I was impressed by the way that Yeonhwa blocked So’s path in episode 13, and it made me curious as to how their marriage may turn out–So is rarely the one to give up once he has made up his mind, and Yeonhwa is the same. How would they compromise? (I was skimming through an article on Naver today, discussing how Gwangjong/Wang So would later make the law to free the slaves, and how Queen Daemok/Yeonhwa was against it. I wouldn’t be surprised if they went head-to-head in their marriage; they will political partners, no doubt, but the way they approach and see the world are different).

While So turned back to the palace because it was the logical thing to do, I also would like to argue that Yeonhwa’s force was something that So noticed–and respected. Enough that he turned away. Had it been any of the princes or anyone else, I feel that So may have tried to push his way through, anyways.

Which brings me to my next point: Women in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo are not to be taken lightly. Countless times, many people in the fandom have commented that the women are the ones who are the active ones, the ones who are actually making things (Yeonhwa; Queen Yoo; Court Lady Oh) happen while the men are very passive, and are unable to make true change (Wang Wook; Taejo; Crown Prince Mu). It’s an interesting dynamic at play. 

Yeonhwa: There are no exceptions. Go back. 

And then I was also impressed by the way Hae Soo blocked So’s path this week. Of course, So is more willing to listen Soo than anyone else–but this was a critical situation where Jung was breaking the curfew, and thus, needed to be caught. But Soo stops him dead in his tracks. 

And she echoes the same words as Yeonhwa, and she takes it to another level she’s willing to slit her own throat if it means to stop So. Like, goddamn. And it isn’t just about Jung here; Hae Soo is also directing her own anger at So in a way that only he will understand. 

Soo: There are no exceptions for anyone. 

These are two powerful scenes, and I find it interesting that So shares it with two of the women who are and will be prominent in his life. So bends to the will of these women–again, they are not to be taken lightly–and it puts an interesting twist on the power dynamics of the time. While So technically is in a higher position and thus holds the more power, he’s the one who has to back down. He respects their power.