Chapter 169: The Oil
“Is there something going on between the two of them?”
A staff member organizing props asked, glancing at Muyoung and Eunseong. The two, who usually joked around endlessly, were staring at each other coldly.
“Leave them be. It’s because of the scene we’re shooting today.”
The assistant director replied nonchalantly.
It was the scene where the relationship between Jungjong and Jo Gwangjo begins to crack.
They were about to film the moment when, after thinking they were on the same side, they subtly realize that they weren’t. Since the subtle tension was a crucial point, the two were warming up to heighten the tension.
“They said they’re trying to get their emotions right before filming.”
“They’ve been doing fine without all this until now.”
The two, who would embody Joseon-era characters as soon as the director yelled, “Ready, action!”
The geniuses who, even while making silly jokes, exuded the aura of noble scholars and gentlemen of the royal court…
“I saw the director earlier. Did they hear something? They seemed provoked. Oh, and can you move this over there?”
While the staff members bustled about, Muyoung and Cha Eunseong only stared into each other’s eyes. Their gazes locked sharply in the air as they rehearsed their lines in their minds.
“Hey, that’s not it. It’s not that level of betrayal yet.”
“Ah, just a moment. Then how about this?”
Since the emotional arc was so crucial, the two were trying to pinpoint what the script wanted. Cha Eunseong scrutinized Muyoung’s expression, then nodded in satisfaction.
“That’s good. Much better than before.”
“Hyung, you do it too. Shall I deliver my line?”
“Yeah, come in. But I’m debating whether to pause at the beginning or the end of this line. Both fit so well, I’m not sure which to go with.”
“Hmm… I think the first one might be better. Ask the PD, PD-nim!”
What to say…
If the geniuses had been acting instinctively and naturally until now, it seemed like they were now trying to devour the script with a kind of fierce determination. The PD, who had just seen off the director, approached the two, looking flustered.
“Did they leave? The director?”
“They just left. What did the director say?”
At the PD’s question, Cha Eunseong waved their hand dismissively.
As if it were nothing.
“Just to get good ratings. So, about this part…”
Had Cha Eunseong ever been this diligent on set before?
The PD couldn’t gauge what had transpired between the frustrated director and the suddenly enthusiastic Cha Eunseong.
In a season where bare branches in the garden were thickly coated with snow,
the sunlight was surprisingly warm, making it hard to believe the snowy winds of the night before. Jungjong, resting his chin in his hand, gazed quietly outside before turning at the sound of footsteps.
“Your Majesty, Jo Gwangjo has arrived.”
Ah, as expected.
When the sun reaches its peak, another seeks the king.
Jungjong lightly adjusted his collar and gave the order.
“Let him enter.”
Squeak—
The door opened, and Jo Gwangjo entered, bringing with him a chill. It was clearly colder outside. Jungjong personally offered him a teacup.
“Your face is frozen. Please drink this.”
“I am grateful, Your Majesty.”
Steam rose from the warm omija tea.
Jo Gwangjo looked down at it quietly, then raised his face to meet Jungjong’s gaze. Jungjong showed no particular expression.
“What brings you here?”
“Your Majesty, have you seen the memorial I submitted yesterday?”
“The one from Sungkyunkwan’s Gwonjeon?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Currently, in the royal court, there was talk about enshrining Confucian scholars like Jeong Mongju, Seong Sammun, and Bak Pangnyeon in the Confucian shrine. Most were only acknowledging Jeong Mongju…
“Gwonjeon said that not only Jeong Mongju but also Kim Gwonpil should be enshrined in the shrine.”
Enshrinement itself was a nationally recognized honor, and it brought great benefits to descendants. Thus, it was often used as a means to consolidate power.
Especially since Kim Gwonpil was Jo Gwangjo’s teacher.
If he were enshrined, Jo Gwangjo would gain even greater power as the disciple of a sage and the representative of the Sarim faction.
“Your Majesty, many Confucian scholars recognize Kim Gwonpil as a sage. Since the world knows his character, and I know it too, wouldn’t it be acceptable to enshrine him?”
At Jo Gwangjo’s words, Jungjong’s brow furrowed.
It creased involuntarily.
How could he say such a thing? Doesn’t he understand why Jungjong supported the Sarim and trusted Jo Gwangjo?
‘A stable nation through strengthened royal authority.’
That was the ideal of the two.
However, Jo Gwangjo wanted to give more power to the Sarim, which would disrupt the balance. It might even necessitate bringing in the Hungu faction, which was not part of the Sarim. If that happened, the king and Jo Gwangjo would have to face off on the scales…
“That cannot be.”
“Your Majesty.”
“While Kim Gwonpil may have been an exemplary Confucian scholar in his lifetime, he cannot be enshrined without clear achievements. Let’s end this discussion here.”
Stop.
Do not disrupt the balance.
The Sarim’s power is enough as it is.
If you gain more power, I will have to check you.
Jungjong sent a silent gaze, but it did not reach Jo Gwangjo.
Creak—
A branch heavy with snow bent.
Just like the precarious relationship between the two.
“Your Majesty, at least allow Jeong Mongju to be enshrined.”
“I cannot permit that either. Didn’t Jeong Mongju serve King U?”
Creak—
The branch bent further.
Each time Jo Gwangjo spoke, the branch sagged dangerously.
“At the time, he did not know of King U’s true nature, and he did not serve for personal gain. Your Majesty, Jeong Mongju must be enshrined in the Confucian shrine.”
Jo Gwangjo was a member of the Sarim, a scholarly faction centered around Neo-Confucianism. Since Jeong Mongju laid the foundation for Joseon Neo-Confucianism, enshrining him would clearly grant political and academic power.
Creak—
Finally, the snow on the branch fell.
White snowflakes, glistening in the sunlight, scattered behind Jungjong.
“…I will reconsider. Withdraw for now.”
‘This one intends to overstep the line.’
The thought crossed Jungjong’s mind.
Watching Jo Gwangjo’s bowed head, a strange emotion surged within him.
He felt a sense of emptiness, betrayal, and inexplicably, sadness. Had he thought of him as a friend, but not truly?
Jungjong looked at the untouched tea and wore an unreadable expression.
Behind him, pure white snowflakes continued to flutter.
-Nooo! Why does it end here? How can I wait until next week? Someone, knock me out!
-I told my mom I was studying while watching this, and she didn’t say anything… Then she ended up watching it with me.
-Muyoung’s acting in today’s episode was insane! Watching him, I felt so tender and pitiful. So, does Jeong Mongju get enshrined?
-I’m avoiding studying history to prevent spoilers.
-Cha Eunseong is truly unmatched! As expected, he’s the best of the best!
-I love the fresh interpretation of Jungjong’s character. And by the way, is all that really PPL? It looks so delicious and nice… I was taken aback when they suddenly had Chinese hot pot, but Korean food is the best! The colors are so pretty too.
-After being featured on the show, Sangju persimmon sales increased threefold!
-The acting is so solid, it’s amazing! Time flies while watching!
-This is the trendiest historical drama I’ve ever seen. The actors’ performances are insane, and <Blade’s Path> is definitely the peak of their careers so far.
-I agree with the above comment. Yesterday’s episode 6 hit a 20% viewership rating.
-But seriously, is it the same broadcaster? Look at the drama ‘Shooting Love’ that’s airing now. What the hell?
-What’s up with ‘Shooting Love’? Who’s the PD? Did they get shot in the head?
“Muyoung, we’re here. Get off.”
“Yaaawn—”
Muyoung yawned widely as he got off the van. Gyeongmin, burdened with bags, grabbed his sleeve.
Stumbling blindly, Muyoung seemed to be walking in his sleep.
“Take this and go up to the 12th floor first.”
“What about you, hyung?”
“I need to get an access card. I’ll be right back.”
“Got it.”
Gyeongmin shoved him into the elevator and dashed off somewhere. Muyoung pressed a random number and leaned blankly against the wall. Soon, the doors opened.
Ding!
“Huh?”
“Hyung!”
He bumped straight into Cha Eunseong, who was casually holding a coffee.
Even in his drowsiness, Muyoung grinned and fidgeted.
“Hyung, did you watch yesterday’s broadcast? The directing was so cool! And the viewership rating hit 22.8% by episode 6! It’s so, so good! Right?”
At his excitement, Cha Eunseong chuckled.
“Want some? You’re slurring, still half-asleep.”
“No, I’m fine. But hyung, you’re here now? I thought you had an earlier shoot.”
“…Didn’t you see the articles?”
“Articles? Which ones? I only check the ones about us.”
Cha Eunseong sipped his drink and laughed.
A smug yet refreshing smile.
“Yesterday, ‘Shooting Love’ finally blew up.”
“What happened? The ratings?”
“…It started with the hot pot scene, which felt off. Then, the couple went on a date to Gyeongbokgung Palace wearing hanbok, but the design looked like a cheongsam.”
“Huh? Really?”
It looked like hanbok, but resembled a cheongsam.
And that wasn’t all. They bought tanghulu on the street, and there were lines like, ‘I like the number eight. It’s been a symbol of luck since ancient times,’ which reflected Chinese customs.
“…What?”
“Northeast Project.”
“Viewers are going crazy, saying it’s part of that. There are calls to cancel the show, and the PD had to rush into an emergency meeting, so the shoot got delayed.”
“What does ‘Shooting Love’ have to do with our PD?”
“If the boycott spreads to the broadcaster, <Blade’s Path> will be affected too, so they’re voicing concerns.”
“Ah, do you think it’ll get canceled?”
“Who knows? With money involved, would they cancel it so easily?”
Only then did Muyoung’s mind clear a bit. He had been so focused on his own work that he hadn’t noticed anything else. Checking the main portal, he saw related news plastered across the social section.
[Trap of Chinese Money? ‘Shooting Love’ Controversy (Comprehensive)]
[J Broadcasting’s Drama, Wearing Cheongsam at Gyeongbokgung? Crossing the Line]
[Historical Distortion Controversy in Drama, Viewers Outraged]
[Calls to Cancel ‘Shooting Love,’ J Broadcasting’s Stance Still Unclear…]
[Boycott of Broadcaster Looms as ‘Shooting Love’ Sparks Fury]
“You’re right. They crossed the line.”
Muyoung muttered, slipping his phone into his pocket.
Since the issue had just surfaced, the connection to Dongson Food hadn’t been exposed yet.
“There are a lot of reporters outside too.”
“Reporters…”
Muyoung unpacked his things in the waiting room, deep in thought.
How would the ‘Shooting Love’ controversy end?
Since the drama was already halfway through, canceling it would be too costly. Judging by the drama director’s attitude, even if they got away with it this time, there was no guarantee it wouldn’t happen again.
‘It would be great to uproot them entirely.’
Those who keep trying to taint the work with false colors.
He wanted to pour oil on the fire the moment it started smoldering. After hesitating for a moment, Muyoung turned to Cha Eunseong.
“But hyung, you know a lot of reporters, right?”
“Reporters? Plenty.”
He was a veteran in the entertainment industry.
Not only through the company but also personally, he had many close reporter friends.
“And you don’t like the director, right?”
“I fucking hate them.”
Cha Eunseong answered as if it were obvious.
But it seemed he still didn’t get it. Muyoung smiled slyly and nudged him.
“Last time, you asked the director if they had a relative at Dongson, right? Don’t you think the reporters would be really curious about that too?”
If they poured oil on the fire, wouldn’t the company have no choice but to cut them loose?
Whether it was the problematic work or the person.