Aura of a Genius Actor

Chapter 91: The Emperor's True Intentions

Chapter 91: The Emperor's True Intentions

The Emperors True Intentions

Finally, Jeong Mong-ju began to recite the poem he had swiftly composed.

Wielding a three-foot sword, he soared like a dragon to conquer the world,

And heroes of the era all came forth to aid.

Seo Seung-sang, who pledged with Taishan and the Yellow River,

And Lee Tae-sa, who ruled heaven and earth.

In the garden pond of the princes mansion, spring radiance abounded,

And moonlight shone over the royal pavilion.

Indeed, descendants of the eras heroes

Let us all enjoy peace and promise each other longevity.

The poem that was recited with a slightly hoarse voice was masculine and powerful.

It was a performance that emphasized the powerful spirit of Emperor Hongwu, who subdued the Yuan dynasty and founded a new nation.

The passages also included the loyalty and competence of Zhu Yuanzhangs close aides, Seo Seung-sang and Lee Tae-sa.

The strength in his voice carried the unwavering spirit of a scholar who faced the brink of life and death, and it silenced the grand set. The poems boldness and beauty praised Zhu Yuanzhangs achievements, leaving the subject himself unable to hide his pride.

[Indeed, such spirit and skill are rare to find in this vast Ming empire.]

Zhu Yuanzhang praised him joyfully.

[I truly covet your talent. But since youve gifted me such a splendid poem, I must honor my promise. You refused a title in Ming, so tell me your wish instead.]

Zhu Yuanzhangs face, which was usually skeptical and guarded around his subordinates, was now visibly relaxed.

Jeong Mong-ju straightened his back and spoke.

[Your Majesty, I am profoundly grateful for your kindness and generosity. The honor of composing a poem for Your Majesty is a lifelong glory for me, and I need no further reward]

[But?]

Jeong Mong-ju carefully chose his words and Zhu Yuanzhang urged him on, intrigued.

[Our nation suffers invasions from the north and south, and cries of our people echo throughout the land. I humbly request the consideration of the great empire of Ming.]

Zhu Yuanzhang was deeply moved by the young envoys integrity and loyalty, who sought nothing for himself.

[Bring back the tribute presented by the Goryeo envoy.]

Thus, the tribute was returned, and better treatment for Goryeo followed.

Jeong Mong-ju boldly faced the Emperor of the vast continent, who was renowned for his cruelty.

Hansung embodied Jeong Mong-jus will and skill as if it were his own, and it left Yoomyeong and everyone present in awe.

Cut

Clap clap clap clap

As the director called a cut, the actors and staff applauded unanimously.

Luo Derong extended his hand towards Hansung.

[Im impressed!]

Thank you.

Though unsure of his words, Hansung recognized the praise from Luo Derongs expression and tone. Having admired Luo Derongs acting himself, he eagerly shook his hand.

[I apologize for yesterday. As the actor pointed out, my perspective was narrow. If I respected the director, I should have trusted his choice of actors, too. Im ashamed of my overeagerness and shallow viewpoint.]

Hansung, unable to understand Luo Derongs loud and expressive Chinese, became flustered.

Uh I dont speak Chinese

[That boldness when you recited the poem, and above all, that overpowering gaze when you first locked eyes with the Hongwu Emperor!]

Whats he saying?

[There are so many talented actors in Korea. Its amazing how such a small country has so much talent. Your movies and dramas too]

Uhh

[What was your major work called again? A colleague mentioned it yesterday. Please tell me, and Ill definitely check it out. I hope we can work together again someday.]

Lets just leave it

Chinese people might not readily open their hearts to others, but they were known for being deeply affectionate to those they accept as their own. Luo Derongs praises continued endlessly while the director was busy monitoring.

Yoomyeong, who heard Luo Derongs compliments through Miho from afar, smiled wryly.

Tomorrow was his turn.

*

The next day.

They were going to film the scene where Lee Saek and Lee Bang-won went to visit the Ming dynasty.

The shooting location was in the audience hall, where the emperor met the envoy.Updated from

The Emperor sat high above on the dais while Lee Saek, Lee Bang-won, and the other envoys bowed with their heads on the floor.

He found it hard to imagine how the two actors, who had surprised him, would clash fiercely in one scene. In every way, it seemed like the scene would be overwhelmingly powerful.

Although he had been a part of numerous films and worked with many fellow actors throughout his life, Luo Derong had an eye-opening experience once again.

And he sincerely felt glad to be a part of this movie.

*

Hansung felt somewhat better and started shooting a different scene the next day.

After five days of filming in China, the crew returned to Korea, exchanging farewells with the Chinese actors they had worked with.

On the last day, even Min Gyeong-Guk warmed up to Luo Derongs endless praises and shook hands with him.

Then, for another two weeks, they moved around various locations in Korea to shoot interspersed scenes.

And finally, the filming of the tea conversation scene at the Yongin set was scheduled for the next day.

The shooting of the climax for the next month will be quite intense. Take a good rest for a day.

Despite the introduction of the five-day workweek in 2004, the shooting schedule was always demanding, often extending to six or seven days a week.

Yoomyeong pondered how to spend this rare day off and decided to visit his school.

*

It was mid-August.

The film shooting that began in mid-April had progressed through a month of initial shooting with extras, two months of intensive filming in Mungyeong, a week in China, and two weeks in various domestic locations.

Now, the final month of shooting at the Yongin set was the only thing left.

This period coincided with the peak time for the Oedipus workshop. Though his close seniors and classmates might not be around, Yoomyeong expected to see some familiar juniors who would welcome him. He planned to treat them to a meal.

But there, he encountered a pleasantly unexpected face.

Jun-ho!

Whoa, Yoomyeong! What brings our big star here?!

As Yoomyeong entered at the end of the workshop, screams erupted. He was a popular Oedipus senior and a celebrity only seen on TV. Especially the juniors from the 04 and 05 batches were gasping in surprise.

I didnt expect you to be here.

Well, Im still a novice writer, but they asked me to conduct a playwriting class hehe.

Jun-ho had finished his internship and become a junior writer at .

Oh, thats impressive

Youre even more impressive! Hows the filming?

I got a day off.

Wow wanna join us for a get-together?

Sure. Thats why I came.

The juniors cheered, and they all headed to Oedipus favorite restaurant.

Fortunately, the pub was empty due to the vacation period, so Yoomyeong could avoid public attention. Well, he still got plenty of attention from his juniors.

Senior, what should I do to become a good actor?

Senior, since when did you become so good at acting?

Is Cha Harin really pretty in person?

Questions poured endlessly. To the twenty-five-year-old Yoomyeong, even twenty and twenty-one-year-olds seemed like children, and it was especially more so since he had nearly forty years of life experience.

He answered many questions with a gentle smile, finding his juniors endearing.

After being bombarded with questions, he finally sat down with Jun-ho.

Have you been well?

Yeah. I often hear about you from senior Seon-ha. They say youre doing great.

Haha, Im working hard.

Jun-ho, who was part of the same theater group as Seon-ha, always listened with sparkling eyes when Seon-ha brought news from the set. He cherished hearing about his proud friends achievements.

How are the others doing?

Theyre doing well. You probably heard about Yu-ri from the news.

Yu-ri gained considerable popularity for her role as a princess in the 40-episode historical drama that had been airing since April. She had also been appearing in several commercials lately.

Senior Suho got into the Film Academy, and Hye-Seon got a minor role in the autumn regular performance and is practicing hard.

Hye-Seon, like Jun-ho, belonged to , so he was well aware of her updates.

Then, Yoomyeong brought up someone he was particularly curious about.

How about Senior Ryu Shin?

FOOTNOTES

*Referencing a Thesis

Ha Jung-seung (2011), A Critique and Its Significance on Jeong Mong-jus Poems as Reflected in Historical Collections of Poetry Criticism, Poeun Academic Society.

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