American Perspectives: Switching Teams Pt. 2 ("기황후" Ep. 2)

 

 

"기황후" can be viewed on Viki or Youtube, as well as many other channels.  It is an amazing classic 사극, and this author is aware that it's not historically accurate.  The real life Empress Ki had a very contentious relationship with the Goryeo Dynasty.  And many liberties were most certainly taken with the fictionalized version of historical characters. Dialogue adapted from English Subtitle translations by the "Imperial Team at Viki.com"

 

 

 

Wang Yoo and Eunuch Bang are walking down the palace steps.

 

"Was it Seung Nyang?"  Wang Yoo asks. "King Simyang's ledgers.  Did Seung Nyang bring the ledgers?"

 

"Indeed, he did," Eunuch Bang smiles.

 

Wang Yoo feels giddy.  "Where is he right now?"

 

"I believe he went to Inju," says Eunuch Bang.

 

Wang Yoo has butterflies in his stomach.  "Seung Nyang probably still believes that I am a Royal Secret Inspector, doesn't he?"

 

"It appears so," Eunuch Bang grins.

 

"Bring him to me.  I will keep him by my side."  He's trying to keep himself from being too giggly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Nyang is dead, you say?"  Park Bul Hwa asks.

 

Ki Ja Oh is intently studying the letter he has just received.  "A palace maid, who was dragged away with Ok Bun, sent this letter from the Yuan Kingdom.  It says that she died over ten years ago."

 

"So, that's what happened," Park Bul Hwa says mournfully.

 

"Commander!"  Yeom Byeong Soo yells.  "This is a report from the merchants."  He hands Ki Ja Oh an envelope.

 

Ki Ja Oh doesn't respond.

 

"Commander?"  Yeom Byeong Soo asks.

 

Ki Ja Oh awkwardly looks up and takes the envelope.

 

"It says that there is a recent increase in bandits," says Yeom Byeong Soo.  "These scoundrels."

 

Ki Ja Oh opens the letter.  "Seung Nyang's gang?"

 

"They usually operate among the peddlers," Bul Hwa explains.

 

"So, investigate this Seung Nyang gang, and bring them in if necessary."  Ki Ja Oh aggressively hands the letter back to Yeom Byeong Soo.

 

"Yes, sir," Byeong Soo bows.

 

Ki Ja Oh sadly walks away.

 

"What's wrong with Commander?"  Byeong Soo asks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seung Nyang is walking through the unusually quiet gambling house.  One of her men pushes through the door.

 

"Boss, run away!"

 

She looks over and is horrified to see her men tied up.  As she makes a break for the front door, she is immediately blocked by several armed guards.  All are pointing their swords at her.

 

Many more swarm in.  The crowd parts, and in walks Yeom Byeong Soo and Park Bul Hwa.

 

"Out of the way," says Yeom Byeong Soo.

 

"So, you are Seung Nyang, huh?"  Bul Hwa asks.

 

"What are you doing?"  Seung Nyang inquires.

 

"Our commander ordered us to capture bandits like you," says Byeong Soo.

 

Seung Nyang is speechless.  She saved the Crown Prince one minute, and now she's getting arrested.  So much for being connected...

 

 

 

 

Seung Nyang and her men are kneeling outside in front of Byeong Soo, Bul Hwa, and Ki Ja Oh.  Ki Ja Oh stands in front of her.  "So, who is Seung Nyang?"

 

Byeong Soo lifts her chin with his sheathed sword.  "This guy, sir."

 

Seung Nyang looks at Ki Ja Oh defiantly.

 

"Do you understand your crimes?"  Ki Ja Oh asks.

 

"Please tell us," says Seung Nyang, "why you arrested us."

 

 

*******

 

"Five!"  Yells the man in charge of counting the floggings.  "Six!"

 

Seung Nyang and her men are strapped down onto planks, and getting flogged by long, wooden paddles.

 

"Seven!  Eight!  Nine!"

 

"My goodness," says Bul Hwa.  "Just as the rumors say, this Seung Nyang is a real vicious one."

 

"Let him be as vicious as he wants," Byeong Soo smirks.  "As long as I, Yeom Byeong Soo, serves in this law enforcement office, I will make sure we pull all these ruffians out by the roots in Inju."

 

 

*******

 

"Follow me," says Bul Hwa.

 

"Yes," says Ki Ja Oh.

 

Park Bul Hwa enters Seung Nyang's crowded cell, and pulls her out.

 

"Do you understand what you did wrong now?"  Ki Ja Oh asks.

 

She looks up at him defiantly.  "I do."

 

"Then say it with your own mouth."

 

"The crime of having been born poor.  The crime of having been born a citizen of a weak nation, and protecting myself without help from anyone.  The crime of having met a wicked commander of law enforcement."

 

"Wh-What...?" Bul Hwa sputters.  "You shut your mouth!"

 

Ki Ja Oh raises his hand.  He looks at Seung Nyang.  "Let him go."

 

"Commander?"  Bul Hwa asks.

 

"The next time I catch you," says Ki Ja Oh, "it won't end with just a beating."

 

 

*******

 

As Seung Nyang and her men are released, Byeong Soo is dragging in new prisoners.

 

"What's wrong?"  Bul Hwa asks.

 

"They hid their daughters to prevent them from being offered as tribute," says Byeong Soo.

 

"Are you doing this with the commander's permission?"  Bul Hwa asks.

 

"Chief, our office has won disfavor with headquarters.  If we keep coddling these kinds of people, we will be in trouble, too.  Not just the commander.  But, why did you bring out the bandits?"

 

Seung Nyang gives him side eye.

 

 

********

 

Seung Nyang and her men are gathered at a table in their upstairs meeting room at the gambling house.  Her assistant hands her an embroidered pouch.

 

"Where did you find this?"  Seung Nyang asks.

 

"From the home of that wicked commander."

 

"How dare you?  I said stealing is not allowed," Seung Nyang says sharply.

 

"I'm sorry, Boss.  I was upset at having been beaten."  Her assistant bows.

 

"All you guys, leave."

 

One of her men pulls her assistant out by his ear.

 

Seung Nyang is left alone at her table.  She takes a deep breath, and sighs.  She dumps the pouch, and a silver ring falls out, in addition to some other accessories.  She eyes the ring, which has the same intricate patterns as her mother's, that she's wearing on a necklace.  She compares the two, and rips off her necklace.  They are an exact match.  Her eyes widen, and her heart races.  Was that wicked commander her father?

 

She takes a look at the ID badge that was also in the pouch.  "Ki Ja Oh," Seung Nyang whispers.  Her hands tremble, and her eyes burn.

 

She remembers her mother's last words, "Your father...is alive.  Go to Gaegyeong...He has the last name Ki, and the same exact ring."

 

She holds the rings tightly as tears stream down her face.  "Father...It's me, Nyang.  Father...It's me, Father...Father...Father..."

 

 

 

 

 

 

The courtyard in front of the Inju Law Enforcement Office is filled with men, all aspiring to be part of the team.

 

"For five days, starting today," says Byeong Soo, "there will be a rigorous test.  Those who can pass the test will join the ranks of our honorable law enforcement force.  Show us your vigor to your heart's content."

 

Seung Nyang is standing in the second row, ready to give it a go.

 

Bul Hwa is the first one to spot her.  "Commander?"  He says to Ki Ja Oh.  "That guy..."

 

Byeong Soo's eyes widen as he also notices her among the recruits.

 

Seung Nyang can feel the burn of them all staring at her.

 

 

*******

 

The tests begin, and Seung Nyang passes the sword test with flying colors.

 

As she's doing the archery test, her shooting is impeccable.  She looks up and notices that Ki Ja Oh, Park Bul Hwa, and Yeom Byeong Soo are watching her intently.  She fires her final shot, hitting the bullseye.  The other men within the group of recruits cheer.

 

Bul Hwa laughs.  "Commander, we found ourselves a good one."

 

 

**********

 

"Congratulations, boy," Bul Hwa smiles.

 

Seung Nyang is in the office with Byeong Soo, Bul Hwa, and Ki Ja Oh.  Ki Ja Oh reaches over on the table, and hands Seung Nyang her uniform.  "I will have you serve as a messenger.  You must not let this out of your sight for even a moment."

 

Seung Nyang's heart flutters as she takes the uniform.  She finally gets to be with her father, even if he may never know who she is.  "Thank you, Commander," she politely bows.

 

"A messenger?"  Byeong Soo asks.  "You're giving this boy a position already?"

 

"Based on his skills, he could even serve in a higher position," says Bul Hwa.  "Isn't that right?"

 

Seung Nyang smiles shyly.

 

 

 

 

 

"His Majesty is entering!"

 

Wang Go and his minister friends are sitting in the dining area, laughing and talking.  They all rise as soon as they see Wang Yoo ascend the steps.

 

Wang Yoo walks up to the front of the dining area, and takes a seat.  Everyone, except Wang Go, follows suit.  

 

Wang Go turns to Wang Yoo and bows.  "Your Majesty.  Our thanks and congratulations on your ascension to the royal throne."

 

"Our thanks and congratulations, Your Majesty!"  The other ministers repeat.

 

Wang Yoo looks at all of the warily.

 

"Please lift your cup in celebration!" Wang Go says.  "Everyone is waiting."

 

"Before the toast," says Wang Yoo, "I will declare Eleven Articles of Prohibition."

 

"Your Majesty," asks a minister, "did you say Eleven Articles of Prohibition?"

 

"So, what do you intend to prohibit?"  Another minister asks.

 

"Present them," Wang Yoo says to Eunuch Bang.

 

Eunuch Bang respectfully bows.  He picks up a scroll and unfurls it.  He walks to the front, and begins to read, "Hear ye, hear ye, all civil and military officials.  I will create a strong Goryeo, so these are the eleven things that must be avoided by all nobles and all other citizens.  There will be no more corruption in money transactions.  Any assets of nobles that are increased through corruption must be returned to the state.  Private armies will be decreased by half, and if you refuse, you will be considered a traitor.  The law that allows for political positions to be inherited by sons will be eliminated."

 

Wang Go abruptly stands up.  "Your Majesty, what exactly are you doing?"

 

Another minister rises.  "Please retract these Eleven Prohibitions immediately!"

 

"They are unjustified!"  Screeches another.

 

"They are unjustified!"  The rest of the ministers chorus and bow.  "They are unjustfied!"

 

Wang Yoo slaps the table.  "Everyone, shut your mouths!"

 

Several guards led by Moo Song run into the covered outdoor dining area, and surround the ministers.  Wang Go glares at Wang Yoo.

 

"While I spent time with those bandits," says Wang Yoo, "I learned all about your wickedness and corruption."  He unfurls a yellow scroll.

 

Many of the ministers are shitting bricks, as it is widely known that Seung Nyang is not only a well known bandit, she was also Wang Go's right hand man.

 

"The Prime Minister gave the county magistrate positions in exchange for bribes,"  Wang Yoo reads.  He opens a blue scroll.  "Also, Minister Kim Yeong made the daughter from a middle class home his mistress, and then he killed her husband."  He opens up a green scroll.  "Minister Park Hak Ki profitted from manipulating the currency.  The minister embezzled arms and collected profit, as well."  He throws the scroll aside, and looks over at the bowing ministers.  "Judges at all three levels of the courts and the governor general, as well, all your evil deeds and corruption are contained in here!"  He bangs a red scroll down on the table.

 

"That is unfair, Your Majesty!"  Kim Yeong yells.  "I'd rather that you kill me!"

 

"What did you say?"  Wang Yoo asks sternly.   He authoritatively stands.  "Then I shall."

 

Moo Song and his guards draw their swords.

 

"So, I dare anyone else to ask to be killed," Wang Yoo continues.  He is not a subservient king like his father.  "I will behead you myself.  So heed my words.  As long as I have this record of corruption and wickedness in my hands, I will reveal your crime at any time, and you will be punished by the national law."

 

Wang Go gives him side eye.  Wang Yoo doesn't fully understand what he has gotten himself into.  Wang Yoo locks eyes with Wang Go, and returns the death stare.

 

 

*******

 

The former Queen (now Queen Dowager) and Jo Cham meet up with Wang Go in one of the palatial meeting rooms.

 

"What happened?"  Wang Go asks.  "Have we received word from Yuan?"

 

"Prime Minister El Temur sent a personally handwritten letter," says the Queen Dowager.

 

Wang Go grins.  "Prime Minister El Temur personally wrote a letter?"  He is ecstatic.

 

The Queen Dowager nods and hands him a white envelope.  Wang Go reads over the letter.

 

"What is written there?"  Jo Cham inquires.

 

"The Emperor of Yuan's brother has been exiled to Goryeo."  Wang Go says.

 

"But how is that good news?"  Jo Cham asks.

 

Wang Go and the Queen Dowager smirk.  "A way for us to drag the arrogant bastard off the throne."  He lovingly holds the letter.  "It's in here."  He laughs gleefully.

 

 

 

 

 

Seung Nyang is on a trip to the palace with Ki Ja Oh, Bul Hwa, and Byeong Soo.  They stop in the palace hallway in front of the King's room.  

 

"Your Majesty, the Law Enforcement Commander is prepared to meet you."

 

Ki Ja Oh walks up to the door.  Byeong Soo steps forward to follow, but a Eunuch blocks him.

 

"Not together?"  Byeong Soo asks.

 

 

*******

 

Ki Ja Oh enters the room and meets up with Moo Song, Wang Yoo, and Eunuch Bang.

 

Ki Ja Oh bows.  "I am Ki Ja Oh, the Law Enforcement Commander."

 

"In a short while," says Wang Yoo, "the Emperor of Yuan's brother will arrive in Inju."

 

"The Emperor of Yuan's brother, did you say?"  Ki Ja Oh asks.

 

Wang Yoo nods.  "Please escort him, and bring him to Gaegyeong.  If by any chance there is any harm to the brother of the Emperor of Yuan, those who are responsible will not avoid execution."

 

Ki Ja Oh drops to his knees.  "I accept your Royal Command, Your Majesty."

 

 

******

 

Bul Hwa and Yeom Byeong Soo are chatting while Seung Nyang is walking around, studying some of the decor.

 

The doors open, and a slightly overwhelmed Ki Ja Oh exits.

 

Seung Nyang peers through the open doors, and sees Wang Yoo in his royal robes.  She notices Eunuch Bang and Moo Song standing beside him.

 

Oh, shit.  She thinks.

 

 

 

 

 

Tanqishi and Talahai burst through the doors to the Prime Minister, El Temur's, office in Daedo.  They stop in front of his desk and bow.

 

"The exile boat carrying the brother of the emperor will arrive soon in Inju in Goryeo," says Tanqishi.

 

El Temur turns around to face them.  "Did you say it was Myobang Mountain?"

 

"Yes," Talahai nods.  "It is a mountain between Inju and Gaegyeong."

 

"Myobang Mountain, huh?"  El Temur asks.  He looks at a model he has of the area, and picks up a miniature flag.  "So the brother of the emperor," he slams the flag down on the model of Goryeo, will be buried there, huh?"

 

"The are expected to arrive in three days," says Talahai.  "No, in two days if they are fast."

 

"If the brother of the emperor dies on Goryeo's soil, for that crime, I can make the nation of Goryeo disappear completely."

 

"To get rid of the prince," says Tanqishi, "who is a thorn in our eye, and to also put an end to Goryeo, as well, your marvelous planning ability is endless, Father."

 

"What kind of nation is Goryeo?"  El Temur asks.  "While occupying such a small piece of land, they are a toxic people who have tormented us for thirty years.  If we leave them alone, they will surely become a great danger to our nation of Yuan."

 

"Your words are wise, Father," says Talahai.

 

"The idiot brother of the Emperor," says El Temur, "as it turns out, his life has value after all."  He chuckles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Law Enforcement Division is leading a rather large group of soldiers, preparing to meet the Emperor's infamously idiotic brother.  The group suddenly halts.

 

"Gosh," says Bul Hwa.  "Can you believe we are here to greet some exile from Yuan?"

 

"I know, right?"  Byeong Soo says.  "There are so many posts, why did they have to come to the one in our jurisdiction?  You said he was the brother of the Emperor?"

 

"The Emperor's older brother, I hear," says Bul Hwa.

 

"What kind of loser is he that he would be exiled from such a position of privilege?"  Byeong Soo asks.

 

"Let's go," Ki Ja Oh shuts down the gossip/gripe session.

 

 

********

 

The Mongolian/Yuan Dynasty group is moving forward with the Emperor's brother being sheltered in a ger on wheels.  His procession is being led by several soldiers in front, and followed by several soldiers and wagons in the back.

 

Bayan, a Mongolian/Yuan Dynasty general, is riding beside the ger.  The Emperor's brother, Toghon, slides the wooden window open.

 

"Your Highness," Bayan asks, "are you uncomfortable?"

 

Toghon quickly shakes his head, and slams the window shut.

 

The Mongolian caravan is met by the Goryeo convoy.

 

"Are you General Bayan?"  Ki Ja Oh asks.

 

"Yes, I am Bayan," he replies.

 

Ki Ja Oh bows.  "I am commander Ki Ja Oh of Inju's law enforcement.  You've come a long way."

 

"Law enforcement, huh?"  Bayan asks.  "The brother of the Emperor is coming, and they dared to only send local law enforcement?  Lead the way."

 

"Yes, Sir," Ki Ja Oh bows.

 

Toghon slides open the window, and extends his hand.

 

"Stop, everyone stop," says Lord Jang Soon Yong.  Both the Mongolian and Goryeo groups come to a complete halt.

 

Toghon gestures to Lord Jang.  Lord Jang leans into the window, and Toghon whispers to him.

 

Lord Jang bows.  "Tonight, this is where we will stay."

 

"We will stay here tonight!"  Another soldier yells.  "Prepare the camp."

 

The very handsome Toqto'a lifts the rim of his hat slightly.  

 

"Lord Jang?"  Bayan inquires.  "The sun is still in the middle of the sky, and we have a long way to go.  Why stop here?"

 

"His Highness says that he is uncomfortable traveling any further," says Lord Jang.  He spurs his horse forward to avoid further pushback.

 

Toqto'a approaches his Uncle Bayan.

 

"How weak he is," Bayan observes.  "What has he done on the way here anyway?"

 

Toqto'a looks around anxiously.  "Something feels off."

 

"What do you mean?"  Bayan asks.

 

"Remember how he refused to get off the boat yesterday, saying he was in pain?  Perhaps he senses something?"

 

"There's no way," Bayan scoffs.  "If he was smart enough to figure that out, would he have gotten himself exiled, instead of succeeding the Emperor's rein?"

 

Toqto'a nods, but he doesn't accept the answer.  Toghon isn't necessarily smart, but the walls of the palace do have ears.

 

Ki Ja Oh, Park Bul Hwa, Seung Nyang, and Yeom Byeong Soo approach Bayan and Toqto'a.

 

"If you go further down that way," says Ki Ja Oh, "our government office is there.  I think it would be better to host the prince there."

 

"There's no need," Bayan says sternly.

 

"Since you've entered into Goryeo," says Ki Ja Oh, "we in Goryeo must be responsible for His Highness' comfort and safety."

 

"Feel free to take responsibility," says Bayan.  "We will make the decisions."  He and Toqto'a arrogantly trot away.

 

"It's strange that they insist on camping here when the government office is nearby," says Ki Ja Oh.

 

"I've heard that among the Yuan soldiers, there is no one who knows the face of the brother of the Emperor," says Seung Nyang.

 

Ki Ja Oh looks at Seung Nyang in astonishment.  "Is that true?"

 

"I heard it directly."

 

"We must stay alert now," says Ki Ja Oh.  "If there is any harm to the prince, none of us will survive."

 

 

...To be continued...

 

 

 

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