[Drama Recap] Splendid Politics: Episode 8

Hong Joo Won (Seo Kang Joon) looking around villages north of the border of Joseon where Later Jin (Qing) pillaged feels very sorry for subjects whose homes have been lost.

Princess Jeongmyeong (Lee Yeon Hee) adopted to the new surroundings concealing her identity earns her wings by the sulfur mine owner. She wins his confidence again as she helps to traffic impure sulfur to a merchant from Joseon. A leader of the group who Hwai questioned orders his subordinates to dump all sulfur lumps into the sea on their way back.

When Hong Joo Won worries about a shortage of sulfur in stock, he is informed about someone trying to come in Hawgidogam (a national R&D organization for firearm) without a pass.  

"Don't you know the name of your immediate superior? For security reasons, only those with passes or king's command are allowed in." Joo Won answers to a lower official scolds sternly.  

Yi ICheom (Jung Woong In) gives a meaningful smile, "You are very meticulous when it comes to the work matters. I'll remember you."

Joo Won gives performance of new weapons using gunpowder in front of Gwanghae (Cha Seung Won) and key retainers. The King chuckles at his success and is handed a firelock.

"I will show you what I can do well." the King teaches the senior statesmen a lesson who have reiterated his opposition to the firearm manufacturing hitting the target right in the center.
When Joo Won looks with disfavor on fireworks display that night, Gwanghae approaches the young man. He criticizes the King who wastes gunpowder, "You ordered to inspect the border. Several villages could be protected with the ill-spent gunpowder tonight."
Gwanghae hardens his face all of a sudden, "Your Highness... You have always forgotten the word. You said that I don't deserve to be the king. I remember that you behaved impertinently."
"Why do you let me assist you? I haven't changed my mind." Joo Won stares at the King.
"Because you are the man enough to know the value of gunpowder for the country." Gwanghae orders him to smuggle sulfur into the country from Japan where he will be sent as a member of Joseon Tongsinsa (a specific type of diplomatic delegation and its chief envoys from Joseon to Japan).

 

Hwai decides to go together with the mine owner and Ja kyung (Gong Myeong) for sulfur traffic in Edo to find a member of the Joseon diplomatic delegation can help her to go back to the country. Jeongmyeong is almost discovered that she is a woman at a checkpoint. But the Princess saves her skin thanks to Joseon Tongsinsa procession through the streets at the moment.  

In Edo, Hwai searching for a man from Joseon finds Joo Won and his man waiting for a smuggler in a tavern. When they are leaving the place without producing any results, a group of serious criminals provoke them a quarrel. Hawi tries to help them to get the situation under control before the balloon goes up. They are chased after the criminals on the run.  

Hawi gave the pursuers the slip says archly, "Meeting like this is destiny. Let's exchange names. I'm Hawi. What's your name?"

"I'm Hong Joo Won working for Hawgidogam in Joseon." he answers.
Princess Jeongmyeong's eyes darkened at the name of the young man.