeze, and then return.
But, should Bidam refuse to come?
Then...
I suppose you will have to bring him along against his will?!
A guest is seeking your audience.
Lord Seolwon.
What brings you...
Was paying you a visit a mistake?
Still, I remain your guest. Will you leave me out here?
Ahh... Well...
May you enter.
Is that not right?
If it's politics, that is something my mother and Her Highness worry about.
Do we need to foment ill will amongst in-laws?
I certainly concur.
- Here... - Yes.
We neglected each other for way too long.
Let us meet frequently, and freely confabulate!
Yes, we should try...
Father, you are here?
Ohh... Right, Yeongmo.
Here... Have a seat.
What brings you here, at this belated juncture?
I wanted to meet your father-in-law, you and your spouse!
Right... When is the child due?
What happened to my Yeongmo? Uh?!
What is perturbing you?
Lord Chunchu is your nephew.
And he's our grandson-in-law.
And?
What are you trying to imply?
I do appreciate the fact Lord Chunchu and I have become in-laws,
but it puts me in a rather awkward position.
In regards to Lord Sejong, you mean?
Yes.
Even though I had no selfish motives,
he still refuses to believe me.
Lord Yongchun.
Are you not trying to help Lord Chunchu to the throne yourself?
What are you trying to say?
Even though we did not intend for it to happen,
are we not on the same boat anyhow?
Ahh... I told you we can go inside and talk.
Get moving...
What is it?
What do you want?
What are you taking me for?
If you have anything to say, do it now.
Ahh... really.
What is it?
What's the matter?
Ahh... It's driving me crazy.
It'll never work... never.
Hey.
Will you leave with me on an excursion, or keep drinking?
What?
Would be too cumbersome to leave, wouldn't it?
So let's just drink, uh?
I saw you can handle it quite well.
Have a death wish?
Start talking.
It's just that I don't think I can do this while sober.
Let's just have a drink...
Just one.
My apologies.
Ahh... Don't even mention it.
But, you sure can handle the bottle.
I am renowned for my drinking prowess,
but it indeed seems like I found a peer.
Right... Let us have one more.
Yes, all right.
Here...
To the prosperity of our clans, let us have a toast.
I did hear about it,
but how can I...
It is for Her Highness's sake,
and for the sake of our country.
Seokpum Rang's dexterity with the blade is peerless.
Is that not the reason we are entrusting this to him?
Let us begin.
What are you waiting for?
Begin at once!
Did you meet Lord Yongchun?
Yes.
Did you do it?
Yes, I did.
Did you bring that?
I did bring it...
But, why this...
Yes. Give it to me.
Your Highness.
I always tried to accord you my understanding,
and so I have done all this time.
But this is something I cannot understand.
Why would you...
The reason I left that behind was to earn your trust,
and to placate your anxiety.
So why did you ask me to bring this only now?
For I now wish for it to placate mine.
What are you trying to say, Your Highness?
Could this not end up in failure, after all?
Then...
Yes.
It is Bidam.
This might be a very long night.
Just like that night.
It is a summoning for an urgent council meeting.
I must convey it directly to His Excellency.
He still has not awakened, so let me do this.
May you confirm that you received the notice.
I sent the meeting notice to Lord Yongchun's abode.
Directly to Lord Yongchun?
Ahh... No, as he was inebriated last night and wished to sleep,
I only left it to his servants.
Is that so?
Was the confirmation signed?
Yes.
Lord Seohyeon.
Milord, you must wake up.
It is a list of all the nobles who wish to give you support.
I met with Piltan Rang's father, Lord Jujin.
He did seem to approve our taxation reforms,
but I still cannot be sure.
Lord Jujin commands elite troops from the closest post to the capital,
so we must make sure he joins forces with us.
He might not be of high nobility, but considering his long-standing...
relationship with Lord Sejong, we cannot be sure.
That is why I plan to meet Piltan Rang as well.
Also, Wolya Rang, make sure you keep control over...
the restoration movement sects in this area.
Lo...Lord Seohyeon.
Lord Seohyeon!
What is this?
What...
What is this?
What did you fill those drinks with?
I...
Are you out of your mind?
Have a death wish?
Keep quiet, will you?
All this is driving me crazy.
Take these off.
You crazy bastard...
Stop!
Just stay put, uh?
Let me think for a moment, uh?
You really must be insane.
Why did you tie me?
Calm down.
Just calm down.
Come here.
Closer... Come closer!
I said come here!
They will have a council meeting to oust Her Highness...
from any decision-making process.
With me and Lord Yongchun...
Why would they do this?
Bring my official garments.
I must hasten there.
Yes.
What is that supposed to mean?
The council will discuss what?
Ousting Her Highness from any further state deliberation.
How could this...
They are discussing it now?
Yes, I saw the council members gather.
But, the council still uses unanimous voting.
Lord Yongchun and Lord Seohyeon will be present,
so there is no way it would pass.
Yes...
But how could this happen right under our noses?
No.
There is something peculiar about this.
The council...
Seems like we are not all gathered yet.
Lord Yongchun and Lord Seohyeon are still missing.
Is it not time to start our meeting already?
The Sangdaedeung is here, so let us commence.
What?
Should not the council reach a unanimous vote?
Yes, it indeed shall reach one.
Who ever said otherwise?
So how can we start without Lord Yongchun and Lord Seohyeon?
Eight council members are present.
Would not an unanimous vote amongst the present suffice?
H...owever...
There is no such precedent,
how...
Are we going to postpone such paramount decision...
just because a few members could not come on time?
Not to mention the fact that they gave us confirmation...
that they received our summoning.
From this meeting onwards,
let us seek a unanimous vote amongst the members present alone.
Indeed!
Why should we await them?
I concur.
There is no code suggesting that the entire council must be present.
Merely that a unanimous vote is required for a motion to pass.
I concur.
Yes, I agree as well.
I agree.
Yes... I concur myself.
I agree.
Then, we shall hereby commence this meeting.
What?
They started the meeting with only eight members present?
Yes, it is currently taking place at Yeolseon Hall.
Her Highness's right to deliberate is the motion discussed?
Yes...
What now?
Does it make any sense?
They dare start the meeting without Lord Seohyeon and Lord Yongchun?!
It... cannot be...
Pungwolju.
I've been told that Lord Seohyeon spent the eventide...
drinking with Lord Hajong.
Is that true?
They cannot have done so to leave them out,
and pass that motion with only eight members present?
Those ignoble cowards!
How could Hwarang alumni display such appalling behavior?
So... So where are Lord Yongchun and Lord Seohyeon now?
Leave on an excursion far away from the palace?!
Mishil said so?!
I told you.
She said keeping you away until the morrow would suffice.
So why did we not leave, and you tied me here instead?
Tell me!
Answer at once...
What are you trying to scheme?
You are here because I could not scheme a thing!
Should I not make decisions on my own?
Decisions... what decisions?!
First... Who are you?
Who could you possibly be, to arouse so much interest in Mishil?
I might have dabbled in that kind of work once or twice,
but it's the first time Mishil comes forward firsthand.
Second... She said today and the morrow.
It's clear something is going to happen, uh?
What could it be?
It can't be...
Is Mishil going to...
Unclasp me... Do it now!
I told you it's not such a simple matter.
You still...
It's driving me crazy as well, uh?
Having to tie you up like that means risking my life,
and letting you go would make me a foe in Mishil's eyes.
Want me to end your problems right now?
Unclasp me right now!
Then, convince me!
Convince me that unclasping you...
and becoming a foe in her eyes will be the right decision!
Move out of the way!
I must join the meeting.
What are you trying to do?
I said move!
Move...
I said move!
What is the matter?
Are you late as well?
They are blocking the way on purpose.
Then, are they keeping us out so they will...
pass the motion all by themselves?
Seems so.
We must stop this.
How could they engage in such coarse subterfuges?!
You knaves! Move out...
- You knaves! - Out of the way!
I said move, you knaves!
Did you gather everyone?
Yes.
Is that true?
That they made them drink, and today staged an urgent meeting?
Wow... What cowardice...
Not to mention that they only started the meeting with eight members.
As if they were market scoundrels... It makes no sense.
- Your Excellency! - Your Excellency...
Lord Yongchun and Lord Seohyeon arrived at Yeolseon Hall.
Is that so?
Forget it, then.
No need to go.
However, the two are trying to enter the meeting,
but troops are blocking their entrance.
Troops?!
Pungwolju, must we keep allowing this?
How could we allow something like this to happen?
Jukbang, Godo.
Report all this to Her Highness immediately,
and request further instructions.
Yes!
Also, Royal Palace Guard, everyone follow me.
Yes!
Let's move.
Yes!
Isn't their behavior contemptible?
How could they leave Their Excellencies out,
and gain their unanimous vote that way?
I cannot... believe this.
Mishil... Mishil...
How could she stoop to this level?!
It is impossible.
So this is all Mishil could do?
You overestimated her, Your Highness.
We should not squander time here.
We must stop them at once!
It is all the better, on the contrary.
With this taxation reform incident, public fervor...
and the support of petty nobles are moving towards Your Highness.
And if you add a grave affront against procedure,
like seeking a unanimous vote with only eight members,
and even prohibiting the other two members from participating.
What would possibly happen?
Yes...
Even if this motion might pass,
opposition will surpass everyone's imagination.
Everyone says Mishil always stresses just cause.
However, Mishil is just a person like all of us,
so anxiety and impatience led her to do this.
No... It cannot be.
She would never do this.
Mishil would never cause her own downfall.
Princess Deokman sold military supplies without the council's consent,
endangering our nation's defenses.
Also,
her unfair taxation amendment proposal spread unrest amongst the nobles.
This is all to render this council powerless...
and eventually abolish it, an artifice concocted by Her Highness.
Hence, we request that Her Highness be ousted from...
any decision making, and only concern herself with matters...
related to the royal family.
Apprehend them at once!
Yes!
Her Highness is in danger!
I asked you... why would she be in danger?
Explain it to me.
I ought to... We have no time to waste!
I am the only one who can solve this.
The only one!
What?!
Yushin, Alcheon, Chunchu!
She must have fooled them all.
I must go, I must!
That's why I told you convincing me would be best.
What is Mishil trying to do?
And what is your relationship with her?
Now... Unclasp me now.
I must go, hasten!
Lord Jujin's troops from Sangju are heading for the capital.
What?
Fine.
Yes.
Lord Jujin...
Does not Lord Jujin command a huge battalion?
Why is he suddenly...
It can't be... It can't...
Your Highness!
We received a report.
How did it go?
Alcheon Rang took the troops, and forcibly entered Yeolseon Hall.
This cannot happen.
We must stop them.
You now understand what her plans are, don't you?
It's a coup she is preparing!
What?!
She will stage an insurrection!
I knew this would happen.
I said it would be a coup, and they did not believe me.
How can they be so foolish...
Wh...Wh...What?
I am sure.
Sure as anyone can be.
Hey! I said unclasp me!
In...In...Insurrection?!
A... military coup?!
Master, troops from Sangju are heading for the capital.
You... You... really were saying the truth...
Unclasp me, you bastard.
Do it now!
~ For ~ Against ~ Against ~ For ~
How do you explain all this?
How dare you wield your weapons inside this sacred place?
You knaves!
You dare enter Yeolseon Hall armed?
Pungwolju and a Royal Palace Guard...
Your being here is high treason!
They just entered.
Yes.
Then... We shall begin.
No armed courtier has ever entered these sacred walls before.
*2nd century Shilla Courtier who staged a failed coup, and escaped to Baekje
Also, even traitor Gilseon*...
could not violate this council.
But you dare wield your swords and force your way in?
However, as troops were blocking Their Excellencies' entrance...
You knave.
Did any of them wield a sword?
They are traitors who violated Yeolseon Hall wielding their weapons!
Apprehend them all!
Yes!
Drop your weapons!
Royal Palace Guard, drop your weapons.
Drop them at once.
Your Excellency, we must not let this escalate into a confrontation.
May you abate your wrath.
Drop your weapons!
Now!
Your Excellency,
I shall be responsible for any misdeed committed.
But should we not solve this impasse first?
How dare you speak after what you did?
Yes, I shall accept any punishment.
However, I suggest we both drop our weapons,
and let Their Excellencies be escorted out of here.
Drop your weapons at once!
Drop yours as well.
Your Excellencies, may you leave the premises.
Here... May you leave.
You knaves!
What are you doing? Stop at once!
Stop!
Protect Their Excellencies!
Follow me, Your Excellency.
Protect the council members!
Here it is.
Right between the eighth and ninth rib.
However, it must not be a deep wound.
Yes.
No... No!
Father!
His Excellency has been wounded!
They hit the Sangdaedeung!
His Excellency was wounded!
The Sangdaedeung has been stabbed!
The Sangdaedeung has been harmed!
His Excellency is down!
His Excellency has been wounded!
What did I just hear?
Th...They wounded...
the Sangdaedeung.
His Excellency the Sangdaedeung was attacked in the capital!
This is an armed insurrection.
To stop this coup from happening...
Battalion! Let us march for the capital!
It's a coup.
Mishil's coup.
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~ On The Next Episode Of ~ QUEEN ~ * ~ SEONDEOK
Staging a coup was her only way to achieve that.
They attempted to murder the Sangdaedeung at Yeolseon Hall.
Her Highness instigated it?
Princess Deokman staged a coup.
You must find refuge.
The Royal Seal...
You will forgive me,
but all we need is for Your Majesty to become their bait.
If we can capture Her Highness, all our goals will be fulfilled.
That is the safest place.
We cannot do that.
How could you go there yourself?
Stake your life and protect me.
Where is Her Highness?
Looks like he infiltrated the Board of Military Affairs.
Really?
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