American Perspectives: The Second Coming Pt. 3 ("기황후" Ep. 21)

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***The intent of The Flower Realm by 사극 Paradise is to support women and men in rejecting the culture of pornography, and to live a life of integrity without manipulative intent.***

 

"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"

 

 

Artwork by Danu

 

 

"But how did you survive during all that chaos?"  Bul Hwa asks.

 

"There is a secret passage inside the palace that only I know about," says Mak Saeng.  "I escaped through it."

 

Eunuch Bang gasps.  "Then...where is the place that you hid the bloodletter?"

 

"We'll find it," Bul Hwa insists.  "Tell us the location!"

 

"I ordered a eunuch later on to look for it," says Mak Saeng, "and the bloodletter had disappeared without a trace."

 

Eunuch Bang looks over at Seung Nyang.

 

"By chance, do you know who took it?"  Seung Nyang asks.  "Tell us who it was."

 

As Mak Saeng leans forward, they are interrupted by the sound of Byeong Soo and his annoying voice.

 

"Chief!  Chief!"  Byeong Soo calls from outside.

 

Mak Saeng reluctantly rises.  Why won't this sleazy rat bastard go away?  He's creeping out the women.  "Wait a moment," says Mak Saeng.

 

Eunuch Bang sighs in frustration.

 

"Chief!"  Byeong Soo bleats.  "It's Yeom Byeong Soo, where are you?"

 

Bul Hwa grabs Eunuch Bang's arm.  "It's Yeom Byeong Soo!"

 

"That damn Yeom Byeong Soo," says Eunuch Bang.  "Hurry, over there."

 

The three scramble to find a place to hide.

 

Byeong Soo is standing outside in his golden Kheshig armor.  "Where are you, Chi--"

 

He sees Mak Saeng descending the dilapidated wooden staircase.  He chuckles.  "Have you been well, Chief?"

 

Mak Saeng warily examines Byeong Soo.  He doesn't feel good about this.  "Isn't this the uniform for the Captain of the Kheshigs?"

 

"Like someone who used to live at the palace, how did you recognize my position with one look?"  Byeong Soo inquires.

 

Oh, no.  Mak Saeng's heart drops.  It must be 'reveal my true identity' night.

 

Byeong Soo looks at him and laughs.

 

Out of every conceivable corner, several Kheshig soldiers run out and surround Mak Saeng.  All of them move in on him and point their swords.  Byeong Soo cannot stop laughing.  Everything has seriously been coming up roses for him.

 

The crowd parts, and Tanqishi and Talahai walk through.  Without any formality, Tanqishi pulls off Mak Saeng's wig.

 

Byeong Soo laughs boisterously, and Talahai smirks.

 

"So, you're Jeok Ho," Tanqishi grins.

 

"Why?  Do you feel like it's unfair?"  Byeong Soo asks mockingly.  "I also feel the same.  Why didn't I realize you were Jeok Ho earlier?"

 

"Search his home and find the bloodletter," Tanqishi commands.

 

"Yes, General!"  The soldiers bow.

 

********

 

Byeong Soo kicks open the doors to Mak Saeng's room.  "Search every corner!"

 

"Yes!"

 

Seung Nyang, Bul Hwa, and Eunuch Bang watch from the balcony in his room.  They see Byeong Soo and the soldiers go back outside after nothing incriminating is found.

 

"General," says Byeong Soo, "we've looked everywhere, and it's nowhere to be found."

 

"It's true, General," Jo Cham agrees.

 

"Take him to the palace!"  Tanqishi orders.

 

"Yes, General!"

 

"Take him!"  Tanqishi shouts.

 

"Yes!"

 

Tanqishi casually throws the wig behind him.  You won't be needing this anymore...

 

"We can't lose the bloodletter to them!"  Bul Hwa says earnestly.

 

Seung Nyang grabs his arm before he can have a knee jerk reaction.  "If you make a move now, it'll put us in danger, too."

 

"Seung Nyang is right," Eunuch Bang whispers.  "We'll have to wait for an opportunity inside the palace."

 

*******

 

The iron sizzles on Mak Saeng's white pants, burning through to his skin.  He doesn't have the strength to suppress his screams.  It hurts way too much.  Yet, he has no intention of saying a goddamn thing.

 

Byeong Soo watches him carefully. "Proceed!" Byeong Soo commands.

 

The men see El Temur and his entourage enter the torture chamber, and they stop what they are doing to bow.

 

"You're here, Prime Minister," says Byeong Soo.

 

"Jeok Ho!"  El Temur growls.  "It's been awhile!"

 

"Prime Minister," Mak Saeng whispers.

 

"Holding out any longer will only ruin your body," says El Temur.  "Tell me where the bloodletter is right now."

 

"I don't know anything about that," says Mak Saeng.  "Why are you asking me to talk about something I don't know anything about?"

 

"I guess they've been too easy on you," says El Temur.  "Burn him."

 

The burning iron is once again applied to his leg.  Mak Saeng screams, but he doesn't utter a single word.

 

El Temur and Byeong Soo turn away.

 

"You must not kill him," says El Temur.

 

"No worries, Sir," says Byeong Soo.  "I am an expert in draining them without killing them."

 

********

 

Seung Nyang and Bul Hwa jump up from their chairs when Eunuch Bang enters the guest quarters.  He looks back at the paper covered door, just to be sure there are no shadows hanging around.  He takes a seat at the head of the table.

 

"What happened?" Seung Nyang asks anxiously.

 

"Seeing how there's no special movement," Eunuch Bang whispers, "I don't think he's said anything yet."

 

"Tonight, we need to get Jeok Ho out," says Seung Nyang.

 

"This is the palace," Eunuch Bang whispers.  "Even if we get him out, how will we get him away from here?"

 

"He said there was a secret passage only he knows about," says Seung Nyang.  "If we can just free him, we'll be able to get him out through there."

 

"Ever since Yeom Byeong Soo became their captain, the Kheshigs have become more vigilant," says Bul Hwa.

 

"If we can figure out their movements," says Seung Nyang, "we'll be able to find their weak spots.  Eunuch Bang, please find out when they change their guards.  Deputy Commander Park, find out their route and the exact time for each patrol's round."

 

Bul Hwa nods.

 

"Tonight, when the guards are the least alert," says Seung Nyang, "we will make our move."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Empress Danashiri is coldly working on her embroidery while Lady Park awkwardly bows in her presence.  This whole situation for both women is yucky, complicated, and emotional.

 

Lady Park is terrified because her protector has been cast out of the palace, and let's face it.  Emperor Toghon is an unreliable panty waist.  Nothing wrong with being effeminate and sensitive, everything wrong with using it as justification for not facing reality and handling the consequences.

 

Empress Danashiri pointedly takes her time in acknowledging Lady Park, whom she really wants to stab with her needle.  It burns her every night that the Emperor refuses to give her a chance, and only comes to her room on the designated days because her father will murder him otherwise.

 

"Your Majesty, I'm here for the morning greeting," says Lady Park.

 

Fuck you.  Empress Danashiri rolls her eyes.  "You look quite pregnant."

 

"She is due to give birth in just four months," says Eunuch Dokman.

 

Rubbing salt directly into the wound..."Who asked you anything?"  Empress Danashiri snaps.  She really wants to say, Who the fuck asked you anything?  But she must keep proper decorum for her father's sake.

 

Eunuch Dokman doesn't take it personally.  He's worked the inner palace for decades, and he's aware of the sensitivities.

 

"Why didn't you come by last night for the evening greeting?"  Empress Danashiri asks.

 

Lady Park breaks out in an anxious sweat.  It's time for me to learn how to be more assertive.  Being shy isn't going to save me this time.  

 

"Last night," says Eunuch Dokman, "the fetal activity was too severe, so--"

 

Shut the fuck up, Dokman.  "I told you to keep silent!"  Empress Danashiri rages.

 

Eunuch Dokman takes a step back.

 

"After sitting on Empress Dowager's lap all this time, did you think the laws of the Inner Court were insignificant?"  Empress Danashiri asks.

 

"Not at all, Your Majesty," Lady Park nervously replies.

 

"If not, were you dismissing me because you bear the heir of His Majesty?"

 

Lady Park drops to her knees.  "I've committed a grave sin.  Please forgive me this once."

 

"I can't stand the sight of you, so get out immediately!"  Empress Danashiri snaps.

 

"Your Majesty," says Eunuch Dokman.  He helps Lady Park stand.  Lady Park gracefully bows, and she and Eunuch Dokman exit.

 

The sight of her pregnant belly make Empress Danashiri want to scream.  She looks at Court Lady Seo after they leave.  "Whenever I see her stomach, it turns my stomach inside out and..." She begins to gag.  The anxiety, tension, and resentment are beginning to manifest.

 

Court Lady Seo walks up to her.  "Your Majesty, do you still have an upset stomach?"

 

Empress Danashiri takes a deep breath.  "I feel so heavy in the stomach these days.  I don't feel well."

 

"It seems like a serious case of indigestion," says Court Lady Seo.  "So I will call for the physician."

 

"Never mind the physician," says Empress Danashiri.  "Bring me some spicy food.  I think that might help ease the discomfort."

 

"I understand Your Ma--" Court Lady Seo looks at her abruptly.  "Your Majesty, perhaps you are with child?  For the past two or so months, you also missed your monthly."

 

"Well, that's because...wait...I...can't eat spicy food.  I don't even like it."

 

Court Lady Seo grins.  "Your Majesty, congratulations.  You're finally with child!"

 

A huge weight feels like it has been lifted from Empress Danashiri's shoulders, and she begins to cry.  "I...I...am pregnant..."

 

"You prayed for it dearly," says Court Lady Seo.  "Buddha was finally moved by your earnest wishes."

 

 

 

 

 

 

"There's no way the Empress could become pregnant!"  Empress Dowager rages.

 

"But the rumor is all throughout the palace," says Lord Jang.  He respectfully sits behind her on the prayer mat at Gameop Temple.

 

Empress Dowager's heart beats rapidly.  "There's no way.  From the combination of toxicity from the lip color and the smoke from the incense, she should never become pregnant.  It's a method that Indian women use to prevent pregnancy.  If you prolong its use, you can never bear a child."

 

"Then...maybe, the Empress figured it out?"

 

"If you look at the lip color and the incense, they look very ordinary.  There's no way she would figure it out."

 

*******

 

Eunuch Bang, Seung Nyang, and Bul Hwa are disguised in black.  They are ready to bust Mak Saeng out as they run through the palace grounds.  They press their backs against the wall as they see the guards walking by.

 

*********

 

The three reach the entrance to the prison, and see it's well guarded.

 

"We only have an hour until the next shift," Eunuch Bang whispers as they hide behind a wall.

 

"We need to free Jeok Ho within that time, and escape from the palace," Seung Nyang whispers back.

 

"Let's go," Bul Hwa whispers.

 

As Bul Hwa and Seung Nyang leave, Eunuch Bang pulls out his blow dart gun.  He blows through it and darts one man in the throat.

 

"Who is that?"  The guard beside the fallen man asks.

 

Eunuch Bang blows another, and takes him down. Two other guards rush forward.  Bul Hwa shoves them out of the way.  Seung Nyang grabs one and slashes his throat.  Bul Hwa punches out the other.

 

******

 

Bul Hwa and Seung Nyang descend the stairs to the torture chamber.  They knock out the remaining guards before heading over to a tied up Mak Saeng.

 

Bul Hwa stands in front of him, and pulls down his mask.  "Chief!"  Bul Hwa says.

 

Seung Nyang pulls down her mask.

 

"You are..." Mak Saeng says.

 

"We need to leave right away," says Seung Nyang.

 

They undo his ropes, and Bul Hwa hands him a white jeogori.

 

"Let's go, Sir," says Bul Hwa.

 

Mak Saeng grabs his spear from the corner, and the three make their way out.

 

*********

 

Eunuch Bang joins them outside, but it doesn't take long for them to run into a group of shrieking court ladies.  The four quickly pass the group.

 

Talahai and his men are not far behind.  Talahai sounds the alarm.

 

*******

 

"Where's the secret passage?"  Seung Nyang asks.

 

"There's a passage that leads to the outside from the royal corridor," Mak Saeng replies.

 

"We'll lure the guards away," says Eunuch Bang.   "So, Seung Nyang, you two get out through the passage.  Let's hurry."

 

"They're running away!"  Talahai yells.  He's the first to see a disguised Seung Nyang and Mak Saeng running through the courtyard.  "Get them!"

 

Bul Hwa and Eunuch Bang stand in their way, and Byeong Soo joins the fight.

 

Bul Hwa and Eunuch Bang make a run for it.

 

"Get them!"

 

"Go get those men," says Byeong Soo.  "I'll catch Jeok Ho!"

 

********

 

Seung Nyang and Mak Saeng run through a side yard, only to be intercepted by Tanqishi and his men.  Without hesitation, Seung Nyang draws her sword.  She hopes to cut this asshole down tonight.

 

"Get him!"  Tanqishi orders.

 

The men move in on Seung Nyang and Mak Saeng, but the two relentlessly, and skillfully, defend themselves.

 

As Seung Nyang strikes one of Tanqishi's men, Tanqishi freezes.  He is very familiar with those moves, he's been obsessed with her for several months now.  This is his nighttime fantasy material.  He pulls out his sword and jumps at Seung Nyang.  She kicks, slashes, blocks, and defends.

 

Their swords cross, and they try to re-maneuver, swords continuing to cross.  Tanqishi gets a good look into her eyes.  Her hateful, angry eyes.

 

"Seung...Seung Nyang!"

 

She aggressively steps back.  You're going down, bitch.

 

*******

 

With his spear, Mak Saeng takes down all of his attackers.

 

Seung Nyang and Tanqishi battle again, but this time, as she turns, he slices her in the leg.  She crouches, and Tanqishi points his sword at her.  Mak Saeng protectively points his spear at Tanqishi.  Without hesitation, he shoves Tanqishi away from Seung Nyang.  

 

"Go ahead!"  Mak Saeng yells.  "Hurry!"

 

Seung Nyang quickly limps away while the two men battle it out.

 

Mak Saeng jumps through the air, and slaps Tanqishi down with the handle of his spear.  Using his weapon as leverage, by planting the end into the ground, he jumps over the wall like a pole vaulter.

 

Tanqishi's eyes widen in awe.

 

*********

 

Emperor Toghon and his entourage are having a pleasant nighttime walk.  Well, as pleasant as it can be now that he's under El Temur's thumb.

 

Seung Nyang is limping through the palace grounds.  Her leg is bleeding and burning.  She has no idea if she's going to make it out of this fucking nightmare of a palace.

 

She carefully opens the gate, only to come face to face with Emperor Toghon and Eunuch Baek.

 

Eunuch Baek and his two assistants approach her first.  The assistants quickly draw their swords.

 

"Who are you?"  Eunuch Baek asks sharply.

 

One of his assistants pulls down her mask.

 

Now I'm never getting out...

 

Everyone looks at her in shock.

 

Emperor Toghon rushes to her.  "S-Seung Nyang, you were here?"

 

"Over by the royal quarters!"  Byeong Soo yells.  "Catch him!"

 

As Seung Nyang attempts to stumble away, feeling flustered as hell, Emperor Toghon grabs her arm.

 

Oh, hell no.  I'm not letting these jerk offs hurt my Seung Nyang!

 

"Seung Nyang," says Emperor Toghon, "let's go to my room."

 

"It'll put you in danger," Seung Nyang says fearfully.  We may have had our differences, but I'm not dragging you down with me...She tries to stumble away, and Emperor Toghon, once again, stops her.

 

"Where can you go in this state?" Emperor Toghon asks.

 

"It would be better to go to the bathhouse, Your Majesty," says Eunuch Baek.

 

The two men help her walk away, but they don't notice the trail of blood she's leaving behind.

 

*********

 

Emperor Toghon helps Seung Nyang get through the bathhouse doors.  The tub is already full of warm water, and he helps her sit on the floor.  She holds her leg in pain.

 

Emperor Toghon feels very frightened for her.  What are these men going to do once they find her?  "You've bled too much."  He takes off his head band and gets ready to wrap it around her wound.

 

"It-It's okay," Seung Nyang stutters.

 

"Stay still," Emperor Toghon insists.

 

She looks at him remorsefully as he wraps his headband around her leg.

 

"How did this happen?"  Emperor Toghon asks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tanqishi, Talahai, Byeong Soo, Jo Cham, and their men strut down the wooden walkway leading to the bathhouse.  They meticulously study the trail of blood droplets in front of them.

 

"Are you sure it was Seung Nyang?"  Byeong Soo asks.

 

"She can't fool me," Tanqishi asserts.  "Those were Seung Nyang's eyes."

 

"The blood trail has stopped," Jo Cham points out.

 

Tanqishi obsessively studies his surroundings.  "It's the bathhouse."  He makes a run for it down the corridor, the rest of the men following.

 

Eunuch Baek's primary assistant, Guk Su, steps out from behind a post.  He pulls out his sword, and slices the palm of his hand.  He winces as the blade slices like a hot knife through butter.  He squeezes his hand, making a bloodtrail of his own.

 

 

 

 

 

Emperor Toghon carefully looks through a crack in the door.  He closes it tightly, and goes over to Seung Nyang.  Before she can faint, he grabs her arm.

 

"I'm fine," Seung Nyang whispers insistently.

 

"Hold on just a while longer," says Emperor Toghon.  "As soon as the Kheshigs leave, I'll call the physician."

 

Seung Nyang's vision begins to blur, and she has a hard time staying awake.

 

Eunuch Baek quietly walks into the room.  "Your Majesty," he bows, "Tanqishi is headed this way."

 

Emperor Toghon stands straight up.  "You must never...you must never let him come in here."

 

"Yes, Your Majesty," Eunuch Baek bows.  He makes a quick exit.

 

Think fast.  Emperor Toghon looks over at the huge bathtub that could fit at least three people.  He darts over to the large silver bowl of rose petals next to it.  Here goes nothing.  He grabs the bowl, and starts tossing handfuls of petals into the tub.  Oh, screw this.  He dumps the entire bowl in.

 

*******

 

Tanqishi and his men enter the bathhouse, only to come face to face with Eunuch Baek and his secondary assistant.

 

Eunuch Baek respectfully bows.  "What brings you here, General?"

 

"Open the door!"  Tanqishi demands.

 

"His Majesty is taking a bath right now," says Eunuch Baek.  "If you have a matter to discuss, you should come back in the morning--"

 

Byeong Soo draws his sword and points the blade at Eunuch Baek's neck.  Jo Cham follows suit.

 

Tanqishi pushes past him, and barges through the doors.

 

*******

 

Emperor Toghon is leisurely soaking in his tub, thick with rose petals.  Seung Nyang is nowhere in sight.  He glares at Tanqishi.  What a douche bag.

 

Seung Nyang is fully conscious and hidden under the water.

 

Emperor Toghon looks back at Tanqishi and gives him a pained look.  "General Tanqishi, what do you think you're doing right now?  What is this about?"

 

"Someone helped a prisoner escape and disappear nearby."  Tanqishi observes the room.

 

"Oh, I see," Emperor Toghon sighs.  "As you can see, nothing is going on here."

 

"But..." says Tanqishi.  "Why a bath so late in the evening?"

 

Maybe I want to look sexy for the court ladies, you rugged piece of shit..."I couldn't sleep and I thought it would help me recover from fatigue."

 

Seung Nyang is beginning to have a hard time holding her breath.

 

"But..." Emperor Toghon says.  "Must I, the Emperor, explain such things to you?"

 

Tanqishi smirks.  "My apologies."

 

Emperor Toghon turns away, and stealthily pushes aside  some rose petals.  He sees Seung Nyang struggling, and he wants Tanqishi to wrap it up already.

 

"Please finish bathing," says Tanqishi.

 

Seung Nyang feels like her lungs are going to burst.

 

"I need to search this area," Tanqishi continues.

 

Emperor Toghon rolls his eyes.

 

Seung Nyang falls unconscious at the bottom of the tub.

 

Oh, screw it!  Emperor Toghon breathes in and goes underwater.  He kisses Seung Nyang, and transmits air to her.

 

Tanqishi watches the rose-petal distorted surface of the water, trying to see if anything is hiding beneath.

 

Emperor Toghon sloppily resurfaces.  "How long do you intend to look at my naked body?"  He asks impatiently.  "You are much too rude!  Even Prime Minister never acted like this!"

 

Byeong Soo runs into the room.  "I found Seung Nyang's blood outside."

 

"Where is it leading to?"  Tanqishi asks.

 

"Toward the western gate."

 

"Damn it," Tanqishi hisses.  "Let's go!"  He runs outside, while Byeong Soo bows before exiting.

 

Emperor Toghon immediately grabs Seung Nyang, and pulls her back up.  "Seung Nyang!  Wake up, Seung Nyang!  Seung Nyang!"  He hugs her tightly.  She is not waking up, and Emperor Toghon is terrified as all hell.