American Perspectives: Saving Toghon Pt. 3 ("기황후" Ep. 5)

 

 

 

"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 El Temur are having tea in a private room.

 

"My sons killed the Crown Prince?"  El Temur asks.

 

"That's right," says Wang Yoo.  "So, as soon as his body is found, please leave Goryeo."

 

"To me, it doesn't matter who killed the Crown Prince.  That he has died is what's important.  On this Goryeo land."

 

Hatred burns in Wang Yoo's heart.

 

"If I say he died of an illness," El Temur continues, "That's what happened; and if I say you killed him, you will become the sinner."

 

Wang Yoo leans forward.  "This is the royal palace of Goryeo.  No matter who you are--"

 

"Threatening me is like threatening Yuan.  Do you wish to see Goryeo filled with blood?"

 

"I have nothing to fear."

 

El Temur sighs and leans forward.  "You and me...who do you think has more power in this palace?"

 

*********

 

"Let go!  Do you know who I am?"  A soldier is dragged in the front, and is forced to kneel in front of Wang Go and Tanqishi.

 

"Sire," asks the soldier, "what are you doing?"  Several other soldiers are tied up behind him.

 

"From this moment on," says Wang Go, "the royal guards will be disbanded."

 

"Your Highness!" The lead guard exclaims.

 

***********

 

Wang Go, Tanqishi, and Talahai barge in to interrupt the meeting between El Temur and Wang Yoo.

 

Wang Go bows to El Temur.  "As you've ordered, Prime Minister, the royal guards were disbanded."  He looks over at Wang Yoo and smirks.

 

"This is how I rule the large Kingdom of Yuan," says El Temur.

 

Wang Yoo feels like a deer trapped in the forest.

 

"Escort the King of Goryeo with courtesy," says El Temur.

 

"Yes, Father," Tanqishi bows.

 

********

 

Tanqishi and Talahai approach Bayan and Toqto'a in the courtyard.

 

"Starting tonight, you must keep strict guard of this place," says Tanqishi.  "The King of Goryeo must never step out of his bedroom."

 

Bayan nods.  "Don't worry.  Please head in for some rest."

 

After they leave, Bayan turns to Toqto'a.  "Even if I think I know him, I do not.  Imagine the Prime Minister coming to Goryeo himself?"

 

"The Emperor has passed away," says Toqto'a.  "My thoughts should be correct."

 

Bayan looks at him incredulously.

 

"To determine who succeeds the throne," Toqto'a continues, "he will need to confirm the Prince's death."

 

"Yes.  You're correct," Bayan agrees.  "His Majesty has really passed away."

 

*********

 

Wang Yoo is taking a sip of wine in his locked down room.

 

"The security is so tight," says Eunuch Bang.  "It's impossible to take a step outside."

 

"Jeom Bak said they never found Seung Nyang or the Prince's body," Moo Song adds.  "We must leave the palace somehow, and find the Prince."

 

Wang Yoo irately knocks his food off the table.  The dishes hit the floor with a jarring clatter.  He abruptly stands up.  "I will kill El Temur with my own hands!"

 

Eunuch Bang's jaw drops.

 

Wang Yoo pulls out Moo Song's sword from his sheath.

 

"Your Majesty," Eunuch Bang says anxiously.

 

"Not just El Temur, but King Simyang, Tanqishi, and Talahai.  I will kill everyone in here with my own hands!"

 

"You cannot!"  Moo Song insists.

 

"What do you mean, I cannot?  I said I will kill the thieves who barged into my own home.  Why can't I?"

 

"If you kill them, this land will become a blood bath," Eunuch Bang anxiously explains.  "The people of Goryeo will resent you!"

 

Wang Yoo points his sword at Eunuch Bang's throat.  "Shut up!"

 

Eunuch Bang and Moo Song look at him in astoundment.

 

"I will kill those vicious people!"  Wang Yoo yells.  He purposefully walks toward the door.

 

"Your Majesty, no!"  Eunuch Bang screams.  He grabs Wang Yoo's legs.

 

"Let go!"  Wang Yoo yells.

 

"Please come to your senses!"  Eunuch Bang cries.

 

Moo Song kneels.  "Please kill us first, Your Majesty."

 

"What do you want me to do?"  A tear rolls down Wang Yoo's face.  "What can I do?"

 

"Your Majesty," Eunuch Bang sobs.

 

"I resent the heavens.  I am so embittered, that I cannot breathe."

 

"Your Majesty," sobs Eunuch Bang.

 

**********

 

"Seung Nyang!"  A masked up Toghon yanks on her arm as they anonymously walk through a village marketplace.

 

Seung Nyang's large, cone shaped, hat effectively conceals her face.

 

Toghon pulls her over, and points to the wanted poster on the bulletin board.

 

Seung Nyang slightly tips her hat upward.  She sees the very hideous drawing of herself.  "Let's go quickly," she whispers.

 

As they walk, they see Byeong Soo sauntering along, eating a snack.  Seung Nyang and Toghon quickly run to a side alley.

 

"Why?"  Toghon loudly asks as they take a seat on the stone steps.  "Isn't he a soldier of Law Enforcement?"

 

"That is Chief Yeom," Seung Nyang says softly.

 

Toghon gets ready to approach, but Seung Nyang pushes him back down.  "Wait."

 

They soon see Jo Cham with him, holding that hideously drawn wanted poster of Seung Nyang.

 

Toghon lowers his mask.  "What?  Aren't those King Simyang's soldiers?"

 

"They're traitors," Seung Nyang says matter of factly.  "Chief Yeom was the assassin who tried to kill you."

 

"This horrible situation.  The paths to the palace are all blocked.  What can we do now?"

 

"Follow me," Seung Nyang whispers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The two find their way to a dilapidated house, and hide.  It's not the palace, but it's anonymous.

 

"I don't think we should have come to Gaegyeong," Toghon whines.  "We should've just stayed hidden in the forest."

 

Seung Nyang's arm feels like it's going to fall off, and she's burning up.  It's time for her to rest.

 

"But because of your persistence," Toghon continues to whine.  "How much more..."

 

Seung Nyang gets dizzy, and she can't keep herself up, or her eyes open.  She falls on the floor with a hard thud.

 

Toghon jumps.  "Hey.  Seung Nyang."  He tries to shake her awake.  He begins to panic.  "Why are you like this?"  He touches her shoulder and notices it is saturated with blood.  He rolls back her sleeve and sees that her wound looks much, much worse.  "Have you been holding in your pain until now?  I will get you some medicine, so wait just a little longer."

 

He runs outside, carrying her bow and arrows.  You got hurt while protecting me.  Please do not die.  Do not die.

 

Toghon finally finds an herbalist in the market.

 

"A wound from a weapon?"  The herbalist asks.  "For that," he picks up a small grey jar, "there is no better medicine than this."  He hands the jar to Toghon.  "It is made with honeysuckle and raw mung beans."

 

Toghon takes a whiff of the medicine.

 

"I made it myself," the herbalist continues.

 

"How much is this?"  Toghon asks.

 

"How much is that?"

 

"No matter how much this is, take this," he hands the herbalist Seung Nyang's bow and arrows.  "It's a very precious item."

 

The herbalist throws the bow and arrows at him.  "Go, you crazy man!  I will not sell it!"

 

"You are insolent!"  Toghon says sternly.

 

"Insolent?"  The herbalist asks.  "How can you come without any money?"  He picks up his straw broom and starts slapping Toghon with it.  "Go!  Go, you crazy guy!"

 

Toghon runs right out of the shop.  He scurries behind a post near the fabric shop.  He catches his breath and watches the herbalist.

 

He arrives back at the herbalist's shop, this time holding a blue pouch behind his back.

 

"You came again?"  The herbalist shouts.  "Just go!"

 

Toghon pulls out the blue pouch from behind his back.  It appears to have coins.  Tohgon casually tosses and catches it.  He waves the pouch in the herbalist's face before he finally places it in his hand.

 

"What is this?" The herbalist asks.

 

"Five nyangs of silver," says Toghon.

 

The herbalist grins.  "Five nyangs?  Why didn't you say so before?"  As he opens the pouch, Toghon smoothly backs himself toward the grey jars, and grabs Seung Nyang's medicine.

 

"What?"  The herbalist says.  "These are rocks!"

 

Toghon runs out with the jar as fast as he can.

 

"Hey!  Catch him!"  The herbalist yells.  "Thief!"

 

Toghon is running as fast as he can when he sees soldiers in his path.  He tries to stop and act casual.

 

"Thief!" The herbalist yells.

 

Fuck.

 

"Catch that thief!"

 

Toghon makes a run for it.

 

"Go!"  Shouts a soldier.

 

Toghon knocks several people over as he attempts to make a very awkward getaway.

 

*******

 

Jeom Bak is in the same market, clutching his stomach.  "Where is the bathroom?  Did I have something wrong to eat?  Why is my lower belly in such discomfort?"

 

As Toghon is running away, he plows right into Jeom Bak, knocking him down.

 

"My poop is about to come out," Jeom Bak groans.

 

Toghon keeps right on running.  The soldiers aren't far behind.

 

"What is this?"  Jeom Bak asks.  "They are King Simyang's men."  He notices the bow and arrows on the ground.  "What is this?"  He gasps.  "Isn't this Seung Nyang's pyeon-jeon arrows?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Catch him!"  The soldiers yell as they pursue Toghon through the market.

 

Jeom Bak starts running, and he quickly finds Toghon and the soldiers.

 

"Get him!" The soldiers yell.

 

Jeom Bak looks up and sees a huge barrel of water on top of a wooden tower.  He gets behind it as Toghon runs in one direction.  After Toghon passes without incident, Jeom Bak pushes the tower completely over, making a huge mess, and creating an obstruction.

 

Jeom Bak jumps over the wall, and stealthily trails Toghon.

 

Night has fallen, and Toghon still hasn't been able to exit the area.  Guards are everywhere!  He pokes his head out from behind the wall.  He breathes a sigh of relief.  "Oh, they're gone."

 

Jeom Bak grabs him by the collar and lifts him up.

 

Toghon shrieks in surprise.  "You can't take this medicine.  Anything, but this."

 

Jeom Bak holds up Seung Nyang's bow.  "Where did you get this?  Why do you have Seung Nyang's pyeon-jeon arrows?"

 

"Do you know Seung Nyang?"  Toghon asks.

 

Jeom Bak looks at him quizzically.  "Are you Your Highness, the Prince?"  He takes his hand off Toghon's collar.  "I'm on your side.  Where's Seung Nyang?"

 

***********

 

Several bloody pieces of white cloth litter the floor.  Seung Nyang is asleep as the doctor examines her.  He puts a portion of green medicine on a white piece of cloth, and he presses it to her wound.

 

Jeom Bak and Toghon frantically approach the doctor as he steps outside.

 

"How is he?"  Jeom Bak asks.

 

"It could have been a disaster if it were just a little late," says the doctor.  "I left some herbal medicine, so mix it well with water, and feed it to her, little by little."

 

"Thank you," says Jeom Bak.

 

Toghon rushes inside.

 

Jeom Bak pulls the doctor aside.  "You must never tell anyone."

 

"Don't worry about that," says the doctor.  "But how did a mere woman endure such pain?"

 

"Woman?"  Jeom Bak asks.  "Who are you calling a woman?"

 

"The patient lying in there, of course."

 

Jeom Bak's eyes widen.  "Seung Nyang was a woman?"

 

"You didn't know that?"

 

********

 

Toghon is carefully tending to Seung Nyang at her bedside.  He remembers the care she showed him on the mountain trails, and he wonders if he's doing enough for her.  He punches himself in the head.  "I'm terrible.  I'm such a selfish, horrible person."  He sighs regretfully.  "Seung Nyang, I know you will say no, but you are my first subordinate, and you are also...my only friend in the world."

 

********

 

Seung Nyang rolls over and wakes up.  She sees several jars of medicine between her and a sleeping Toghon.  As she gets up, Jeom Bak enters the dilapidated home, carrying a wooden bowl of water.

 

"Seung Nyang?"  Jeom Bak asks.  "You've come to your senses?"

 

"What happened?"  Seung Nyang asks.

 

"We can take our time explaining things later.  I'm just glad that you are alive.  First, drink this water."

 

She grabs the bowl and takes a drink.

 

"Why did you hide that you were a woman?"  Jeom Bak asks.

 

Seung Nyang's heart races.  How do you know???

 

"The doctor who saved your life told only me.  That you, Seung Nyang--"

 

"Please," Seung Nyang interjects.  "Please keep it a secret," she whispers.

 

"Yes, I'm sure you have your reasons."

 

"What about His Majesty?"

 

"The palace and Gaegyeong are full of Yuan soldiers, and King Simyang's men."

 

"We have to let His Majesty know that the Prince is alive, no matter what."

 

"Even if I mobilize my fellow thugs," says Jeom Bak, "there is no way we can enter the palace.  What can we do?  What if he gets dethroned--"

 

Seung Nyag smells something terrible near Jeom Bak.

 

"What is that awful smell?"  She asks.

 

"Awful smell?"  Jeom Bak asks.  He looks down self consciously.  "Well, I had a really bad belly ache earlier."  He lets out a rip roaring fart.

 

Seung Nyang backs away.

 

"And I didn't have time to change my clothes," Jeom Bak continues.

 

"Smell," says Seung Nyang thoughtfully.

 

"All right, all right!  Stop talking about how bad I smell."

 

"I know how we can get into the palace."

 

"How?  You have a good idea?"

 

"Yeom Byeong Soo.  Use that guy.  Before that, there is something I have to do."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeom Bak pulls a light brown cart filled with several jars of oil up to the dilapidated house.

 

Seung Nyang is showing Toghon a narrow pine box.  "Please get in."

 

"Seung Nyang," Toghon stutters, "must we really do this?"

 

Seung Nyang sighs.

 

"Looks like you have really come back to life," Toghon remarks.  "Seeing how you glare at me all the time...All right, I'm getting in."

 

Jeom Bak enters the house.

 

"Did you get some?"  Seung Nyang asks.

 

He places a huge jar on the floor.  The  smell is very pungent.  Everyone holds their nose.

 

"What is this?"  Toghon asks with dread.

 

"The brine of rotten fish," says Seung Nyang.  She lifts the lid, and the stench engulfs the room.

 

"This smell is terrible!"  Toghon says.

 

"This terrible smell will save your life," says Seung Nyang.  "Your Highness."

 

"Before that, I will die first from this rotten smell," Toghon complains.

 

"Please get into the coffin," says Seung Nyang.

 

He kneels in front of her and plugs his nose.  "Seung Nyang."

 

"We are fighting to win," Seung Nyang says firmly.  "You must endure fear and everything else."

 

Toghon shakes his head, and gives her the puppy eyes, forgetting who he's dealing with.

 

"Hurry," says Seung Nyang.

 

He shakes his head.

 

"Ssss!"  Seung Nyang says.

 

Jeom Bak avoids eye contact with Toghon.

 

Seung Nyang motions her head toward the casket.

 

Toghon reluctantly gets in.  "The coffin is so small."

 

Seung Nyang and Jeom Bak scoop salt, and pour it all over Toghon.  He winces as they bury him in it.

 

"I think you're finished," says Toghon.  His face is barely poking out from under the salt.

 

Jeom Bak pours the oil all over the salt.

 

Toghon groans, trying not to breathe it in.

 

"This is worse than the smell of poop," says Jeom Bak.

 

Toghon raises his hand from the salt and groans.  Seung Nyang grabs his hand.  "When you arrive at the palace, please reveal that those who tried to kill you were Yuan soldiers, and not Goryeo soldiers."

 

Toghon gives her a pained look.

 

"Why won't you answer me?"

 

"Don't make me talk," Toghon groans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Miss," Byeong Soo finishes his meal.  "I've enjoyed my meal.  I'm giving you one extra."  He drops a coin on the table.

 

The waitress bows.  "Please come again."

 

Yeom Byeong Soo finds a corner to relieve himself in.  "When the King changes, this Yeom Byeong Soo's world will begin.  General, huh?"  He chuckles.  "The Great General Yeom Byeong Soo."

 

He turns around and jumps.  In front of him is an ominous looking man in blue.

 

"You scared me," says Byeong Soo.

 

Seung Nyang lifts her hat brim.

 

Byeong Soo recoils.  "Seung Nyang?  You...You...?"

 

"Chief Yeom."