The series’s setting shifting from modern to old time back to modern world. It started when the protagonist, Hae Soo, had a near-death experience in the modern world, then woke up a thousand years before where Kings, Queen, Princes and Princesses exists. Apparently, Soo is the cousin of the sick Lady Hae married to the 8th prince (Wang Wook). She was said to be a different person after her believed injury which also caused her memory loss (because she remembered her modern life). She is said to changed from a quiet and shy to opinionated and rascal girl. Her encounter with the princes and princess were quite memorable for them too.
Not in chronological order, let’s start with the 10th Prince. Their official encounter was in the bath, followed by when they fought and the prince got beaten. But instead of hating or having a grudge, he favored Soo to be the first girl who treated her that way and even became his first love.
After the beating of 10th prince incident, 8th prince tried to talk to her on how she should behave. Surprisingly, she displayed enthusiasm to be better on her own which the prince is not expecting. This made him curious and fascinated by Soo that made him confess to his wife that Soo is a “breathe of fresh air”. This is also the time that Lady Hae suspected her husband falling for Soo.
Soo’s encounter with the 13th prince has something to do with the growing feelings of affection of the 8th prince to her. He was the one who read the poem 8th prince gave to Soo to learn, which turned out to be a confession of love. This made him resent Soo, and the fact that he has feelings for Lady Hae. But later on admitted that Soo is special to him because of the bond they had after Lady Hae died.
The 4th prince encounter with Soo is somewhat, out of ordinary. He saved Soo from falling by riding her along his horse then pushed aside after. A very superficial scene though. Then a lot of unexpected encouters happened, including the bath scene where his scarred face was seen by Soo.
14th prince on the other hand, had an interesting and funny scenario. His arm was saved by the rascal side of Soo. While gangsters try to cut his arm, Soo attacked with a stick in hand. Well, they’re saved by the 8th and 4th prince, but her relationship with the 14th prince deepened because of that.
Soo’s encounter with the princess were in rough edges though. She accused Soo of spying the couple (Lady Hae and the 8th prince). Then got a beating from the princess because of a misunderstanding. In this scene, you’ll see who cares for Soo. The 3rd prince on the other hand, said that the beating was just appropriate for them, and was agreed by the 9th prince. Well, they’re the rude one’s obviously.
Soo became close to the crowned prince during her stay in Damiwon. There’s an incident when the crowned prince was in terrible situation, Soo helped him. Though she was reprimanded by butting in, she was still favored by the crowned prince allowing her to treat him in secret and gave her a gift in return.
The princes got more fond of Soo during the birthday of the 10th prince. Soo prepared a surprise solely for the 10th prince. She decorated a small pavillion, sang and danced the modern version of Happy Birthday until the other princes joined in unexpectedly asking Soo to sing for them. After that song, some princes fell for her or at least distinguised their feeling for her.
Soo’s life changed after Lady hae died. This is also where the princes care for her blossomed even more. When she was arranged to be married to a 60-year old man with lot of children, they plotted for her escape. It turned out that it’s the king who she will marry. Well, the reason is political, that’s how kingdom rule. But the effort for the wedding to be cncelled is on 8th and 4th prince but was unsuccessful. However, Soo found a way to cancel it for good by wounding herself enough to have a scar. Woman/Lady with a scar can not marry a king. Interesting, right?!
After the wedding had been cancelled, Soo worked in Damiwon, under the supervision of Lady Oh. Their task was preparing beverages and medicinal tonics for the Royal family. This was also the time that Soo and the 8th prince secretly meets. Their feelings for each other grew and even talked about settling down. But they are caught redhanded by Lady Oh who opposes the relationship. This, i think, is a classic case of right love at the wrong time. Because this is the time that throne is vulnerable and the people around the 8th prince was pressuring him to have it as well. But fate was not with him. Even though he has a thorough plan, it was always unsuccessful. The 8th prince and Soo differ in principle afterwards that they fell apart. Given the circumstances, i still root for their love story. I personally wanted them together, i wanted them to end together. Because i believe that they compliment each other and they would grow together. Plus, they are both kind and caring to others. But then again, this is not their story.
The gist of the story though is the relationship of Soo and the 4th prince. They may have met on the wrong side of the bed, but the 4th prince insisted Soo to be his person. Naturally kind girl Soo was, 4th prince was infatuated by her and pursued her for more than two years. When Soo finally gave in, the situation became different and quite difficult. Under the reign of the crowned prince, now the king, their life went smoothly. But after the 3rd prince took the throne, it is more difficult for them. Until the throne was abdicated (or at least self proclaimed) to the 4th prince, the relationship was too toxic, specially to Soo as she witness the dark side of having power and the things you must sacrifice to maintain that power.
That’s when she decided to leave the palace with the help of the 14th prince and a little from 8th prince as well. Fast forward, Soo was ill and pregnant when she left the palace, 14th prince was happy and contended with Soo’s decision to go with him as his husband, born a daughter, and later on she passed away.
Okay, i may have shared the story by bits and pieces so as not to spoil the series too much for those who are interested to watch it. These are my crying moments:
1. When 8th prince walked away from Soo
2. When 10th prince died
3. When 14th prince cried over Soo’s death
*Well, i may have other teary-eyed moments but this’ where my tears got the best of me. It just naturally poured and have to sob even after an episode later. Got it?!
Also, one of my realizations was about the bonding of the royal siblings. The good thing is, the bonding the princes and princess has. Despite being royalties, they are still humans who pick on the other siblings. But in times of need, they help each other, whether for a good or for a bad reason.
What i like about movies or series is the story or the story line. This series talks about life, love, and career in general. That old times and modern times experience.
Life. The decisions you make are your own doing and you must take responsibilities for it.
Love. There are a lot of love shown in this series: love for family, love for your significant other, love for friends. Trust and loyalty is in unison with betrayal and greed. Being honest is essential to (any) relationship.
Career. It is lonely at the top. To be on top, you have to sacrifice what is dear to you. Don’t be greedy.
And most of all, it says here in this series that, “you can’t have it all”. But through it all, you must be kind at all times and love unconditionally.
