In the music bureau the musicians & court dancer practising their instruments & dances. Daegeum musician shouting for Choi Dong Yi telling that “Nuk Cho Jae” will be starting soon & asked where she gone to. The thin musician said that he too is looking for her & asked if the Daegeum musician has seen her. The Daegeum musician tells that he has just seen her but now she has disappear then the Daegeum musician sneezes as the thin musician tells how is he going to blow his Daegeum with that nose. The Daegeum musician will moat probable plays the Jeong-ok daegeum. The Daegeum musician that a year once examination, it look like he will need to forfeit it this year as he rubs his nose. The daegeum musician calls for Su Tae to be brought over quickly as the staff brings it over & he finds that it is the wrong one & tell the staff that he didn’t bring his brain along to work. The staff said that he will brings it again as the other musician shouting for errands that has not be done as the staff asked the Daegeum musician to wait.
The Daegeum asked where is Choi Dong Yi that this matter must be handled by her
The Daegeum asked where is Choi Dong Yi that this matter must be handled by her
Nuk Cho Jae is the Music bureau set schedule examination for the year
Su Tae is an accessories that is use in the ensemble that is 24cm in length & 7mm in depth
Daegeum is a large transverse Korean bamboo flute, dated back to 7th century Shilla dynasty. It is one of the Samjuk (three transverse bamboo flutes), which consists of daegeum (large one), joongeum (medium one), and sogeum (small one). Of the three, joongeum is not currently played any more.
Daegeum has one blowing hole, six finger holes, and an extra hole covered with a thin membrane called ‘cheong’ (located between the blowing hole and finger holes). Cheong is a white resonant membrane cut from a reed’s inner film. There are also one or two more additional holes, called ‘chilseong-gong’, which lies in the end of the instrument. Chilseong-gong is used only to adjust pitches. There are two different types of daegeum: Jeong-ak daegeum (for classical/court music) and sanjo daegeum (for folk music).
Choi Dong Yi busy somewhere else as she asked whether the fish was said has floated today in the morning as the staff affirms it & asked what they going to do. Choi Dong Yi inspects the fish & confirmed that they are definitely dead. Choi Dong Yi explains that the fish already showing its stomach bloated, then Choi Dong Yi tells that the fish has been sign of suffocation to death. The staff is shock that the fish died of suffocation. Choi Dong Yi affirms that the death is cause by this carp over here, Choi Dong Yi brushes the gills & finds blood as she mentioned that it is Geumgang sand & this particular sand has blocked the gill that cause the fish to suffocate. Choi Dong Yi tells that they needs to clean the bed of the pond then change the water then the rest of the fishes wouldn’t end up like their dead counterpart, there this will be fine. The staff 1 asked whether this is true. Choi Dong Yi confirms as the staff 2 blames the carp for causing death to other fishes, that they didn’t know why recently that the carp are causing death to other fishes in the same ponds. Staff 1 tells that it is because of Choi Dong Yi’s diagnoses that they feel rest assured but however she is merely the maid from the bureau music, how she knew of such knowledge. Choi Dong Yi tells that she has heard this mentioned before. Choi Dong Yi tells that she has help them, now they need to give her, her reimbursement to her. Choi Dong Yi tells that the music bureau’s musician all now in stricken panic. The Staff 1 give Choi Dong Yi what she asked for as she is happy to received a bottle
Ji Shik Sang is death by suffocation
Geumgang sand has salt granulate in them
Choi Dong Yi returns to the music bureau as the musician greets her presence as Choi Dong Yi goes fixing the musician before they leave for the ensemble. Choi Dong Yi tells that looking at them, they look like on the brink of collapse. The Daegeum musician waited for Choi Dong Yi & asked where did she go. Choi Dong Yi then finds discrepancy in the Daegeum musician clothing as she correct the knots as it has be tied reverse as Choi Dong Yi tells that she has taught him so many times that it should be tied as such, then gives the bottle & open bottle at his nose. Daegeum musician pinches his nose & asked what is that as it smell awful. Choi Dong Yi tells that it is fermented bean curd excrement brine, the gardener keeps them to fertilise the plants with it & it took her some ways to obtained it. The Daegeum tells that it is really smelly. Choi Dong Yi smiles & asked how does he feel that his nasal passage has already clear immediately. Then the Daegeum musician realise & finds that his nose has cleared. Choi Dong Yi wishes the Daegeum well wishes for his music exams & encourage him that he must passed
Chang Won sang are the court gardeners
Choi Dong Yi looks like the wardrobe stylise for the ensemble telling them what to wear for their performance. Then Choi Dong Yi adds Chi Ma Yeo on the musician finger so it will lubricate his finger while strumming & lessen the friction so that he will not feel sting. The musician thanked Choi Dong Yi for her additions. Then Choi Dong Yi asked the musician whether he has tune his string as she claims that the tension is too soft. The Ajaeng musician said that he has tune it but still not as it should be as shouts of Choi Dong Yi calling for her attention. Choi Dong Yi acknowledge the calls & tells that she is coming
Chi Ma Yeo is a perfume
Ajaeng is a large Korean bowed zither having seven strings. Its body is about 160 cm (62 inches) long and 25 cm (10 inches) wide and is made of paulownia wood. The ajaeng’s strings, made of twisted silk, are supported by separate movable bridges. The bow with which it is played, some 65 cm (25 inches) long, is fashioned from a peeled forsythia branch that has been hardened with pine resin. The instrument, which is placed in a transverse position on the floor, is supported on its bowed end by a stand. The player sits on the floor behind it and moves
Music examination commence as an official presides over the examination. Then the official announce that the examination commences as the Official give them the question that they are tested on their ear to music. As the nation court music, this is the most important aspect is the to learning the music by ear. The official tells the musician to listen to the music well & attempt to recreate the same music in their playing & their notes sheets. The official asked that it may commence
Cheong Yim is a test for the music by ear where the musician attempts to listen & repeat the music as they hear while writing the notes down
Joseon regards to music
Since the reign of King Sejong who had special attachment in music and ruled the state through arts and morality. Sejong was not only a king but also a scholar who rearranged the musical theories and instruments. He wanted to teach people with easy and enjoyable music about ethics, as, in the Joseon period, music was regarded as one way to realize the ideal Confucian world,”
Then the invigilator gives the rules of the examination. The musician plays a piece as the examined musician starts to write down the notes that the musician is playing attempting to copy
Then the next question is Cheong Joo, an attempted to recreate the same music by playing. Then a bird is brought out & they have to copy to play the notes of the singing bird. Then the final question is Hap Joo, which is playing in an ensemble. Then the finalists play in an ensemble. Choi Dong Yi comes running & assures the Daegeum musician not to worry that it will be an ensemble that he most has practice on. The Daegeum musician asked whether Choi Dong Yi is certain. Choi Dong Yi tells that it is the going to be the birthday of Prince Eun Pyeong, therefore the official will choose the appropriate music & dance for the celebration. Then the music notes was passed on as Daegeum musician is thrilled that it was what Choi Dong Yi has spotted. The ensemble plays the music. Choi Dong Yi cheering the Daegeum musician that he is doing great giving her thumbs up on his performance
Choi Dong Yi comes to rest & tells that if anyone shouts for her to inform then that she is dead. The staff said that each time the music examination is on, it is always chaos but because of Choi Dong Yi, that it has been smooth & relax, then tells Choi Dong Yi is their lucky star. Then Choi Dong Yi complains why the staff was bullying her when she 1st came. The staff tells that when she came, they thought she was the apple of Hwang Joo Shik. Now the staff know where they are going to finds another one like Choi Dong Yi as he wish to have another. Choi Dong Yi affirms that they will wish to have 10 of what is consider a rare find like her then to assigned them to various section of the music bureau
Hwang Joo Shik comes what is Choi Dong prattling about of having 10 as Choi Dong Yi stand up to greet him & tells that she is dead meat. Choi Dong Yi greets Hwang Joo Shik. Hwang Joo Shik then grabs Choi Dong Yi by the ear & asked him to follow him. Choi Dong Yi asked what is Hwang Joo Shik is doing that her ears is about to come off. Hwang Joo Shik tells that he thought that her brains has fallen off & drags her away. Hwang Joo Shik takes Choi Dong Yi & passes a few court eunuch & official as he asked whether Choi Dong Yi notice the official that these eunuch official wishes to apprehend Choi Dong Yi. Choi Dong Yi is shock that they want to apprehend her. Hwang Joo Shik tells that the wee hours of the morning today, the person who was playing the haegeum was Choi Dong Yi. Then Hwang Joo Shik explains that the music was heard by Sukjong who has just return to the palace from a private excursion. Choi Dong Yi is surprise as Hwang Joo Shik mentioned that they are now looking for that musician that was playing the music therefore has send the eunuch to finds that person. Choi Dong Yi is surprise that it was Sukjong who heard her music. Hwang Joo Shik asked what is she going to do, that if someone were to learn that he has allow a palace maid to play instrument in the music bureau, it will be trouble for him. Hwang Joo Shik tells that the person who assigned Choi Dong Yi to look after the instruments will he be also dead meat. Choi Dong Yi takes a glance at the eunuch
Sukjong walking the corridors as his Joint Chief of Staff officials reports their daily finding telling after the banquet there will be a music recital for the official in the 6 ministry, moreover the 3 Excellencies from the Grand Secretariat will like to seek Sukjong’s audience. Sukjong give his comment that they must what to see him in regards to the meteor that they has discover, gather them all to take a looks & resolve & settle them once & for all as the palace maid lines up to greet him as he passes them by & waves to them like a pop idol & tells them that it is all quiet in the palace as the palace maids are excited just in Sukjong’s presence like fans. Then the official continues that Sungkyunkwan scholar is petition for longer hours of resting quarters. Sukjong asked whether the Sungkyunkwan scholar are in the number of 100s. The Official confirms. Sukjong then asked then whether they are coming to see their King bearing in empty hands. Sukjong asked his official to see to what gift; they have brought for good tidings. The junior official as surprise as Sukjong tells that it was just a passing joke. Sukjong tells that it has already been few years & yet the junior official still doesn’t know how to catch Sukjong’s jokes. Sukjong that he needs to see the meteor for himself. The official acknowledge. The officials dusting off a black meteorite rock found the palace. The official greets Sukjong’s arrival
Joseon follows the pattern of the Ming Dynasty of Central administration which having the Grand secretariat that superimposed the 6 Ministries which is Personnel, Revenue/Tax, Rites, Military/War, Justice & Works
The official tells that there was a sudden explosion of sound that when they came out to investigate, they found this large meteoric rock on the palace ground. Sukjong said that in recent years, they were many discovery of sporadic fallen black meteorite rocks but however this time, the meteorite that has fallen is somewhat of a large in size that has caused a stir of panic. The Joint Chief of Staff tells that it is not somewhere but at the palace & asked how can Sukjong brushes this matter as petty. It is not mentioned just in palace but even the citizen of the capital think that this is a bad omen that it will bring certain calamity that has cause panic among the population that he wishes that Sukjong will take into consideration about their concern over the forthcoming calamity. Sukjong tells that does his Joint Chief of Staff official thinks that this is all because of the Court Lady Jang Ok Jung, then according to them that it is because of her entering into the inner palace that has befitted the nation & himself with this certain calamity. his Joint Chief of Staff official doesn’t want to confirm as Sukjong takes a closer look & checks on the meteorite as his Joint Chief of Staff official & staff is concern about his safety
In Joseon Dynasty, it has been recorded in their 519 years, there were 3,109 meteor, 7 meteor showers & 5 meteorites
Jang Ok Jung is waiting in her residence as the Seoin Government official asking for Sukjong consideration that the Court Lady Jang Ok Jung has be dismissed & ban from the palace for her impeachment in palace ruling & to recall the return of Court Lady Jang Ok Jung, will not be permitted. Jung In Guk debates that Court Lady Jang Ok Jung has been calls to return to the palace, that the calamities has been continuous & moreover that the meteorite has fallen into the palace grounds & asked Sukjong that he is not aware what the significant that this implies. Oh Yun tells Jung In Guk that he is a little carry over in his concern on the truth. Oh Yun asked whether Jung In Guk is implying that Court Lady Jang Ok Jung is an bad omen. Jung In Guk tells that if it is not that, then what might that be. Jung In Guk tells Sukjong that this concern the welfare of the country & its survival & as the servant of the state, he will not allow this to happened that is now besieging in front of their eyes then pleas to Sukjong for the sake of his reign & nation that he will take consideration in his advice & concern of his loyal subject over the matter
Jung In Guk is the Minister of Military
Sukjong concurs & tells that as he listens to Jung In Guk’s petition, it does have his reason in his argument. The Namin is surprise that Sukjong concurs as Sukjong say that since the appearance of the meteorite that it is the signs that it will besiege the nation with calamity, moreover the meteorite didn’t fall elsewhere but in the palace that Government official’s anxiety in the matter is understandable. Jung In Guk thanked that Sukjong has concurs in his argument. Sukjong adds that since his government official has shown their loyalty towards their King, he will present to them a gift. Sukjong summons that the gift to be brought forwards as the Eunuch acknowledge & the government official each is given a box & place in front of them
Oh Tae Seok begs to asked what is this before them. Sukjong invites them to open the book & take a look. The government official opens & finds 2 sizeable mint coin in front of them as they look bewildered. Sukjong asked his official what do they think, whether they are satisfied in what they have received. Sukjong said that this coins has been minted from the meteorite that has fallen into the palace. Jung In Guk instantly drop the box in fright after hearing Sukjong’s explanation. Sukjong tells his government official that because of their loyalty for him & country that he will render this so called omen for them to share this with him. Sukjong believe that because he knows of his government official loyalty towards him & nation that they will ever willing to share this calamity with him. Sukjong then asked what his governmental official’s expression on their faces don’t look too well & why, they are not willing share the laden of the state & their King that Sukjong tells what about their surety for his reign
Sukjong returns to his chamber to learn that his Chief Eunuch has not found the haegeum musician that they heard playing in the morning. The Chief Eunuch tells that the music bureau told that there were any musicians playing at the time. Sukjong wonder how can that be possible that he definitely did heard music. The Chief Eunuch tells that his persistence questioning finds there is no such musician. Then Chief Eunuch wants to asked why Sukjong insistence in finding that musician. Sukjong tells that it is the 1st time that he has heard that piece of music & finds the music elegance & he wants when Jang Ok Jung to return to the palace to let her heard that piece of music. Once she return to the palace that she must be install into the inner court, this is done for the sake only for Jang Ok Jung. This is to put pressure to prevent the political influence of the Seoin from coming any bigger & to counter by assisting the Namin with a helping hand, this will guarantee that the court balance of power within the factions. Sukjong tells that Jung Ok Jung will be the guinea pig that will be batter & slaughter in their quarrels that it will be difficult for her to carry on, therefore Sukjong wishes to snatch this opportunity to provide Jang Ok Jung a shelter & comfort zone before anything happens to her. The Chief Eunuch tells that the piece of music has brought calm & peace to Sukjong. Sukjong nods in affirmative. Sukjong recalls the morning that he heard Choi Dong Yi Haegeum’s music. Sukjong wishes to heard that music left an everlasting impression
Hwang Joo Shik gives Choi Dong Yi a clothing package & Choi Dong Yi asked what is this. Hwang Joo Shik tells looking at it, she doesn’t know what it is. Hwang Joo Shik tells that it is her belonging. Hwang Joo Shik said that he has packs some of the essential items for her that she require, she needs to leave the palace for a moment until the incident settles. Choi Dong Yi is surprise that she needs to leave the palace. Hwang Joo Shik tells that this is a stratagem “if everything fails, then retreat”. Hwang Joo Shik tells that he has heard that Chu Jong Su who are in the midst of developing new instrument is shorthanded, therefore Choi Dong Yi goes there to stay there for a while. Choi Dong Yi tells that she can’t & it surprise Hwang Joo Shik in her reaction. Hwang Joo Shik got a fright & asked why she doesn’t want to go. Choi Dong Yi tells there is a place that she must go tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day that the court ladies do their general spring cleaning in their quarters that she needs to go. Hwang Joo Shik reminds that she is a palace maid for the music bureau & not the court ladies palace maid, why is she with no reason or business goes to the court ladies’ quarters. Choi Dong Yi can’t explains but insist that she needs to go there tomorrow. Choi Dong Yi promise Hwang Joo Shik that she wouldn’t cause any trouble & plea to Hwang Joo Shik to let her go. Hwang Joo Shik said that if Choi Dong Yi is discover, then it is not only Choi Dong Yi dies, he will be drag to his death. Hwang jeong shakes Choi Dong Yi out of her sense & tells her not to be absurd & just adhere to his instruction & do as she is told. Choi Dong Yi tells Hwang Joo Shik is out of line as Hwang Joo Shik drags Choi Dong Yi then blackmail that if he is insist of doing this then she will reveal all the years that Hwang Joo Shik has been hoarding the musical instruments. Hwang Joo Shik closes Choi Dong Yi’s mouth from saying further. Hwang Joo Shik asked whether Choi Dong Yi is mad
Chu Jong Su is where the instruments go for repairs & development of new instrument
Hwang Joo Shik tells that if Choi Dong Yi tells that if she disclose this, it will not be just him that will de dead, she too will be instigated & unable to run away from accusation. Choi Dong Yi pleas with Hwang Joo Shik but Hwang Joo Shik tell her to shut up & wait for when the time is settle & at peace to return to the palace as Hwang Joo Shik asked her to go quickly. Choi Dong Yi protest but in vain. Choi Dong Yi informs the court palace maid that she can’t come tomorrow & apologise. The court palace maid is upset that it was really Choi Dong Yi who pleaded with them before that she wanted to come to the court palace ladies quarters, but it is of no choice. Choi Dong Yi asked whether when will be the next Dan Pan, if that time comes, they must inform her & asked her for her help. The palace maid acknowledge
Dan Pan is the chamber that makes ornaments
The Chu Jong Su factory workings of the music instrument workshop as craftsman goes about making & building the instruments. Craftsman tuning the instruments the stone chimes. Choi Dong Yi comes to Chu Jong Su as the foreman tells that he requested a craftsman & not a palace maid. Choi Dong Yi tells that she was with the music bureau for 6 years, it should count for something, there is nothing that she can’t overcome. The foreman tells that she drops her belonging & go & help out other craftsman & get busy. Choi Dong Yi acknowledge. Choi Dong Yi started in tidying up the workshop & has a breather where she pick up the haegeum then strum the strings then she took a brush & draw the Geumgae insignia then recalls Cha Cheon Soo telling her to remember & not to forget the insignia, no matter where she left this insignia, he will able to finds her & asked whether she understands. Choi Dong Yi tells that Cha Cheon Soo must return for her as they promise each other with a pinky promise that Cha Cheon Soo will find her. Choi Dong Yi tells that Cha Cheon Soo is too much that he never able to fulfil his promise. Then recalls Jang Ok Jung doing the hand gestures then the young Choi Dong Yi returns the butterfly ornament to Jang Ok Jung which she drops. Jang Ok Jung thanked Choi Dong Yi for finding it that this ornament is really important to her
Choi Dong Yi sighs & looks up to heavens telling her father & brother that it is already 6 years that she doesn’t have the slightest of clue that she has achieve. Choi Dong Yi tells that the only lead was the court lady’s butterfly ornament & she has been looking for her to tell her what is the meaning behind the hand gesture. Today she wanted to go to the court ladies quarters to finds that court lady with the butterfly ornament but in the end, it is all in avail. Choi Dong Yi sighs that she fears that this continues & she is not able to do anything about the matter. Then a shadow passes by.
Oh Yun comes & he asked whether his Uncle is in his residence. The valet confirms. Oh Tae Seok surprise about music bureau. Oh Yun tells that they have been surveillance the movement of the Daebijeon & the Seoin faction members, there is some suspicious movement brewing in the music bureau as the centre of motive. Oh Tae Seok question why could it be the music bureau, what can they achieve to benefits in a place that is full of musicians & asked whether Oh Yun has misread the motives. Oh Yun tells that it is on the contrary, that in the midst of the return of jang Ok Jung to the palace that Queen Dowager Myeongseong & command special instruction for the birthday of Prince Eun Pyeong. Oh Yun tells that Queen Myeongseong has never once been interested in the affairs of Prince Eun Pyeong therefore there must be something concealing plot in this matter. Oh Tae Seok gives some thought as a soldier announce his presence & inform that Jang Ok Jung has arrive
Jang Ak Jeon is the music bureau
Jang Ok Jung queries about the music bureau. Oh Tae Seok confirms that in the midst of Jang Ok Jung’s return to the palace, it seems that Queen Myeongseong is taking this opportunity in scheming something behind, they only know that the centre of the subject is that it involves the music bureau. Oh Yun asked whether Jung Ok Jung will delay her return to the palace as a better option as it will give them to prepare them to counter measure, or else they would have set a scheme to plot against Jang Ok Jung. Jang Ok Jung disagrees, she will enter the palace as scheduled. Oh Yun warns Jang Ok Jung that this matter is not to be taken lightly, don’t she already know that the matter in regards to her, also reflect on their Namin faction as well. Jang Ok Jung said that this is why they must not avoid the ploy. Jang Ok Jung tells that do they wish for Seoin faction to see that they have all fears for them as she gave an example that a frightened animal that is been corner will kick itself out of danger to safeguard its survival. Jang Ok Jung tells that they need to have a diversion of bluff & bluster. Oh Yun surprise of the suggestion of diversion of bluff & bluster. Jang Ok Jung affirms that they have to make showed an empty show of strength hence Queen Myeongseong will not dare to take any actions so readily. Oh Tae Seok asked how can this be achieve. Jang Ok Jung tells that the weather has starts to warm up, she will tried to change the atmosphere
Choi Dong Yi firing up the kiln then she turns to a craftsman to asked what time is it now. The craftsman tells that it has pass Jin Si. The craftsman said that he is really busy & Choi Dong Yi keep asking for the time. Choi Dong Yi sigh that at Jin Si, the household cleaning would have started. The foreman comes to the craftsman & asked him to deliver the package to the palace. The craftsman said that he has finished with sawing the wood. Choi Dong Yi overhears & volunteers to do the dispatched on the behalf & asked whether she can do it. The foreman tells that the kiln needs to be fire up. Choi Dong Yi tells that she has already done & shows the fire to the foreman. The foreman is pleased with the fire then the foreman asked ask Choi Dong Yi to polish the Pyeongyeong stone chimes as Choi Dong Yi is surprise & has to acknowledge
Jin Si is the hour of Dragon between 7-9am
Choi Dong Yi brushing the Pyeongyeong stone chimes, then a suspicious craftsman come sneaking in the store where Choi Dong Yi is busy with the Pyeongyeong as he rummage through some things as Choi Dong Yi pops up & asked what is he looking for & give him a fright as he tells that Choi Dong Yi frightened him. Choi Dong Yi apologise that she has spook him. The suspicious craftsman asked what is Choi Dong Yi doing there. Choi Dong Yi said that she is polishing the Pyeongyeong as she is instructed. The suspicious craftsman tells that this is fine, he will attend to the matter & asked Choi Dong Yi to go away & find something else to do. Choi Dong Yi tells that the foreman has asked her to finished this polishing before Mi Si. The suspicious craftsman tells angrily to Choi Dong Yi that he will handle the matter. Choi Dong Yi acknowledged & leaves
Pyeongyeong (stone chimes) and Teukgyeong (single stone chime): The Pyeongyeong is constructed of two rows with eight L-shaped stones in each row. Imported from China as a court instrument with the Pyeongyeong during the Goryeo Dynasty, the Pyeongyeong was first produced domestically under King Sejong during the Joseon Dynasty. Its uses are identical to the pyeonjong. The teukgyeong is a single L-shaped stone and is used exclusively in court ceremonial music
Mi Si is the hour of sheep between 1-3pm
Choi Dong Yi complains that the suspicious craftsman is really arrogant. The craftsman who was assign to deliver the package complains that if he goes to the palace, what about his work here, when will he finished & complains. Choi Dong Yi calls the craftsman. Jang Ok Jung comes to Chu Jong Su as Choi Dong Yi leaves for the delivery & promise she will be back before Mi Si as Jang Ok Jung & Choi Dong Yi passes each other without recognising although Choi Dong Yi has a glance at Jang Ok Jung as she runs to the errand to the palace. Jang Ok Jung wishes to know who is the person in charge of this facility. The Head foreman & the civil administrator comes running to greet Jang Ok Jung & asked what is the purpose of her visit to have come to Chu Jong Su. Jung Ok Jung tells that she is passing through here that she came because of personal matter that she will like to make a request. Jung Ok Jung said that she has heard craftsman from Yung Cheon’s Du Mu Jang & she wants to see them . The Head foreman said that they are now currently in the workshop & he will call them. Jung Ok Jung acknowledge & asked the Head foreman to take his time. Jung Ok Jung looks around that Chu Jong Su when the suspicious craftsman turns around looking at Jung Ok Jung while he polishing the Pyeongyeong (stone chimes)
Du Mu Jang is woodcrafters – craftsman specialise in wood cravings
Choi Dong Yi cleaning the Court Ladies quarters trying to peek outside for a glimpse of Jang Ok Jung that she has been looking for. Then the palace maid surprise to see Choi Dong Yi cleaning the floor when Choi Dong Yi has told her that she can’t make it & asked what is going on. Cho Dong Yi tells that she will not go back on a promise that she will come. Choi Dong Yi asked where is Jang Ok Jung’s quarters. The palace maid whether Choi Dong Yi is making a reference to Jang Ok Jung. The palace maid said that she will soon enter the palace again, before that she will be residing at Dang Jang. Choi Dong Yi asked whether she can go to Jang Ok Jung’s residence & do household cleaning. The palace maid permits her to go
Choi Dong Yi comes & looks through Jung Ok Jung cupboards to finds the butterfly ornament then she heard noises & pretend to clean the floor diligently & goes to heard whether there is any nearby noises then breathe a sigh of relief. She continues to clean with the palace maid but the palace maid left for a change of water, Choi Dong Yi starts rummaging through the cupboard again then she finally found Jang Ok Jung’s butterfly ornament but then it is not the correct one, as she tells herself where is no other reason that it is going to be such an easy find
Jang Ok Jung is having the butterfly that Choi Dong Yi is looking for as she hands it to the woodcrafters & asked whether he remembers the butterfly ornament as an accessories. The woodcrafter said that he make this for Jung Ok Jung a long time ago. Jung Ok Jung confirm that this is the most precious she received when she enter the palace, but however she is isn’t a prudent person in its care that it has been soiled with spots then asked the woodcrafter whether it can be repaired as the woodcrafter assures that it can be done without any hassles. Jung Ok Jung thanked the woodcrafter then she has another request to asked. The woodcrafter asked Jung Ok Jung to freely asked her request. Jung Ok Jung tells that in a few days, Queen Dowager Myeongseong’s birthday, she was to present a gift that is hand to order that is refined
Jung In Guk goes to seek audience with Queen Myeongseong & asked her personal Sang Gung to announce his presence at once that he has been summoned by Queen Myeongseong. The personal Sang Gung acknowledged. Jung In Guk looks rather anxious. Queen Myeongseong showed the hyangbipa to Jung In Guk that has engrave with a few lines of verses from an old lyrics to a song about star crossed love. Jung In Guk tells that this Hyangbipa was a gift from Jang Ok Jung. Queen Myeongseong tells that hyangbipa was sent over by Jang Ok Jung to her.
Hyangbipa or jikgyeongbipa is a 5-stringed instrument played with a pick which was passed onto the Shilla Dynasty (AD 618-932) from the Goguryeo Dynasty and was one of the 3 string instruments of the Shilla Dynasty. Originally the instrument had 5 frets but during the Chosun Dynasty this was increased to 10 frets and modern versions can have up to 12 frets. Modern versions of the instrument have a range of almost 3 octaves. The Chinese character hyang means “native”, thus indicating that this instrument is native to Korea
Jung In Guk reads the engrave lyrics then realise something as Queen Myeongseong explains that this is On Dong Bipa that even in a 1,000 years, it will maintain its acoustics. Queen Myeongseong tells Jung In Guk that in this world what they know of all between him & her, this is what the verses are implying. Queen Myeongseong tells that on the surface, the hyangbipa is a gift to wish her birthday but the underline in its intention that it is rendering a stern warning to them. Queen Myeongseong tells that Jang Ok Jung is really insolent, she wishes to use this gift to test Queen Myeongseong. Queen Myeongseong tells whether Jung In Guk know that Jang Ok Jung is a fearful woman like the scorpion, this is why Queen Myeong tells that they need to suppress Jang Ok Jung. Jang in Guk tells that Jang Ok Jung is allegiance to the Namin faction is worth the suspicion. Jung In Guk tells that Jang In Guk is brave & daring enough to go to Music bureau Chu Jong Su’s craftsman to able for her to make this music instrument & looking at the engravings, wouldn’t it that the other faction ahs heard of something that is otherwise. Queen Myeongseong asked how can that be possible
The Daegeum musician comes to Chu Jong Su & asked for Choi Dong Yi’s whereabouts. Choi Dong Yi sweeping the workshop where the woodcrafter tells that he has done with his work, as he is off work & asked Choi Dong Yi to burn the trash. Choi Dong Yi acknowledge as she picks up the trash, one of the paper has a drawing of Jang Ok Jung’s butterfly ornament, but Choi Dong Yi didn’t notice then she goes to burn the trash as she pours the trash to the fire, the Daegeum musician calls out to her. Choi Dong Yi acknowledge his arrival & asked what he is doing here. The Daegeum musician tells that he is here to collect the music instrument then tells that he is appalled that days in Chu Jong Su has worked her so hard that changes her to half the size of her face. Choi Dong Yi tells that in the music bureau, the musician also worked her just as hard. The Daegeum musician laughs & asked whether Choi Dong Yi s done here, & asked her to pack her belonging & to come together with him back to the palace. Choi Dong Yi acknowledge & tell that she will be there soon. The Daegeum musician sees the drawing of the butterfly ornament about to burn as he picks it up quickly & extinguished the fire tell calls Choi Dong Yi whether this is the drawing of the ornament that she has always keep with her. Choi Dong Yi tells that the drawing is with her then she compare the drawing with her & shock to see that it is identical. The Butterfly ornament has the character “Ok” (Jade) in it. Choi Dong Yi ran off as the Daegeum musician calls her & asked what is wrong with her
Choi Dong Yi goes back to the workshop & asked where is the woodcrafter that just left work. The staff tells that he has taken his belonging & left. Choi Dong Yi is surprise. Choi Dong Yi goes around Chu Jong Su looking for the woodcrafter, then she sees the craftsman leaving Chu Jong Su & calls out to one of them only to be a mistaken identity then asked whether they know the woodcrafter. The woodcrafter is leaving with a box. Choi Dong Yi sprints away as the craftsman tells that the woodcrafter is from somewhere in Yong Cheon & should be leaving for the ferry
In the jetty the boats man calling his passenger to board the board. Choi Dong Yi arrives passerby in the jetty to asked where is the boat to Yong Cheon. The passerby direct her to the jetty. The boats depart as it set sailed & anchored off. The jetty staff is taking away the steps when Choi Dong Yi asked them to hold on. Choi Dong Yi pleas with them to let her on board the boat as she needs a while to look for someone. The jetty staff refuses her that there is any time. Choi Dong Yo begs them to let her board, it will just be a while. The jetty staff said there isn’t time but Choi Dong Yi was insistence. Choi Dong Yi boards the boat & calls out for the woodcrafter. The jetty staff chasing Choi Dong Yi down the boat while Choi Dong Yi asking for more time to look around & drag her down the boat.
The woodcrafter at the entrance as Jang Ok Jung’s maid comes to greet the woodcrafter as he tells that this is the ornament that Jang Ok Jung asked him to repair & he has brought it back to her & asked the maid to pass it to Jang Ok Jung for him. Choi Dong Yi feeling dejected at the jetty that she couldn’t find the woodcrafter as she turns to see the boat sailed away from the jetty as she tells herself that she has almost found that Court lady who own that butterfly ornament, that she almost found her as she sees the boat sailed. Choi Dong Yo feeling dejected that she slump onto a bench then Seo Yong Gil in his travelling attire in the jetty, turn around took a glance at Choi Dong Yi & walks away
Then the palace maid pacing telling that Jang Ok Jung is about to arrive, as the personal Sang Gung greets Jang Ok Jung in the palanquin as she comes out & greets them that it has been quite a while & tells that that it has been a while. Jang Ok Jung enters her residence as some court ladies spying on Jang Ok Jung’s return
It is obvious that Jang Ok Jung doesn’t have any ranking as the Inner Court ladies ranking is bestow by the Queen, obviously since Queen Myeongseong is alive, she governors who is admission to the inner courts. Therefore Jang Ok Jung only have the title Taek Pyeol Sang Gung where they are address as Mamanim the equivalent of Her Grace Lady Jang
For example Lee Yeon Saeng, Seo Jang Geum best friend in Dae Jang Geum was the 5th Rank of the Lady Court Ranking but when she became pregnant with the King Jungjong’s child, she was promoted into the inner court ranks as title of Sukwon, a 4th ranking 4th rank in the inner court & will be address as Your Highness, Ma Ma
In Yi San, Seong Seon Yeon also went through the same ranking. Princess Hyegyeong refuse to acknowledge her but when she became pregnant then help to appease the Qing envoy, Princess Hyegyeong gave her an acknowledgement of the Soyong a 3rd ranking, then when her son Mun Hyo declare the Crown Prince, she was elevate to Royal Consort Eui Bin by Jeongjo
Queen Myeongseong leaves her residence then asked her staff whether Prince Eun Pyeong has arrived. The staff acknowledged that he is now at the venue waiting for Queen Myeongseong’s arrival. Queen Inhyeon tells the Queen Myeongseong is taking consideration for the Royal Household distance relatives that she needs to learn from Queen Myeongseong to be prudent & benevolence that she will bear this at heart. Queen Myeongseong tells Queen Inhyeon that as the Royal Household elder, that she is doing something that she is supposed to. Then Queen Inhyeon’s personal sang gung calls on Queen Inhyeon who asked what is the matter. Queen Inhyeon’s personal sang gung informs that Jang Ok Jung has return to the palace. Queen Inhyeon’s personal sang gung tells that Jang Ok Jung might come over to send her greetings
Jang ok Jung & her entourage comes to Queen Myeongseong’s residence & greets Queen Myeongseong Queen Inhyeon her lateness in her greetings & asked their forgiveness. Queen Inhyeon greets Jang Ok Jung that it has been a while. Queen Myeongseong is not pleased to see Jang Ok Jung. Queen Inhyeon tells that they are going for a celebration & defer the greeting to later time. Jang Ok Jung has to acknowledge. Queen Myeongseong said that she has received the gift that Jang Ok Jung has send her. Queen Myeongseong said that she will reimburse in kind that gift since Jang Ok Jung has return to the palace. Jang Ok Jung thanked Queen Myeongseong that she will accept any gist that Queen Myeongseong gives her with gratitude. Queen Myeongseong asked whether it is indeed. Queen Myeongseong asked Queen Inhyeon to depart. Jang Ok Jung’s personal sang gung asked Jang Ok Jung that she is entitled to participate in the celebration but they have already instruction not to permit Jang Ok Jung from participating that is why, they have allow jang Ok Jung to enter the palace today, this is clearly that Queen Myeongseong is bullying Jang Ok Jung. Jang Ok Jung just smiles
In the music bureau as the musician prepares for the birthday celebration, the musician calling out for Choi Dong Yi & screaming where is his official hat then passes a music sheet to another. Then the musician tells that this is not his hat. Choi Dong Yi apologise that it was her fault. The Daegeum musician finds that Choi Dong Yi is not in focus then the another musician tells that this is not the correct music sheet either, it is the other score sheet as Choi Dong Yi apologise as tell him that she will bring it to him again. The Daegeum musician calls out to Choi Dong Yi as he drags her to sit down. Choi Dong Yi tells that she is alright. The Daegeum musician complains that this is why he has asked her to a day off. The Daegeum musician asked what did happened to her during a stint in Chu Jong Su. Choi Dong Yi brushes that nothing did happened. The Daegeum musician tells that if nothing did happened while is she walking around like a person who has lost her soul. Choi Dong Yi sighs as the Daegeum musician tells no matter what, Choi Dong Yi takes a day off & rest. The Daegeum musician tells Choi Dong Yi to stay quiet & calm herself & if he sees her appearance, she will be dead meat. Choi Dong Yi calls out the Daegeum musician. Choi Dong Yi scolds herself that she acting like an idiot & what is wrong with her
The birthday celebration, Sukjong comes to attend & his arrival is announce. Sukjong arrives as official acknowledge his arrival. Sukjong congratulate Prince Eun Pyeong on his birthday. Sukjong wishes Prince Eun Pyeong health & longevity. Prince Eun Pyeong bows & thanked Sukjong’s birthday greetings. Sukjong notice an empty seat & nods to his Chief Eunuch to approach & asked whether they has found the musician from the other day. The Chief Eunuch tells that they have yet to locate that musician, then Sukjong whisper instruction to Chief Eunuch as Chief Eunuch acknowledge the command. Sukjong looks at his mother & greets her with a bow then as he turns to Queen Inhyeon who smile at him
Choi Dong Yi cleaning the study where Hwang joo Shik comes looking for something then notice the Chief Eunuch who then asked Choi Dong Yi to hide but Choi Dong Yi didn’t understands Hwang Joo Shik’s eye signal as Hwang Joo Shik goes to meet the Chief Eunuch. Hwang Joo Shik is surprise that the Chief Eunuch wants it now. The Chief Eunuch nods in affirmative. Hwang Joo Shik scratching then he tries to get a lat minute ensemble & warns then that they must not make mistakes. Choi Dong Yi assisting the ensemble asked Hwang Joo Shik where are they suppose to go. Hwang Joo Shik whisper that they are going to Jang Ok Jung’s residence
Jang Ok Jung playing Baduk the Jang Ok Jung personal Sang Gung; Chu Sang Gung calls then enters as she asked Jang Ok Jung to come out to have a look quickly, that Sukjong has send her a Yun Ka love serenade to her, that he has send her an ensemble for her listening pleasure. Choi Dong Yi looking around as Chu Sang Gung announce Jang Ok Jung’s arrival as the ensemble bows as Jang Ok Jung is happy to see the ensemble. Choi Dong Yi is surprise that Jang Ok Jung is the court lady she met as she recalls Jang Ok Jung back then & recognise her mannerism, then Choi Dong Yi step out of line as the palace maid reprimand her.
Yun Ka is a love song
Jang Ok Jung thanked the ensemble for playing a music piece for her. Jang Ok Jung tells her staff to bring the ensemble to the court yard. Chu Sang Gung acknowledge as she asked the ensemble to follow her. Jang Ok Jung goes into her residence. Jang Ok Jung prepares to listen as Choi Dong Yi said that he can’t fully remember but the mannerism are similar with that Court Lady that she has met. Jang Ok Jung asked whether the title of the music “Spring Blossom”, the musician affirms as Jang Ok Jung asked them to proceed. The ensemble play horribly as Choi Dong Yi apologise that she has given them the wrong music sheet. Jang Ok Jung tells that it is fine & not to fault herself for the mistake. Choi Dong Yi changes the music sheet then finds mistakes but this time it is the mistake of the timer
Sukjong starts the celebration, meanwhile Jang Ok Jung ensemble can’t coordinate their music, then celebration also encounter music that went awry as it now the music is a racket of noise. Jing In Guk asked them to stop but is going on here & why the music is horribly played. Then everyone bewildered to what has happened. Oh Yun asked what is going on here. Oh Tae Seok asked how can this be possible. Sukjong is shocked. Choi Dong Yi tells that there is a change in music octave as Sukjong has the same conclusion. Jang Ok Jung leaves the courtyard in disgust
Um Pyeong is a change in music octave which is seen as a bad omen where calamity will besiege the nation
Hwang Joo Shik goes after his musician while Choi Dong Yi reads the music sheets. Jung In Guk tells his colleagues that have they witness & heard what has happened. This is signify that the nation music has change & will mean catastrophe, that they tells that the music has gone chaos therefore so will the nation besiege by chaos. Oh Tae Seok overhearing his colleagues’ fears. Some official telling that they are a meteor rock landed on the palace, now it has come to the nation’s music seeing death. Oh Yun goes to his Uncle telling that the reference to the music bureau is none other than to create havoc on the music. Oh Tae Seok tells Oh Yun that this nation has prophesy that if the music has been tampered, it will mean vanquish to the nation that they want to use this excuse to eliminate Jang Ok Jung. Oh Tae Seok tells that they must finds a counter measure, or else Jang Ok Jung will be done for. Oh Yun acknowledge
Sukjong wants an inquiry to the change in music & they must find the cause & those who is responsible that they must perpetrator in the music bureau & appease the people’s fears. Queen Myeongseong approaches Sukjong that if he needs to finds someone responsible will not be the music bureau but it should be Jang Ok Jung. Sukjong tries to talk to his mother as Queen Myeongseong tell that Sukjong insist of safeguarding her, now that the palace are experiencing calamities. Sukjong assures his mother that this are not calamities. Queen Myeongseong said that if this is not refer to as calamities then what may that be. Queen Myeongseong tells of the consequences of a nation to have suffer havoc in their music & she tells Sukjong that this will soon be in the ears of the people, the how Sukjong is going to appease the people’s fears. Sukjong can’t answer his mother
Oh Yun handle the inquiry to the music bureau that they will question everybody from civil administration to maid & servants. They are split into groups. Choi Dong Yi comes to see the commotion in the music bureau as the questioning when through the night. Choi Dong Yi is question about her stint in Chu Jong Su. Choi Dong Yi said that she went there to help the craftsman with the making of Gayageum & Pyeongyeong. Choi Dong Yi finished with her questioning then recalls Jang Ok Jung thanked her for returning the ornament that is important to her then Jang Ok Jung thanked the musician for playing for her & make the comparison then take out the drawing & tells that she must go & meet Jang Ok Jung then she heads for Jang Ok Jung’s residence as she sneaks around, then finds guards, but the guards leaves their post as Choi Dong Yi climbs over the fence
Jang Ok Jung strolling outside, then Sukjong & his entourage comes as Jang Ok Jung greets Sukjong. Sukjong is happy to see her as when he 1st met her, it was at such a place & night, it is the same as it is now. Jang Ok Jung thanked Sukjong for her praise. Sukjong tells Jang Ok Jung that there is some plot that coincide this incident with Jang Ok Jung entering the palace. Jang Ok Jung tells that she may be the bearer of calamity that may vanquish a nation. Sukjong tells that he can be seen as a womanising King that only conform to those indulgences & will bring downfall to the country. Jang Ok Jung asked Sukjong not to kid around. Sukjong said that he doesn’t want to go down in history as a useless King & assures that he will find the mastermind to this incident, in the daylight, it will have spread to whole capital, therefore before that, they needs to finds the perpetrator, no matter what
Choi Dong Yi still sneaking around then she sees Jang Ok Jung sending Sukjong off as she hides as she peep out to see Sukjong leaves, then Choi Dong Yi pluck up her courage to approaches Jang Ok Jung, only to be kidnap by some men as they knock her unconscious & carry her away in a sack. Then Choi Dong Yi starts to regain conscious & then Oh Tae Seok’s valet asked that Choi Dong Yi was seen sneaking around Jang Ok Jung’s residence. The men tells that her uniform tell that she is a palace maid.. Choi Dong Yi wakes up to see her tied as she struggles only to find someone dead with her. She recalls & recognise that he is the suspicious craftsman as Choi Dong Yi calls out to the craftsman & asked whether he is alright but he gave no response then she went to check his vital sign & finds him dead