American Perspectives: Inner Palace Crossfire Pt. 1 ("기황후" Ep. 11)

 

 

"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"

 

 

 

 

 

 

...And, just as Eunuch Dokman predicted, a battle royale between Empress Danashiri and Empress Dowager Budashiri is causing unnecessary collateral damage in the Inner Court.  Primary victim: Court Lady Park.  Secondary: Seung Nyang.

 

Seung Nyang watches as Court Lady Seo takes out a small, golden, jewel encrusted vial, and pours brown powder into her hand.  Seung Nyang has a feeling that this is something she doesn't want to know.

 

"Park dares to carry His Majesty's child," says Empress Danashiri.  "Go feed this to that bitch!"

 

Seung Nyang looks at her incredulously.  "Is this a poison?"

 

"Why so surprised?"  Empress Danashiri asks.  "Are you scared?"

 

"It could..." says Seung Nyang, "get you in trouble instead."

 

Empress Danashiri smirks.  As if.  "Don't worry about that.  It's a medicinal herb extracted from gourd flowers."  She looks at Court Lady Seo.  "Did you say it was fatal only to the fetus?"

 

"Yes, Your Majesty," says Court Lady Seo.

 

Empress Danashiri places the vial in Seung Nyang's hand.  "If you must do this job right, so that you can live freely outside the palace, I'll issue you a document that guarantees your identity.  But, if you make even the smallest mistake, only your dead body will leave the palace.  Understood?"

 

"Yes, Your Majesty," says Seung Nyang.

 

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

 

Seung Nyang exits the Empress' quarters, wondering what the hell she just did.  She is so cruel.  She is Tanqishi's sister after all...However, later on, Seung Nyang will be making equally questionable moves.

 

Yeon Hwa enviously spies on Seung Nyang from behind a post.  Why is she coming out from the Empress' Palace?  No way.  Did she get a secret order from the Empress?

 

**********

 

Emperor Toghon and his entourage are strolling through the grounds.  Once again, he's having trouble winding down.  Seung Nyang is a girl?  He sighs.  It can't be.  She is better at archery and riding horses than me.  Wait.  No way I lost to a girl.  But...If Seung Nyang was to wear women's clothing...He visualizes her in a yellow hanfu.  She's beautiful.  She's so beautiful.  He giggles.

 

"The air is cold, Your Majesty," says Eunuch Baek.  "How about you go back to your quarter---"

 

Emperor Toghon turns around and glares at him.  "Troublemaker!"  Emperor Toghon pushes him.  "I can't think because of your nagging."

 

"Your Majesty," says Eunuch Baek, "I am worried you might catch a cold."

 

"I'll be fine alone.  Don't follow me!  My goodness..."  He slaps Eunuch Baek across the face.  "This-This...unruly mouth of yours..."  He walks away, but his entourage continues to follow.

 

Emperor Toghon stops walking.  "Are you disregarding me, too?  Do not follow me!"

 

"Your Majesty," says Eunuch Baek, "but that's not--"

 

Emperor Toghon looks back at him.  "While I am still being nice...You should heed my words."  He smiles and walks away, leaving behind a very flustered Eunuch Baek.

 

******

 

Seung Nyang walks over the bridge to her quarters, and decides to pause for a moment.

 

"My heart is about to burst in frustration," she whispers.  She sighs.  How the hell is she going to make this work?

 

********

 

Emperor Toghon is finally walking alone through the covered walkway.  Eunuch Baek is stealthily trailing him.

 

Emperor Toghon suspects someone is behind him, and turns around.  Eunuch Baek quickly hides behind the wall.

 

Emperor Toghon sighs and smiles.  "Now I can think about Seung Nyang to my heart's content."  He takes a couple steps, and sees Seung Nyang standing on the bridge in front of him.  She is completely oblivious to his gaze.

 

He walks closer, hoping to talk to her.  Not only is she oblivious to him, she's also oblivious to the snowfall.

 

He steps onto the bridge and approaches her.  She still has no idea he's there.  He reaches out and touches her shoulder.

 

"I miss you," Seung Nyang whispers.

 

Emperor Toghon's heart races.

 

"Where are you?"  Seung Nyang asks, still oblivious to Emperor Toghon.

 

"Who are you missing?"  Emperor Toghon asks awkwardly.

 

She quickly turns around.  "Your Majesty."

 

"I am asking you now, who do you miss that much?"

 

Seung Nyang looks up at him tearfully.

 

"Why can't you answer me?  By chance...is there someone you secretly like?"

 

"That's...not it."

 

"Your Majesty!"  Eunuch Baek yells.  The entourage joins them on the bridge.

 

"I'll be leaving now," says Seung Nyang, who is eternally grateful for the interruption.  She politely bows.

 

Emperor Toghon watches her walk to her quarters.

 

"I came wondering who that person was," says Eunuch Baek.  "Isn't she that girl?"

 

"What's going on with finding Seung Nyang in Goryeo?"  Emperor Toghon asks sternly.

 

"It's only been a few days since we sent out the word," says Eunuch Baek.

 

Emperor Toghon sighs.

 

 

 

 

 

Emperor Toghon and Empress Dowager are having tea, however, the Emperor is a bit dissociated.

 

"Your Majesty," says Empress Dowager, "you don't seem well rested."

 

"Ah, yeah...I didn't sleep well last night."

 

"What do you mean you didn't sleep well?  Do you have something you're worried about?"

 

Emperor Toghon shakes his head.  "It's nothing."

 

"Empress Dowager, Court Lady Park is coming in," Court Lady Yeom announces from outside.

 

Court Lady Park enters the room, followed by Seung Nyang.  The two young women bow.

 

"Good Morning, Your Majesty, Empress Dowager," says Court Lady Park.

 

Emperor Toghon stares directly at Seung Nyang, whose eyes are appropriately downcast.

 

"I'll leave, then," says Emperor Toghon.  "You carry on with your visit."

 

"Leaving already?"  Empress Dowager inquires.  "How about you take a walk with Lady Park?  I hear light exercise is good while pregnant.  They says there's nothing better for prenatal education than hearing the father's voice."

 

"I understand," Emperor Toghon stares at Seung Nyang.

 

*******

 

Lady Park and Seung Nyang walk a few steps behind Emperor Toghon.  The entourage follows.

 

"I'm sure you're busy," says Lady Park.  "I can walk alone."

 

Emperor Toghon turns around.  He seems to be looking at Lady Park, but he's actually looking at Seung Nyang.

 

"You seem to have a good heart," says Toghon.  "I can't complain even if you call me heartless and indifferent."

 

"Not at all, Your Majesty," says Lady Park.  Her stomach begins to turn, and she covers her mouth as she gags.

 

"What's wrong?"  Emperor Toghon asks.

 

Seung Nyang and Eunuch Baek rush to Lady Park's side.

 

"My Lady?"  Seung Nyang asks.

 

"Did you eat something wrong?"  Emperor Toghon asks.

 

Lady Park takes a deep breath.  "I'm fine.  It's morning sickness."

 

"What do you mean morning sickness?"  Emperor Toghon asks.

 

"It's a common symptom during pregnancy," Eunuch Baek explains.  "You don't have to worry about it."

 

"Is that right?"  Emperor Toghon asks.

 

Lady Park covers her mouth and gags again.

 

Both Seung Nyang and Emperor Toghon put a hand on her back, and their fingers lightly touch.  They make eye contact.  Seung Nyang is the first to look away.  Emperor Toghon rubs Lady Park's back.

 

Empress Danashiri and Court Lady Seo happen to see them while they are on a walk of their own.  Empress Danashiri burns with hatred and envy.  Seung Nyang looks up and makes eye contact with a very sullen Empress.

 

"Are you sure Yang is feeding her the medicine?"  Empress Danashiri asks.

 

"I'll check it out," Court Lady Seo whispers.

 

"No," says Empress Danashiri.  "I'll make her eat it in front of me.  Bring Lady Park to my quarters."

 

"Yes, Your Majesty," Court Lady Seo bows.

 

Empress Danashiri and her entourage cross over the bridge.  Do not blame me.  What made me this vicious...is all because of you.  It's your fault.  Frankly, she isn't wrong.  Out of all the high ranking women within the palace, she is the most disempowered.  Her power is at the mercy of the Emperor's sexual favor, and he freezes her out.  He can seek affection elsewhere.  She cannot, and if we're being honest, she doesn't want to.  She just wants to make this  relationship she had no choice to be in, work.

 

*****

 

"Court Lady Park is coming in," says Court Lady Seo.

 

Empress Danashiri smiles as she feeds her goldfish.

 

Lady Park and Seung Nyang follow Court Lady Seo into the Empress' meeting room.

 

"Your Majesty," Lady Park bows.  "Did you call for me, Your Majesty?"

 

"A few days ago, I dreamed these fish jumped out of the tank and fell into my arms.  I thought it was a dream of pregnancy."  Her eyes harden.  "But it was you who got pregnant instead of me."

 

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty," Lady Park says anxiously.

 

Empress Danashiri regally sits down in her love seat.  Her smile terrifies Lady Park.

 

"No need to feel anxious," says Empress Danashiri.  "It won't be good for the baby.  When that child is born, the child will call me 'Mother' and not you.  So...don't you think we should be a little more friendly?"

 

Lady Park looks up at her nervously.  "I am sorry, Your Majesty."

 

"The child is not yours only," says Empress Danashiri.  "If you don't manage to deliver the baby, I will not forgive you."

 

Seung Nyang gives her side eye.

 

"I'll keep that in mind," says Lady Park.

 

"Therefore, I would like to have a chat with you once a day and enjoy some refreshments together.  How do you feel about that?"

 

"Of course, I would be honored," Lady Park bows.

 

"I don't want any groundless suspicions, so it would be best for your people to prepare the refreshments."

 

Lady Park looks over at Seung Nyang and then nods at Empress Danashiri.  "I will do so."

 

"You may leave," says Empress Danashiri.

 

"Yes, Your Majesty," Lady Park bows.  As she exits, Court Lady Seo grabs Seung Nyang's arm before she can follow Lady Park out.

 

"You have to make the refreshments," says Court Lady Seo.  "You know what that means, right?"

 

Seung Nyang nods.

 

Empress Danashiri smiles.

 

Seung Nyang bows.

 

*********

 

Once Seung Nyang and Lady Park are a safe distance away from the Empress' quarters, Lady Park asks, "Do you think the Empress is on to us?"

 

"Seeing that I'm being asked to prepare the refreshments, I don't think she is doubting me," Seung Nyang replies.

 

"That's a relief."

 

"But the big task is ahead of us.  I'm sure the Empress will check to make sure the gourd flowers are in the refreshments."

 

"How about we tell Empress Dowager?"  Lady Park asks.  That's the one person who makes her more empowered than Empress Danashiri, however, that favor is paper thin, and can disappear any day.

 

"Not unless we have solid proof.  If not, you could get charged with slander instead."

 

Lady Park sighs.  "That's true.  But what should we do?"

 

"I'll try to find a way," says Seung Nyang.

 

"Thank you, Yang."

 

"You don't need to thank me.  In return for turning a blind eye to the sin I nearly committed, this is just my way of repaying you."

 

*********

 

The kitchen is alive with many palace maids preparing many different meals going to many different places.

 

Seung Nyang and Hong Dan are in a relatively quiet area getting some desserts ready.

 

"Sift the flour and the sweet rice flour," says Hong Dan.  "Then, put in the refined rice wine, honey, and some sesame oil, then knead it."

 

Seung Nyang looks over her shoulder.  Court Lady Seo is watching her through the window.  Seung Nyang nods in her direction.

 

"Hmm?  Where is it?"  Hong Dan asks.

 

"Inside the cupboard," Seung Nyang points.

 

"I'll get it," says Hong Dan.

 

As Hong Dan walks away, Seung Nyang makes sure Court Lady Seo sees her putting the gourd flower powder in the mix.  She looks over her shoulder, and quickly blends it.  Court Lady Seo smiles in approval.

 

Hong Dan joins Seung Nyang and pours sesame oil into the mix.  "Why don't you knead it?"

 

As Seung Nyang kneads the flour, Court Lady Seo finally leaves.  She pulls out a separate bowl, and measures out the same ingredients.

 

"Why the powder?"  Hong Dan asks.

 

"It doesn't look like it's enough.  I want to make plenty while we're at it."

 

"You must want some, too," says Hong Dan.  "Sure.  Let's make some extras."

 

*******

 

As the two women make the dough into balls, Seung Nyang pays extra attention in distinguishing the contaminated cakes from the non-contaminated cakes.

 

They shape the cakes, fry them, glaze them, and then decorate.  They are placed in a beautiful three level ceramic container.

 

"Looks good, right?" Hong Dan asks.  "Good job!"

 

 

 

 

 

"You're sure she put it in the Goryeo Rice Cakes?"  Empress Danashiri asks.

 

"Yes," Court Lady Seo smiles.  "I even saw it with my own eyes."

 

Seung Nyang enters the Empress' meeting room with a tray of tea and Goryeo Rice Cakes.  Lady Park walks ahead of her, and they bow to the smiling Empress.

 

"Did you bring the refreshments?"  Empress Danashiri asks.

 

"Yes, Your Majesty," Lady Park bows.

 

Empress Danashiri makes eye contact with Seung Nyang and smiles.

 

********

 

Seung Nyang pours Empress Danashiri's tea first, and then Lady Park's.  She removes the lid from the three level ceramic container.  She places the three separate plates of cakes on the table.

 

"They look tasty," says Empress Danashiri.  "What is this?"

 

"They're Goryeo Rice Cakes," says Lady Park.

 

"Goryeo Rice Cakes?"  Empress Danashiri asks.  "Good.  Try some first."

 

"You eat first, Your Majesty," says Lady Park.

 

Empress Danashiri looks over at Court Lady Seo.  With her silver chopsticks, Empress Danashiri picks up a cake topped with pine nuts.

 

Seung Nyang watches her as she takes a bite.

 

"Do they suit your taste?"  Lady Park asks.

 

"The taste is very unique," says Empress Danashiri.  "Bring those every morning when you come to see me."

 

"I understand," Lady Park bows.

 

"Here, you eat some, too," says Empress Danashiri.

 

"I only put it in the cakes that are topped with pine nuts," Seung Nyang had told Lady Park earlier.

 

Lady Park picks up a cake with a different topping, instead.  She takes a bite, and Empress Danashiri's heart leaps with joy.  She smiles as she watches Lady Park consume the cake.

 

Seung Nyang and Empress Danashiri exchange glances.

 

 

....To be continued...