Welcome to the Open Thread, everyone! Thanks for joining in on this group watch of this very special show! ❤️

As I mentioned in my announcement post, these are my notes, exactly as they appear on Patreon.

ZERO SPOILER POLICY

We will be adopting a ZERO SPOILER POLICY for this Open Thread, except for events that have happened in the show, up to this point.

This includes, but is not limited to, how characters &/or relationships develop, later in the show.

The spoiler tags don’t work in email notifications, therefore, please take note that WE WILL NOT BE USING SPOILER TAGS FOR THIS OPEN THREAD. 

We need to protect the innocent! 😉

Without further ado, here are my reactions to this set of episodes; have fun in the Open Thread, everyone! ❤️

My thoughts

Episode 5

E5. All in all, this felt like a really solid episode.

Not only do we have boatloads of intensity from San (which is totally the thing that’s hooked my fangirl heart), we get an unveiling of feelings, a raw moment of vulnerability shared by our OTP, and, we also have a clear laying out of political motive, that’s underscoring our story. I’m nicely impressed.

First of all, I very much appreciate that Show explains so clearly, why there are people against San becoming King.

After all, on the surface of things, he appears to be an ideal candidate. He’s a model student, and he’s serious, dedicated and passionate. What more could one ask for in a King, right?

But as Head Court Lady Jo lays out for us, in her conversation with the Second State Councillor, the problem is that San looks a great deal like his father, Sado, who had gone mad before his death, and left a trail of destruction and bloodshed behind him.

And, the prevailing fear, is that San will turn out like his father, and become mad. It is admittedly a horrific notion, to have a mad person in possession of absolute power, so I can see why San’s detractors are so anxious to depose him.

Of course, they have no idea whether San will actually go mad like his father, but given that this is a time when little is understood about mental health and genetics, I can understand why this fear is such a strong and deep-rooted one.

I appreciate this layer of context a great deal. It informs us so well, of the sort of environment in which San has been struggling to thrive, all these years.

Despite his best efforts, there is nothing he can do to change the fact that his father had died a madman, and there is nothing he can do, to prove that the same won’t happen to him. That adds such a depth of pathos, to San’s situation, doesn’t it?

This entire situation lends lashings of plaintiveness, to San’s growing feelings for Deok Im, I feel like.

It’s coming into focus in my head, that in the midst of all these conflicting expectations of him, and the weight of his status and duty, his connection with Deok Im is the only one where he’s felt able to be himself, without the baggage that comes with his title of Crown Prince.

I’m very pleasantly surprised by how honest San is, about his feelings, not only to himself, but to Deok Im too.

Certainly, other people are sitting up and taking notice too, because of how San goes to great lengths to protect Deok Im, like he does at the gibang house, when she’s caught tailing him.

Deok Ro, for one, is quick to check in with Deok Im, to try to find out what San’s feelings are, towards her.

What a rude awakening it is for Deok Im, to realize that no one really cares how she feels about San; only San’s feelings are deemed important, because he is the Crown Prince, and she, a mere Court Lady.

Also, can I just say, the more I see of Deok Ro, the more repulsive I find him.

He comes across as such a hypocrite, all genial smiles and smooth words on the surface, but snide, disdainful,  and ruthless, whenever he shows his true self. Blech.

I think one of the reasons I dislike him so much, is because of how he pretends to be sooo nice and gentlemanly and considerate, when he’s actually got no consideration whatsoever, except when it comes to his own agenda.

I kinda love how worked up San gets, when he realizes that Deok Im’s following his mother’s orders, and that’s why she’s trailing him. His righteous indignation, that he’d assumed her loyalties were to him and not someone else, smacks of a sense of betrayal.

What strikes me as interesting, is that this sense of betrayal isn’t the straightforward betrayal felt by a master who’s been betrayed by a servant whom he’d assumed to be loyal.

This betrayal feels much more personal, and vibes like that of a jealous lover, who’s just now realizing that the affections he’d assumed were his, were actually for someone else.

Kudos to Lee Jun Ho for his portrayal, because I do feel like that’s the only thing that’s giving this scene the vibe of the betrayal felt by a jilted lover.

Everything on the page reads like a straightforward sense of betrayal felt by a master. And yet, in experiencing the scene, San’s feelings come across as deep, raw and very, very personal.

Tee hee, that Deok Im’s reply is so effusive and full of praise, that San gives her the suspicious side eye, and asks if she’s just sucking up to him. Pfft.

Even though she says she’s completely sincere, her answers definitely strike me as being more theatrical and dramatic than her true feelings warrant. 😆

I’m suitably amused, that San’s gift of books, which he sincerely thinks of as a reward, is received by Deok Im as punishment. HA. Just goes to show how well San knows a woman’s  – or at least, this woman’s – heart, eh?

What I love most about the scene, is how San is so spontaneously frank about how he feels about the time he and Deok Im had shared in the library.

Clearly, he hadn’t been planning to talk about it, but when it comes up in such a tangential manner, he just.. articulates it so naturally, without any visible hesitation.

“A few moments ago, even when I said I could have you killed you were not fearful. Now I know why. To you, I am still the gyeomsaseo from the past.

I still wonder why I pretended to be a gyeomsaseo. At first, I saw no need to correct you. But as time passed, I lost the will to tell you. That’s because… the moments we shared in the library were special to me.

The moments we were together there, I thought you were captivated by me. But I’m not sure anymore. Did I captivate you?

Were you… really captivated by me? Or was it…. that I was captivated by you?”

Swoon.

I can see why Deok Im would be dumbfounded, to the extent that she’d drop the books.

To my eyes, San actually appears disappointed that he doesn’t get any indication from her, of her feelings, and I think that’s why he leaves her so abruptly, and tells her to make her own way back to the palace.

I do love that even though San leaves Deok Im in such a rather unceremonious manner, we find out later in the episode, that he actually heads straight to his mother’s residence, to ask her not to call on Deok Im again.

Again, Kudos to Lee Jun Ho, because the way this scene is played, it does feel like he’s being protective of her, rather than of his rights as her master.

Another scene that I loved, is the one where San spots Deok Im in her ceremonial attire for the Court Ladies’ coming-of-age ceremony (which is basically marriage attire, because the coming-of-age ceremony is treated as a wedding of sorts, for them), and, alarmed that Deok Im’s gained the favor of the King, and therefore getting married to him, legit breaks into a run. A run!

How undignified, for a Crown Prince to break into a run, and for a Court Lady, no less. It’s no wonder his attendants raise their eyebrows more than a little, at the break in decorum.

BUT, how swoony, that San would throw decorum to the wind, when he’s gripped by the thought that Deok Im might be getting married to someone else (his grandfather, gasp!).

The way he grabs her arm and asks her so urgently, why she’s in wedding attire, is just very intense and uncalculated, and therefore, very melty. 😍

On hindsight, I can see why Princess Hyebin would set things up, to draw a firm official line between San and Deok Im.

After all, if he’s distracted by feelings for a court lady at a time when everyone’s scheming to depose him, that’s just not a good thing.

It’s a logical, prudent thing to do, and yet, my heart still dropped for both San and Deok Im, when it all shifts into focus, and San realizes what’s just happened.

As always, I love Deok Im’s reaction, which is to focus on how they ruined the only day that’s actually hers, and made her feel worthless, not on the fact that Princess Hyebin’s nipping any romantic possibilities between her and San in the bud.

I can’t help but love Deok Im’s sense of self. 🤩

I’m coming to the conclusion that the King’s more shrewd and sharp than he lets on, but is also subject to spurts of irrationality and delirium. I mean, his reaction to the “evidence” that’s brought against San, really vibes like a crazed rampage.

Poor San, I found it hard to watch him get roughed up, yelled at and slapped, and it’s even more poignant, to realize that this is basically an event that’s been patterned into his growing up years.

The scene where Deok Im reads to San through the closed doors is sweet and comforting in itself, but the way this scene continues, after the King leaves, is a whole other level of raw and vulnerable.

I love how Deok Im asks if San is ok, and how she manages to show that her primary concern is his wellbeing, rather than the orders that she receives.

The way San answers her through that door, with tortured breaths, a tightness in his voice, and tears still making their way down his face, is so gutting. Kudos to Lee Jun Ho all over again, because I was gripped by San’s every breath and every word, in this scene.

It’s bittersweet to see how honest San is, with Deok Im, in this very vulnerable moment, and how understanding Deok Im is, without San having to say very much.

I love that in Deok Im’s question, “Do you bear it because you have no other choice?,” there is an unspoken assumption that San has chosen to bear this for a reason.

And I love San’s ardent, heartbreaking answer,

“I hold back to attain my aims, and I bear it to get what I want. I know what pain is. And I know how many others are also suffering. I am the Crown Prince of this land. One day I will have the strength.

With that strength… there are so many who I can help. I have so many plans in store for the future. Do you know? As for you… just stay by my side. That’ll be enough.”

He’s so tortured, and he continues to allow himself to stay in this situation where he’ll continue to be tortured, for a greater good and higher purpose. 😭💔

How moving, and how worthy, of a future King.

How utterly bold of Deok Im to open that door, in defiance of the King’s orders, in order to pledge her allegiance to San:

“There is something I must tell you, my lord. It is what is in my heart of hearts. Until the succession day to the throne, My lord may rest assured that I will be a loyal assistant and protector. I believe my lord will achieve his ends.”

“I am merely a court lady, but I am your servant. I will remain by your side until the very end as your loyal servant. Until the day life leaves me for you, my lord, I shall assist and protect you.”

Augh. This is many times deeper and more heartfelt than the first expression of allegiance we hear from Deok Im at the top of the episode. This time, her heart is all in, and it’s clear to see, from her gaze.

How significant, that as she makes her bow to seal her promise, one last tear escapes from San’s eyes.

This gesture by Deok Im is clearly reaching him at his core, and, in a world where it feels like he needs to question the loyalties of so many people around him, this feels profoundly precious.

Episode 6

E6. Ooh, things are getting breathless up in here, and I am so here for it. Muahaha.

I don’t know what it is about this show; the unabashed employment of the smoldery male lead, which, in theory, sounds a bit old-fashioned in terms of Hallyu trends (like, the intent smolder was the hallmark of 2001’s Beautiful Days, for example), does not land old-fashioned to my eyes, at all.

Maybe it’s just coz my eyes are so busy trying to process the hotness that is Lee Jun Ho’s smoldery intensity 🤩 that my brain doesn’t have the wherewithal to think about drama norms and trends. 😂

I really, really like how Show is teasing out the growing connection between San and Deok Im.

The growing mutual trust between them, and the growing mutual appreciation, is just really nice to see.

Like the way Deok Im applies herself to helping the Crown Prince have his confinement orders lifted, and the way San entrusts her with this task, even though, logically speaking, she is but a low-ranking Court Lady without power or influence.

And she does it! Huzzah!! She really is brighter and more talented than most people realize.

I actually really like that Deok Im’s answers to the Queen’s riddles, turn out to be interesting and thought-provoking, despite being different from the standard “correct” answers.

Not only is the Queen astute to notice Deok Im’s keen mind and refreshing view of the world, she’s also quick to tap on Deok Im’s smarts, by striking that bargain with her.

Plus, Deok Im’s answer, that the Crown Prince views the Queen as a mirror, is such a wise one.

I have to say, it gave me great satisfaction, to see the Queen take Princess Hwawan down quite a few pegs, at that silk ceremony.

I mean, Seo Hyo Rim’s doing a great job of making Princess Hwawan catty and spiteful, plus, it’s so clear that Princess Hwawan’s actually doing this on purpose, in an attempt to steal the Queen’s thunder, at a ceremonial event that’s specifically carried out in the Queen’s honor.

It feels like punishment that’s well-deserved, and it’s even more satisfying, to know that it is all thanks to Deok Im, that the Queen even has this information, with which to take Princess Hwawan down from her high horse.

I find it ironic that Deok Ro is the one who notices Deok Im’s talent, rather than the San, though it makes sense that San would trust Deok Im, where Deok Ro doesn’t.

Therefore, it’s Deok Ro who catches on, that Deok Im’s behind the Queen’s involvement in the lifting of San’s confinement orders, while San himself is still in the dark, assuming that there are other factors involved that he’s not yet aware of.

I do love that even though San believes Deok Im’s audience with the Queen to be a bust, he still thanks her for her help. And, do I detect a measure of pleasure, as San says the words, “because you are my person”?? Eee!!

The way he smiles, as he hears the stammering discombobulation in her voice, at his pronouncement that she’s his person, is discombobulating to me. Excuse me while I squee. Again.

Eeee!! I just love that he’s amused by her, y’know?

I find the King very interesting, in how he receives the Queen’s words, persuading him to lift San’s confinement orders, and then proceeds to pretend in court, that he never confined San to begin with.

He comes across as forgetful and slightly unstable, but this is clearly an act on his part; a show to get around outright lifting San’s confinement orders – by pretending that there never were any, to begin with.

This makes me wonder what else the King has pretended not to have said or done, or pretended not to know, all this time.

Later in the episode, when he tells San that one day, when San is King, he will fully understand his grandfather, makes me think that there is a lot that the King manages, while pretending not to know things.

At the same time, the brokenness in San’s gaze is unmistakable.

Clearly, he’s been deeply wounded by the way the King’s treated him, all these years. I can imagine that a large part of that, has to do with the King’s unhinged outbursts, where he beats and torments San.

I honestly can’t help wondering what those are about, if the King isn’t actually crazy on any level. Why would a sane man do this, to his own grandson, whom he loves?

It’s great to see San back in action, and back in his blue dragon robes, after having been in confinement for so long.

That moment when he walks out of his quarters, and his eyes search for Deok Im, says a lot. He might have all of his servants’ full attention, as they congratulate him, but he just wants to know that Deok Im is there.

And when she does appear, and their eyes meet, that spark of connection is unmistakable, and quite thrilling to witness.

His gaze speaks of contentment and satisfaction, while hers speaks of pure joy. He’s just happy to see her, and she’s just happy that he’s ok, and out of confinement. I love it.

How cute, though, that it’s San who’s left in a state of bemused bluster, as Deok Im soon informs him that the Queen would like to retain Deok Im for a little longer.

Aw. He wants to see more of her right away, but he can’t have his wish. Poor San.

How cute, that he mutters to himself that he hopes the Queen doesn’t keep Deok Im permanently. I guess he must have a sense of how valuable Deok Im’s presence is, if he even entertains that thought?

Ugh. It seems that every episode, Show gives me a reason to dislike Deok Ro a little more. This episode, it’s how he acts towards Deok Im, after she helps his sister gain entry into the palace.

I mean, at first he seems pleasant enough, and I even feel a stab of compassion for him, when his sister talks about how he’s never had a nice new official robe, because their family can’t afford it.

But then, the way he tells Deok Im to stay away from his sister, feels so unnecessary and hostile, almost.

From the way he asks his sister whether she likes the palace, I’m getting the idea that he intends for his sister to enter the palace as a Court Lady, and he’s already planning how to use his sister for his personal gain – and that does not involve any sort of bond with Deok Im.

I’m guessing that Deok Ro’s eventual goal is to come against San, and he’s likely worried that if his sister and Deok Im are friends, then that would compromise his sister as a secure channel of intel.

All that is FINE, I guess, because I suppose you choose your goal and take your gamble with it, but the manner in which he manhandles Deok Im, and intimidates her, is just extremely distasteful to me.

Pfft. Of COURSE San sees Deok Ro grabbing Deok Im’s shoulders and gets the wrong idea, and then terrorizes his servants by being in a bad, bad mood because he’s stewing in jealousy, ha.

And of COURSE the skittish maids pounce on Deok Im and get her to finish drawing San’s bath, because they know that she is most able to navigate his moods.

And of COURSE that leads to Deok Im coming upon San, bare-bodied and glistening, sitting in that bath. Ahhhh!!! The tension in the air is killing me.

I love how he recognizes her voice, with her single uttered syllable, in response to his order to work quickly and leave.

I love his shocked, discombobulated expression, as he processes the fact that, 1, she’s right there in front of him, and 2, he’s only half clothed. Hee.

It’s SO CUTE, that he’d ask her to turn around, so that he can put his robe back on. Is our Crown Prince feeling a little shy? It’s adorable. 😍

I like how San tries to act normal, but quickly gives in to the burning desire to question Deok Im about her close encounter with Deok Ro.

Oh ho! This is definitely jealousy that I’m seeing here! I love how Deok Im answers so confidently, with quiet fire, that Deok Ro’s been harassing the court ladies, and San should reprimand him instead of questioning a helpless palace maid. Ooh. I love her.

Ah, San is so full of bluster, as he blurts, “I don’t care about the other court ladies. The only one I care about… is… my person.”

So much awkward hyperawareness, in this moment. 🤩

And then there’s how San gets up to help Deok Im with the bucket of water, and literally throws Deok Im off-balance, by the power of his glistening abs.

HAHA. 😂 I love it. It’s hilarious, and I’m lapping this up with the goofiest grin on my face; my inner teenager is absolutely delighted, I tell ya.

And then, as San rises to his feet, his hand on Deok Im’s waist, and just looks at her, the entire moment feels suspended in time, while they both struggle to regulate their breathlessness.

Guh. All that tension feels so thick, I feel like I can hardly breathe too. 🫠

Next Open Thread will be up on: Saturday, 27 July 2024!