As King Taejo passed away, "Scarlet Heart Ryeo" shifted from love to a political story. Alliances and rivalries are formed and Wang Wook, the eigth prince, reveals his true color as ambitious and cunning person.
This week episode ended with the death of the third prince Wang Yo in the hand of the fourth prince Wang So. Wang Yo died in a duel, which was witnessed by their little brother, 14th prince Wang Sung. He reported the incident to their mother, the third queen, as the three of them have the same mother.
"Scarlet Heart Ryeo", also known by its full title "Moon Lover: Scarlet Heart Ryeo", finally shifted its theme from love story into political intrigue following the storyline of its original Chinese novel.
Previously, Wang Wook told Hae Soo that whatever happen, he would become king for her sake. This was the first revelation of the true Wang Wook and his actual ambition for the throne. Afterward, Wang Wook then badmouthed Wang So, his fiercest competitor to Wang So's sibling Wang Yo.
Wang Wook then spread rumor about prince Wang So trying to overtake the throne. He assembled most of the soldiers in Goryeo using the crown prince's name. He approached the palace gate in full battle attire while challenging Wang So in a duel. However, Wang So had also his own loyal soldiers who served under his trusted confidant Grand General Park, played by Song Dong-Il.
They engaged in a one-on-one combat until suddenly the Crown Prince Wang Moo showed up with his troop and 13th prince Baek-Ah. Wang Wook cunningly put the blame of his action to Wang Yo.
Afterward, astronomer Choi Ji-Mong came out and officially informed the king's death and his last decree was to appoint Crown Prince Wang Moo the king. Wang Wook took the opportunity to show his support to Crown Prince Wang Moo.
This week episode has raised viewership rating for "Scarlet Heart Ryeo" for several points.
What will happen to the plot formulated by Wang Wook? Will he succeed to take the throne?
Find out in the next week episode of "Moon Lover: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" on SBS on Monday and Tuesday at 10:00 p.m. KST (GMT+9). International viewers can also watch the drama at the cable channel in each particular country that cooperated with SBS.
