American Perspectives: Avoiding Emperor Toghon Pt. 1 ("기황후" Ep. 9)

 

 

"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"

 

 

 

 

Seung Nyang is quickly walking through the corridor with a tray of food and tea that was supposed to be for Court Lady Park.   Because Emperor Toghon decided to visit sooner than expected, Eunuch Dokman had instructed her to remove the snacks.  She is hoping not to run into Emperor Toghon.  She may just lose control, and throw the hot tea in his face.  Oh, how glorious it would be to see his pretty face blister.

 

She is jolted out of her revenge fantasy when she almost runs right into the Royal Bastard.  Speak of the devil...Her eyes widen in surprise, and she freezes.

 

Emperor Toghon looks at her curiously.  Seung Nyang gets increasingly flustered, as all coherent thoughts freeze, and she tilts the tray downward.  The tea cup shatters as it hits the ground.

 

"Can't you be more careful?"  Eunuch Baek asks judgmentally.

 

Seung Nyang immediately gets to her knees and gathers the pieces.  "I deserve death, Your Majesty."

 

"Let's go, Your Majesty," says Eunuch Baek.

 

Emperor Toghon gestures for Eunuch Baek to stop talking.  "Lift your head for a moment," he says to Seung Nyang.

 

Seung Nyang hesitates.

 

"I said, lift your head."

 

"Do you not hear His Majesty?"  Eunuch Baek hisses.

 

She slowly looks up.

 

Emperor Toghon is taken aback.  It couldn't possibly be...He bends down for a closer look.  "You are...You are...You're really...You look so much alike.  Let me ask you one thing.  By chance--"

 

"Your Majesty," Empress Dowager glides down the corridor in her golden hanfu.  "Sorry I'm a little late."

 

"I just got here, too," says Emperor Toghon.  He looks down at Seung Nyang.  "Bring the tea out again."

 

Seung Nyang's heart races.  This is my chance.  She picks up her tray and bows.

 

"But..." says Emperor Toghon, "why did you want to see me here?"

 

"There's something very entertaining to watch," says Empress Dowager.

 

"Entertaining?"  Emperor Toghon asks.

 

"Please go inside," Empress Dowager insists.

 

He pauses in front of Seung Nyang, and then decides to walk further.

 

Empress Dowager and Emperor Toghon regally enter the concubines' suite.  Court Lady Park and Eunuch Dokman bow.

 

"Say your greetings," says Empress Dowager.

 

Court Lady Park bows again.  She looks beautiful in her sky blue and lavender hanfu.  "My name is Eojin."

 

"Empress Dowager," says Emperor Toghon.

 

"Her dance skills are one of the best," says Empress Dowager.  "I called you here to comfort your mind and body."

 

Emperor Toghon sighs.

 

**********

 

Seung Nyag is anxiously rummaging through the kitchen for an inconspicuous weapon.  She notices the wooden canister full of chopsticks, and she pulls one out.  She squeezes the silver chopstick tightly.

 

If I get caught after killing the Emperor, Tanqishi will definitely come to find me.  Then, I can kill him, and I will also die.  She pins the chopstick through her hair.

 

***********

 

As Seung Nyang walks through the corridor with a tray of refreshments, she hears music from Court Lady Park's quarters.  She takes a deep breath.  She most certainly can't go in there wearing her anger on her sleeve.

 

Court Lady Park is beautifully dancing in front of Emperor Toghon and Empress Dowager.

 

The people in the room are Eunuch Dokman, Empress Dowager, Lady Park, and the Emperor, Seung Nyang thinks.  The Eunuch guards are highly skilled in fighting.  If I don't want to be interrupted by them...

 

Seung Nyang fantasizes about silently entering the room with her refreshment tray.  She places a yellow cup of tea next to Emperor Toghon.  As he takes a drink, she touches the chopstick in her hair.  She fantasizes about pulling it out, and holding it like a dagger.  She coldly stabs him in the back of the neck.

 

I need to strike his vital spot.

 

She walks forward, revenge fantasy over.

 

"That's enough," Emperor Toghon says to Eunuch Dokman and Lady Park.

 

Empress Dowager smiles.  "How is it, Your Majesty?  Isn't she elegant?"

 

Emperor Toghon sighs.  "I'm getting up now."

 

"You must stay here tonight," says Empress Dowager.  "I was told she has a very good chance of getting pregnant tonight.  You need to have a child as soon as--"

 

"That's enough," says Emperor Toghon.  He sighs sharply.  "I don't want to hear anymore."

 

"Don't you know this is for the good of the Imperial Family?"

 

"For the good of the Imperial Family?"  Emperor Toghon asks.  "I thought you were different from the Prime Minister, but now I see you are the same in they way you dismiss me!  You are not one bit different!"  Leaving Auntie and Prime Minister to do his dirty work for him comes at a cost, and this is it.

 

He stands up and walks away.

 

"Your Majesty!  Your Majesty!"  Empress Dowager calls.

 

He resents his sexuality being managed by others.

 

Court Lady Park drops her eyes in shame.  She feels like a throw away piece of meat in a pretty dress.

 

Emperor Toghon steps outside and takes a breath.  As he's walking out, he sees Seung Nyang in the corridor.  She steps to the side and bows.

 

Emperor Toghon glares at her.  He pauses, and then walks away, followed by a rather extensive procession of Eunuchs and Court Ladies.

 

 

 

 

 

"I can't give up like this," says Empress Dowager.  "Please get her ready, and take her to his bedroom."

 

Court Lady Park raises her head in fear.

 

"Empress Dowager!"  Eunuch Dokman exclaims.

 

"What do you think will happen if the Prime Minister and the Empress find out about what happened tonight?  There won't be another chance like this.  We only have tonight.  Understand?"

 

"I understand," says Eunuch Dokman.

 

******

 

"Your Majesty," says Empress Danashiri's Senior Court Lady, "even your hair is so silky."  She runs a comb through Danashiri's hair.  "You're so beautiful."

 

"Nothing I don't know," says Empress Danashiri.

 

"Especially tonight, you seem to be glowing even more."

 

"I think so, too."

 

"Should I ask His Majesty to come?"

 

"Never mind," says Empress Danashiri.  "I'm going to bed tonight."

 

"Your Majesty.  Your Majesty.  By keeping your distance like this, what if he falls for another woman?"

 

"What are you talking about?  Is there a girl who's prettier than me here?"  Apparently, Empress Danashiri is unaware of how common it is for a husband with a pretty wife to cheat with someone who is significantly less attractive, and oftentimes very crass and tacky.

 

"No, there isn't.  But men's hearts--"

 

"Men whose hearts are easily changeable aren't interesting to me.  When they themselves act cheap, who will recognize their worth?"

 

"But Your Majesty--"

 

"Why are you so impatient?"  Empress Danashiri asserts.  "Just wait for a little, you will get to see His Majesty desperate to see me soon."

 

She falls back onto her comfortable and luxuriant bed.  The comfortable bed Emperor Toghon refused to consummate the marriage in.  Empress Danashiri is trying her damnedest to ignore the sting of humiliation.

 

************

 

Seung Nyang is helping Court Lady Park with her preperatory bath.

 

"You said your name is Yang," says Court Lady Park.

 

"Yes," Seung Nyang wrings out the wash cloth.

 

"Please help me a lot from now on.  While tired and lonely in a foreign land, those from Goryeo at the very least should trust and rely on each other."

 

"We don't have much time," Eunuch Dokman shouts from outside.  "Is she almost ready?"

 

"Yes, Sir," says Seung Nyang, completely creeped out by this warped sexual game Empress Dowager is orchestrating between Lady Park and Emperor Toghon.

 

***********

 

Seung Nyang leads the way, lantern in hand.  The Eunuchs carry Court Lady Park, who is wrapped up in a blanket.  In reality, she would be nude underneath that blanket, as the Emperor needed to be sure she wasn't carrying any concealed weapons or poisons.  Assassination by concubine was a very real threat.  In this case, however, she's wearing a nightdress.

 

The doors to Emperor Toghon's room open, and Eunuch Dokman carries her in.  He sits her down on the bed next to the Emperor.

 

"What are you doing?"  A horrified Emperor Toghon asks.

 

"My apologies, Your Majesty," Eunuch Dokman bows.  He exits the room, leaving the two alone.

 

"Get out," says Emperor Toghon.

 

"Your Majesty," says Court Lady Park.

 

"What are you doing?  Get out!"  Emperor Toghon roars.

 

"Please lie with her," Empress Dowager Budashiri begs on the other side of the uncovered bamboo door.  "You can punish me for offending you."

 

"Empress Dowager," says Emperor Toghon.

 

"You...being the puppet of the Prime Minister, I cannot bear to see it anymore."

 

"I have my own thoughts, too!"  Emperor Toghon fires back.  "Even if you don't do this---"

 

"Having an heir not born of the Empress, but by the Royal Concubine is the only way for you to fight against the Prime Minister."

 

"Empress Dowager!"  He pushes the plates of food off his table.

 

Court Lady Park looks at him in fear.  What if he kills me to spite the Empress Dowager?

 

He walks right up to the door.

 

"Think about your late father and late brother," Empress Dowager manipulates.  Her lower lip trembles as she gets down on her knees.

 

He sees her through the door.

 

"I am also the Emperor's lowly servant," Empress Dowager continues to manipulate.  "If you want to have me killed right now, I will gladly accept it.  I put my life on the line, so please don't refuse, Your Majesty."

 

Tears well up in Emperor Toghon's eyes.  Auntie knows exactly where to hit him.

 

Taking advantage of this moment of weakness, Empress Dowager drives the point home.  "Eojin, what are you doing?  Lie with His Majesty."

 

Seung Nyang observes this very bizarre interaction.  Not only is Court Lady Park's sexuality being objectified, so is the Emperor's, in order to win a cutthroat game of privilege, for fear of being cast out like garbage among the "have-nots."

 

Court Lady Park slowly approaches him.  She's slightly fearful that he'll violently push her away.  And she's aware that it won't matter because she's highly disposable.  She nervously touches his back.  Please don't hit me.  He doesn't flinch.  She moves closer and puts her arms around his waist.

 

Emperor Toghon begins to cry.  He's creeped out at the notion of not only having sex with someone his Aunt picked out for him, but also doing so in the presence of several palace staff members standing just a few feet away.  The thought of being used as a baby producer for political purposes  isn't exactly turning him on, either.

 

The candles are finally blown out.

 

Seung Nyang feels the most empathy for Court Lady Park, who has the most to lose.

 

********

 

Shortly after the consummation has been completed, Eunuch Dokman enters the chamber, wraps Court Lady Park back up in a blanket, and carries her out.

 

The Palace Maids, Court Ladies, and Eunuchs bow.

 

Eunuch Dokman looks over at Seung Nyang.  "Lead the way.  What are you doing?"

 

Seung Nyang glances into the chamber and sees the Emperor fast asleep.  There's no need to feel anxious.  There will be plenty of opportunities when the Emperor visits the Imperial Concubine's quarters.  She leads the procession back through the covered walkway.  Your Majesty, she shifts her thoughts to Wang Yoo, please forgive me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An orange flag is stabbed into the ground.

 

"It's the flag that represents you," says Bayan.  "Only the winner will receive this flag."

 

Byeong Soo and Wang Yoo are right in each other's space, ready to kill.

 

"Begin!"  Bayan commands.

 

The drum beats, and the rugged crowd roars.

 

Byeong Soo and Wang Yoo position their wooden swords, and the fighting begins.  Wang Yoo hits Byeong Soo across the back and stomach.  Byeong Soo is gasping for breath, but his confidence remains intact.

 

The two grab each other's wrists, and lock themselves into a stare down.  Byeong Soo pushes Wang Yoo back as he runs, their wrists still locked together.  Wang Yoo pushes back, and their wooden swords clash.

 

Byeong Soo strikes his sword against Wang Yoo's, snapping it into two.  Byeong Soo knocks what's left of Wang Yoo's sword out of his hand, and really begins to strike him.  Then, he jumps from behind, and does a Kendo Men strike, causing Wang Yoo to slowly fall to his knees.  The sword feels way too heavy to just be wood.  Wang Yoo has his suspicions, but at the moment, he needs to stay awake.

 

Byeong Soo and his supporters obnoxiously cheer.

 

Talahai smirks.

 

"Your Majesty!"  Wang Yoo's supporters cry.

 

"Come to your senses!"  Moo Song yells.

 

"Please regain strength!"  Jeom Bak shouts.

 

"Kill!" Jo Cham yells.

 

Wang Yoo's head feels very foggy.  He looks up and sees a vision of Seung Nyang among the crowd.  "Seung Nyang..."

 

A tear rolls down her cheek.  "Your Majesty, did you forget the promise you made with me?  You must not give up.  I will also be sure to stay alive, and come to you again.  Focus yourself and muster up your strength once more.  You are my only hope, Your Majesty."

 

As Byeong Soo moves in, ready for the kill shot, positioning for yet another Men strike, Wang Yoo grabs his legs, and wrestles him to the ground.  Wang Yoo rolls him over, and punches him in the face several times.  Wang Yoo's supporters gleefully cheer him on.

 

"Press on!" Jo Cham yells.  "More!"

 

Wang Yoo punches relentlessly.

 

"Smack that Yeom scum!"  Jeom Bak shouts.

 

Wang Yoo stops punching and grabs Byeong Soo's sword off the ground.  As he picks it up, he notices it is unexpectedly heavy.  He peers down at the handle, and takes notice of the concealed iron.

 

Talahai rises.

 

Wang Yoo walks over to Byeong Soo, sword in position.  As he prepares for a men strike, Talahai blocks him with his sword.

 

"This is a sword fighting match!"  Talahai declares.  "You cannot win by cheating and using underhanded methods!"

 

"Underhanded?"  Wang Yoo implores.

 

"Give up already, you're the loser!"  Talahai spits back.

 

"Shut up!"  Wang Yoo yells.  With Byeong Soo's sword, he strikes Talahai's blade, breaking it in half.  

 

Talahai jumps back in disbelief.

 

Wang Yoo's supporters quickly turn into an angry mob, ready to riot.

 

"Bastard!"  Jeom Bak hisses.

 

Wang Yoo shows the iron concealed in the handle.  "Look carefully.  There's iron inside this sword!"

 

"What?"

 

"That bastard," Jeom Bak whispers.

 

"The underhanded one isn't me, but Yeom Byeong Soo!"

 

Yeom Byeong Soo is heavily bleeding from the mouth.  He rolls over and laughs.

 

"Kill Yeom Byeong Soo!"  Bul Hwa yells.

 

"Kill him!  Kill him!"  Wang Yoo's supporters yell,

 

"Kill me!"  Byeong Soo yells.

 

The angry mob goes silent.  Wang Yoo sighs.

 

"You are dying to kill me, aren't you?"  Byeong Soo asks.  "Right?  But it's too bad.  You see, I am going to give up right now."  He puts his hands up.  "Here.  I lost.  I give up.  I give up."

 

Wang Yoo snarls as Byeong Soo laughs.  Byeong Soo's eye for sore spots of others is absolutely uncanny.

 

"Kill him!  Kill him!"  Wang Yoo's angry mob shouts.

 

Byeong Soo was not expecting that.  His gloating turns to fear as he realizes this ragtag mob could do just that.

 

"Kill him!  Kill him!  Kill him!"

 

Talahai, Bayan, and Toqto'a all awkwardly look away as Byeong Soo looks up at them for support.

 

Wang Yoo raises the sword in a men strike position.

 

Byeong Soo shrieks.

 

Wang Yoo pauses, and then lowers the sword.  It's a move he'll regret for years to come.  He throws it aside.  "You're no better than an insect."

 

Byeong Soo will take what he can get.  Nonetheless, he still screams out his frustration and humiliation.  The realization that the Mongols are on his side to a limited extent.

 

Wang Yoo approaches Bayan and Toqto'a.  "Give me the promised flag of a soldier."

 

The two men rise.  "Give it to him," Bayan commands.

 

Wang Yoo walks up to the flag, and pulls the pole out of the ground.  He stakes it in a different spot, and his supporters stampede to him.

 

"Don't be mistaken," says Wang Yoo.  "I didn't fight for you.  I have a reason I must survive and go back.  So...I was only guarding my own life.  Even if I have become your commander.  I have nothing.  We are lacking weapons, and we will be hungry, but...I will fight to live, and in order to go back.  I will win this war.  Because no one in this place will protect our lives.  We have nothing more to lose.  Nothing more to fear.  This is hell.  Only those who want to kick open the door of hell, and get out of here, follow me.  Those who are underhanded and weak, those who complain, I don't need!"

 

"I will follow you!"  Baek Jo Hang yells.

 

"I will not be afraid of hell!"

 

"I will follow!"

 

"Please command us!"

 

The Goryeo men kowtow.  "Please command us!"

 

Byeong Soo looks over at them with profound rage.

 

 

...To be continued...