I think people are quite disturbed with the killing in the beginning of the series. But for me who watched many period dramas (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) it is seen kind of a normal thing for nobleman or kings. Although in this context, I am not denying that he killed a life for no purpose, which kinda show he is a little deranged. But in series like empress ki and whatnot, the King and nobleman do execute people to reach their agenda.
He didn't kill the messenger for no reason! He literally said, to his victim" I hope the painter doesn't mind blood". It was to let painter-cutie know psycho-hotie means business and wouldn't hesitate to kill. TACTICS
I think people are quite disturbed with the killing in the beginning of the series. But for me who watched many period dramas (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) it is seen kind of a normal thing for nobleman or kings. Although in this context, I am not denying that he killed a life for no purpose, which kinda show he is a little deranged. But in series like empress ki and whatnot, the King and nobleman do execute people to reach their agenda.