I’m not in the mood to ponder about love so I’m skipping Ep 5 for now. May circle back later.

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Inquiring minds want to know a number of things that happened in this episode. I’ll start with the most salacious one.

Question 1. What transpired between Yi Ahn and HuiJu on the yacht?

Well, since this is a kdrama, they probably just kissed. If I were to use the baseball analogy (hey, the show featured baseball in Episode 4, didn’t they?), they just reached first base.

But if this series had been written and produced by Hollywood, then I would imagine that they did more than smooching, that is, they reached second base (code for touching above the waist) or probably even third base (i.e., touching below the waist).

To me, HuiJu was overreacting to the kiss. So, what if they did engage in a bit of amorous kissing? Hadn’t she French kissed her previous boyfriends?

I think she was caught off-guard by her intense biological and emotional reaction to his kiss. She didn’t expect to be turned on and actually reciprocate the kiss. I guess she presumed all along that her marriage was to be a chaste, platonic, and contractual arrangement for their mutual benefit.

I also think it’s silly of her to go to a Catholic priest for an exorcism. Did she fear that she was possessed by a lustful spirit (or a “saekjeonggwi”) because she couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss? Going to a shaman would be a better recourse for her.

Question 2. Why was Jeongwoo “Oppa” smiling as he drove HuiJu to her office after meeting her at church?

Isn’t it obvious? He was in a good mood because:

a) he thought he had HuiJu to himself for once, and
b) he interrupted HuiJu’s conversation with Yi Ahn (lol. I know I’d be gloating if I were in his shoes. I’m petty.)

But then his expression darkened when HuiJu casually compared his smiling face to that of Yi Ahn’s.

HJ: Do you like driving, too?
PMM: That’s random.
HJ: The Grand Prince smiles when he drives too. He says it feels like he’s flying. (chuckling) He can be so childlike sometimes. (smiling to herself)

Her unconscious smile indicated that not only was she recalling a happy moment with Yi Ahn but she was also falling for Yi Ahn. So he warned her.

PMM: HuiJu-ya.
HJ: What?
PMM: Don’t get too attached.
HJ: Hmmm?
PMM: It’ll drive up the divorce settlement. Be it money, reputation, or…your heart.
HJ: (scoffing) Do you think I’m an idiot?

He was reminding her to manage her expectations in her marital relationship in the same efficient way she was managing her business ventures/finances and her branding/reputation. Given their prearranged divorce in three years, he wanted her to protect herself from heartbreak by not over-investing herself emotionally in a one-sided affair.

We all know that this mindset of Jeongwoo “Oppa” set him apart from Yi Ahn. Clearly, the screenwriter aimed to compare the two guys – and it went beyond the similar expression on their faces while driving.

While PMM was warning her to guard her heart from Yi Ahn, Yi Ahn was reassuring her not to fear his intentions as he was offering himself and all his possessions (including status and rank) to her with utmost sincerity.

YA: I do like you. And it’s my first time. Restraint always follows desire. But it’s not easy this time.
HJ: (at a loss for words)
YA: What? Having second thoughts? Worried I won’t divorce you?
HJ: You won’t?
YA: Don’t worry. I don’t want to keep you bound to me. You should just accept it all. Whether it be money, honor, or my heart.
HJ: (flippantly) I’ve always had more money than you.
YA: Always?
HJ: Always have.
YA: Always have?
HJ: (And) always will.

To me, PMM/JeongWoo “Oppa” could have told HuiJu all these himself, especially the line, “Restraint always follows desire.” He exercised emotional restraint, not because his love for her was missing/insufficient, but because he couldn’t allow his feelings to dictate his course of action. He had to restrain his impulses and desires.

Question 3: Who poisoned HuiJu?

This is like playing the board game Clue.

The possible weapons:

— The lipstick: it could have been tampered with and laced with poison or drug.
— The wine cup: this is interesting because when HJ stumbled, she crashed on the table and jarred the cups. Was the intended victim of the poison HJ or YA?
— The rice wine in the kettle: were HJ and YA served from separate kettles? She started choking after she sipped it.
— The long sleeves of her bridal robe: she could have been breathing in toxic powder sprinkled on the sleeves as she had the sleeves close to her face when she stumbled, drank the rice wine, and greeted PMM in the Great Hall.

The usual suspects:

— The mole: she couldn’t eat during the staff dinner/impromptu bridal shower. And she looked in tears when Steward Kim bragged about using pink coral (instead of coral pink, hahaha) lipstick. Was the lipstick supposed to react with the wine? Poor girl. Will she be killed next like the mechanic who worked on HJ’s car?
— The Queen Mother’s assistant: she was the one who planted the mole in the Grand Prince’s residence
— The Queen Mother: the boss

What about Lord InPyeong, the Queen Mother’s father? I don’t think so. The mole was placed in YA’s residence at the Queen Mother’s behest. Besides, I doubt he would interfere personally in YA’s household staff like her daughter would.

Question 4: Did the Queen Mother really kill her husband?

I believe her. Her father, Lord InPyeong, had nothing to do with it.

He was himself horrified that his daughter burned the palace to the ground.

LI: The press will soon spread the news of His Majesty’s tragedy. You must secure the Crown Prince’s accession.
QM: His Majesty had abandoned the Crown Prince. He wished to depose the Crown Prince and abdicate in favor of Grand Prince Yi Ahn.
LI: What do you mean?
QM: He even drew up a royal edict.
LI: (speechless)

This was the first time he was hearing of this. He had no hand in his son-in-law, the King’s death.

QM: I am certain His Majesty will understand me.
LI: (stunned)
QM: This was all for the Crown Prince’s sake.

Certifiable. Remember what I said about a villain’s ability to justify the most diabolical act.

LI: What in the world have you done?
QM: I… burned it all to the ground.

That said, I don’t know what Lord InPyeong will do to protect his daughter and ensure his grandson ascends to the throne when he comes of age.

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Off to bed now.