Welcome to the Open Thread, everybody! Thanks for becoming a member of in on this group watch of this very particular present! ❤️
As I discussed in my announcement put up, these are my notes, precisely as they seem on Patreon.
ZERO SPOILER POLICY
We shall be adopting a ZERO SPOILER POLICY for this Open Thread, apart from occasions which have occurred within the present, up thus far.
This contains, however isn’t restricted to, how characters &/or relationships develop, later within the present.
The spoiler tags don’t work in e-mail notifications, subsequently, please take be aware that WE WILL NOT BE USING SPOILER TAGS FOR THIS OPEN THREAD.
We have to shield the harmless! 😉
With out additional ado, listed here are my reactions to this set of episodes; have enjoyable within the Open Thread, everybody! ❤️
My ideas
Episode 7
E7. The emotions; they’re in all places, and I’m gleefully, emphatically right here for it. 😁
Full disclosure, although. I’ve already been spoiled for the truth that our ending leans bittersweet / heartbreaking, although I’ve managed to keep away from the main points for the way that’s, precisely (don’t inform me, I actually don’t wish to know! 🙈).
That would positively put a little bit of a damper on the watch expertise, BUT, I rationalize that the rationale Present’s chosen ending is being felt so keenly by so many, is as a result of the teasing out of the sentiments, and the constructing of relationship, has been that efficient.
And if it’s that good, I’m gonna experience it, and admire it for the nice that it’s. I’ll cross that ending bridge after I get to it.
For now, Present’s sucked me into its world, the place San is grappling along with his emotions for Deok Im, and Deok Im additionally seems to be grappling along with her emotions for San, and it’s scrumptious to witness.
Largely, I’m taken with San’s hyperawareness of Deok Im, San attempting to remain calm and never present that hyperawareness, San delighting in any indication that Deok Im may like him too, and it’s simply fairly darn nice, throughout.
I’ve completely no complaints in any respect, that Present serves up the tub scene once more on the high of the episode. All the higher to spazz over once more, amiright? 🤩
I’m barely chagrined, however properly amused, that Court docket Girl Search engine marketing’s arrival throws each San and Deok Im right into a match of skittishness.
I’m significantly amused that on the finish of all of it, evidently San’s extra disconcerted and unsettled than Deok Im. Muahaha.
In any case, Deok Im has the presence of thoughts to search for a change of garments, whereas San is totally confused by the sight of her hurriedly rummaging via the cabinet.
I do just like the little element, that San is gentlemanly and decorous sufficient to avert his gaze, the minute he realizes that Deok Im’s about to start out getting modified.
As for the rationale Court docket Girl Search engine marketing is so wound up at the truth that Deok Im’s entered the tub chamber by herself, I are likely to assume that it’s in all probability obtained to do with the beforehand implied factor, the place Deok Im appeared to have been earmarked to presumably serve the Crown Prince’s, er, bodily wants.
On the time Court docket Girl Search engine marketing had gotten all flustered too, and had appeared troubled on the chance. I’m guessing that Court docket Girl Search engine marketing’s nervous and antsy response now, might be alongside the identical strains.
It does make me marvel why Court docket Girl Search engine marketing can be further protecting of Deok Im, and other than her in all probability considering of Deok Im as her personal daughter, I’m beginning to marvel if it has something to do with the small tattoo of the character “明” that we (& San!) see, on Deok Im’s shoulder blade. Hrm..
Other than San’s reluctance to see Deok Im depart, and his perplexed gaze round that, it’s additionally good to see Deok Im take a blushy second to herself, attempting to banish the imaginative and prescient of San’s moist, glistening, chiseled abs from her thoughts’s eye.
Ahahaha. I can see why it’s so onerous not to consider it, Deok Im! 😂
Beforehand, even when San’s ideas had been preoccupied with Deok Im, he’d been completely capable of operate at his research and different official issues, so it’s very telling, that this time, he’s not solely spacing out throughout his classes, however can be unable to operate, even when he snaps out of his reverie.
These emotions are positively rising very properly, if San’s response is something to go by!
I discovered it very amusing certainly, to see how happy San is, to overhear Deok Im inform her pals, that she adores him. The way in which he runs out on his personal, in order that he can delight on this new piece of data, is basically cute.
Too dangerous his perception comes crashing down later within the episode, when Head Guardsman fills San in, on the remainder of Deok Im’s spiel, which successfully neutralizes her whole “confession.”
Aw. San’s disappointment is palpable via my display screen.
Within the meantime, although, we do get to see a number of little indications of San’s rising attachment to Deok Im.
The way in which he opens as much as her and tells her one thing private associated to his childhood recollections of his father; the way in which he exhibits her the blooming flowers and asks her what she thinks it means; the way in which he exhibits such deep concern, when Court docket Girl Search engine marketing fibs that Deok Im’s not feeling properly.
Additionally, how about the way in which San reaches to the touch Deok Im’s brow, when she performs together with Court docket Girl Search engine marketing’s fib, and says that she’s caught a chilly.
Eee! The mild method by which he touches her brow, and the intent manner by which he seems at her, it’s all fairly swoony. 😍
Deok Im’s buddy Wol Hye is popping out to be fairly intriguing.
I imply, not solely does she inform Deok Im that she’s obtained somebody highly effective backing her, it seems that she’s fairly the badass murderer too, when required to be.
I imply, the way in which she takes down that bunch of males who have been tailing her on the market, is fairly darn spectacular. I’m so curious to know extra about her. Like, who’s she actually working for, and the way did she develop into such a secret badass murderer?
This episode, there are a number of instances when Deok Im emphasizes her want and want for private company.
Like when Orabeoni says that it’s unhappy that she has to reside as a court docket woman, and she or he defends herself, saying that she loves her work and is sweet at it, and in addition, when Head Court docket Girl Jo asks Deok Im if she’d wish to be the Crown Prince’s concubine, and Deok Im declines, saying that she want to proceed to reside as a court docket woman.
The very acutely aware, deliberate method by which Deok Im quashes her emotions for San, and places away any potential for a relationship with him aside from that between grasp and servant, is sort of fascinating.
We’re not instructed particularly whether or not this has something to do along with her household historical past, which we solely know partially at this level, however I suppose, within the context of Deok Im frequently emphasizing her want to have the fitting to decide on, that isn’t particularly related.
Her household could be a contributing issue for her choice, however the level, I feel, is that Deok Im desires to have the fitting to decide on, and have that alternative be revered.
And, for causes that we aren’t fairly clear about proper now, her alternative is to not pursue these emotions between her and San.
She makes that very clear, when San tries to supply her the orange that he’d cutely hidden in his sleeve for her, asking San to permit her to say no.
It actually looks like there are emotions in all places, and these human wills try so onerous to manage them, nevertheless it’s not clear to me, whether or not these emotions are literally being introduced underneath management.
I imply, when San tells Deok Im that he’s in his favourite place, with the particular person whom he likes, he seems so intensely smoldery, that I really feel like I’d waver in my choice, if I have been in Deok Im’s footwear. 😅
Poor San, although. He seems so annoyed, as he mutters, “Are we actually speaking in regards to the orange?”
I’ve a foul feeling about Deok Ro interfering to permit Deok Im’s buddy Yeong Hui to maintain the books that the King had ordered to be destroyed.
I’ve lengthy determined that Deok Ro is to not be trusted, and although Deok Im offers him that incense pouch to even the rating, I simply don’t belief Deok Ro to not use this towards Deok Im someway. 😬
I’m glad that Deok Im’s unexpectedly reunited along with her brother, and their reunion is suitably poignant, however the minute Present introduces Orabeoni, I’d had a sense that San was going to mistake Orabeoni for Deok Im’s suitor, which is strictly what occurs on the finish of our episode, ha.
I can’t assist however really feel mesmerized by San’s depth within the library, as he confronts Deok Im and questions her about whether or not her the whole lot belongs to him.
On the one hand, the truth that he’s this disturbed by the sight of her with Orabeoni, whom he assumes to be Deok Im’s suitor, tells me that his emotions for Deok Im are very sturdy.
Alternatively, his assumption that as his court docket woman, the whole lot of Deok Im’s ought to belong to him, is a dictatorial, oppressive stance, that feels jarring in comparison with his sweetly burgeoning emotions for her.
Deok Im’s reiteration of her proper to private company, even within the face of San’s slightly intimidating stance, is basically fairly admirable, significantly for the instances.
“Even a court docket woman has her personal will and coronary heart although they might appear trivial to others. Regardless that I belong to you, my the whole lot doesn’t belong to you.”
The way in which San then grabs Deok Im by the neck, is sort of alarming, actually. It is a completely different aspect to San, that I’ll have conveniently forgotten exists, with all of the candy depth that we’ve been seeing from him, of late.
I imply, I do know that Deok Im shall be high-quality – we’re solely at episode 7, in any case – however I can’t assist questioning how this scene will get resolved.
Will San – gasp – apologize, like Deok Im had as soon as stated he ought to be taught to do, for grabbing her by the neck like that?
Episode 8
E8. We get some necessary developments and divulges this episode, and I’m and invested, but additionally.. I’ve to admit that I’m largely simply flailing at Junho on my display screen.
My appreciation may completely be blown out of proportion, however.. how is he this good? 🤩🤩
We begin the episode the place we left off final episode, with San holding Deok Im’s neck in his grasp, and I’m sobered to appreciate that the whole lot that he says is true. Deok Im’s life and demise does lie in his palms.
Regardless that Deok Im values and aspires to private company, there’s a particular restrict to the areas by which she will be able to train that company, and on this world, on this context – significantly given what occurs this episode – this looks like a solemn reminder of the system by which Deok Im lives.
Whereas it could be startling to us, to see our swoony male lead ship such a darkish warning to the lady that he loves, I notice that San’s not flawed, in his assertion.
I do want that San had came upon that the thing of his jealousy, isn’t Deok Im’s lover, however her long-lost brother, however.. I suppose that reveal must come one other day.
We do get one other key realization between our OTP this episode, although, so I’m fairly completely satisfied to commerce one for the opposite, for now.
By way of key plot developments, this episode, the King’s dementia, and San’s regency, takes a great chunk of display screen time, and I’m each glad for it, and nervous about the way it’s going to shake out.
On the one hand, it’s simply harmful to have a King on the throne, who’s obtained absolute energy, however who’s affected by dementia. That’s only a recipe for catastrophe. And so, I’m truly glad that the King makes the tough choice to make San his regent.
In any case, it should be onerous to let go of all this energy, should you’re used to wielding absolute energy, proper?
Alternatively, the truth that so many individuals oppose San’s regency, makes me nervous.
There’s already a lot scheming throughout the court docket; does San really want all these individuals opposing him, now extra overtly than ever earlier than? Poor San. The truth that he’s his father’s son will in all probability hang-out him for all times, it seems like.
The opposite factor that niggles at me, is Deok Ro, who’s supposedly on San’s aspect, however who is certainly extra desirous about his personal fortunes, than in being loyal to San.
There’s that second, when he tells his sister that his title shall be identified all around the land. It makes me marvel simply what Deok Ro has in thoughts, and the way that may have an effect on San. Is Deok Ro presumably planning to steal the throne from San, sooner or later..?
After which there’s the reveal of the shadow group of court docket maids, headed by Head Court docket Girl Jo.
I assume Present’s given us a touch of this, once we noticed Wol Hye performing like a ninja murderer on the market, however the truth that she belongs to an precise group, which seems to be a community of spies (and certain assassins), remains to be startling.
That story that Younger Hee begins telling her pals, in regards to the moon fairies coming right down to earth to assist the King was high-quality and good – till it began to bleed into the fact of Gwangan Palace.
I discovered the entire thing fairly unorthodox and peculiar, as a result of I haven’t seen something like this in one other sageuk (not that I’ve watched all of the sageuks there are, after all).
It’s only a slightly unusual narrative contact, to have court docket women organized like this, to spy on the royals, for their very own agenda. In any case, they’re imagined to be wholly serving the King.
I can’t inform if Gwangan Palace has all the time been a factor, however apparently Head Court docket Girl Jo is working it like some type of revenge weapon.
If Court docket Girl Park is appropriate, Head Court docket Girl Jo mainly engineered Crown Prince Sado’s demise, as a result of the King had chosen Consort Yeong to be his concubine, as a substitute of her. Wow. Speak about juicy gossip?
Gwangan Palace is vibing like an murderer sect to my eyes, to this point, just like the one in Warrior Baek Dong Soo, for instance, the place persons are groomed to be assassins.
The way in which they function feels quite a bit like that, and the way in which Head Court docket Girl Jo tortures Court docket Girl Park, barely retaining her alive – as a result of court docket women usually are not allowed to die within the palace – is sort of surreal to witness.
This makes Head Court docket Girl Jo’s request of Deok Im, that Deok Im develop into the Crown Prince’s concubine, a lot extra sinister than it had first appeared. She desires Deok Im to spy on the Crown Prince, and report again to Gwangan Palace.
I’m starting to see why it’s smart of Deok Im to say no. I definitely wouldn’t need Deok Im to be entangled with Gwangan Palace. 😬
In fact, Head Court docket Girl Jo’s not one to again down simply, which is how Deok Im finally ends up nearly dropping her life, when that e book, which the King had granted her, is found in her belongings. Yikes.
That was a detailed name for Deok Im, with the cranky King not instantly remembering that he’d ever given the e book, and ordering that her heel tendons be reduce, and that she be thrown out of the palace. Geez. That’s horrible.
It’s no marvel San hadn’t wished Deok Im to see the King, and had as a substitute requested for Deok Im’s exile. He was in all probability afraid for her life, if she have been to see the King, significantly with the King affected by dementia.
I’m positive he didn’t truly wish to ship her away, however along with her life in peril, the lesser evil, was to avoid wasting her, by sending her away. I can solely think about how tough it should have been for San, too.
It says a lot, that when the King’s made his pronouncement of Deok Im’s punishment, San truly will get down on his knees, to plead with the King to offer Deok Im extra time. That actually saves Deok Im’s life.
And, it’s an enormous deal, for the Crown Prince to plead on his knees for something, not to mention a court docket maid. That ought to inform Deok Im all she must know, about San’s coronary heart to avoid wasting her, slightly than to punish her.
I’m glad that Deok Im realizes this, and that she prepares to thank San, even working towards what she’ll say – which is when San overhears and solutions her.
Aw. I prefer it when these two get to work together alone, in that secret backyard, away from prying eyes and ears.
I’m happy that Deok Im tells San why she’d been upset, and that she’s grateful that he saved her.
And, I kinda love how San leads Deok Im to the belief that the boy who had paid his respects to Consort Yeong, alongside along with her, had been none aside from San himself.
“Do you keep in mind… the title of the boy?”
“His title was… San.”
“My title… is San.”
Ahhh. For some purpose, I discover this trade so satisfying.
I like that he leads her via her recollections, and I like that he tells her his title.
In any case, it is a very private factor, and if I’m not mistaken, royals’ names are to not be uttered by their topics, and subsequently usually are not identified by their topics.
I’m not tremendous positive if that is true of all royals however that is definitely true of the King, and I’m guessing, subsequently additionally the Crown Prince.
Regardless, it looks like a momentous factor, that San would inform Deok Im his title like this.
Ahhh. The way in which San takes her in his arms, and grasps her shoulders tightly, makes me really feel like he’s discovered a treasure that he desires to carry onto with all his may. That’s swoony. 😍
Deok Im hugging him again is a giant deal too, since she’s been persistently retaining him at arm’s size, although she is aware of that he likes her.
This hug feels primarily pushed by the gladness, shock and reduction, that they’ve discovered that childhood connection that they’d shared. However from San’s aspect, at the least, I can really feel an excessive amount of deeper, stronger emotion that’s working undercurrent.
I like me some smoldery, intent San. I can’t assist myself. 🤩
On one other be aware, I can’t assist worrying that somebody will see them like this, although it is a non-public backyard. We now know that we’ve obtained a legit spy group among the many court docket women, in any case..? 😬
Subsequent Open Thread shall be up on: Saturday, 3 August 2024!
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