American Perspectives: Inner Palace Crossfire Pt. 2 ("기황후" Ep.11)

 

 

***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"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The night is cool and calm as the Turkic soldiers clean their weapons.  Just a few yards away from the encampment, Jo Cham and some men are spying in the grasses.  As he observes the camp, he meticulously draws out a map.

 

***********

 

Morning breaks, and Moo Song, Bul Hwa, Wang Yoo are observing the gates at the Yuan encampment from the watchtower.

 

"The spies are on their way back," Bul Hwa observes.

 

"Open the gate for them," says Wang Yoo.

 

"Open the gates!"  Moo Song yells.

 

The four spies come galloping in on horseback.  Jo Cham leads them in.

 

"I'm worried whether Eunuch Bang and Jeom Bak are doing well," says Moo Song.

 

**********

 

Eunuch Bang and Jeom Bak are ravenously eating the roast chicken in their ger.  They have not eaten well in days.  As Jeom Bak is about to eat the last piece, Eunuch Bang aggressively grabs his arm.

 

"Hey!  Are you going to eat the chicken all by yourself?"  Eunuch Bang asks accusatorially.

 

"Why are you being so petty?"  Jeom Bak asks defensively.

 

"Listen up.  In here, I'm the boss.  If I'm dung, you're the dung fly.  Got it?"

 

"But will those bastards believe us?"  Jeom Bak whispers.

 

Eunuch Bang munches away on the chicken.

 

"One slip up, and we're done for," Jeom Bak points out.

 

Eunuch Bang hears footsteps, and because he's disguised as a vegetarian Taoist Monk, he immediately shoves the chicken in Jeom Bak's mouth.  He turns his back to the doorway, and stealthily spits out the remaining chicken he had been eating, just before Yeon Bisoo and her advisor enter.  His back remains turned, and he closes his eyes and pretends to meditate.

 

Yeon Bisoo looks over at him skeptically.

 

"At least try a little bit," says Jeom Bak.

 

"Being full without eating," says Eunuch Bang, "not feeling cold when unclothed is the way of the Taoist."

 

Yeon Bisoo takes a seat at the head of the table.  Her advisor clears his throat.

 

"But...where is General Baghatur?"  Jeom Bak asks.

 

The advisor scowls at them.  Jeom Bak looks at Yeon Bisoo.

 

"I'm saying this again," says Jeom Bak, "my elder will not talk.  Unless General Baghatur is here, so just keep that in mind!"

 

"This is General Baghatur," says the advisor.

 

Eunuch Bang opens his eyes in surprise.  Though, he really shouldn't be.  Seung Nyang is a woman, and she successfully led a salt smuggling gang as a transgender man.

 

"What?"  Jeom Bak asks.

 

Eunuch Bang looks over at the mask in the corner.

 

"This woman is General Baghatur?"  Jeom Bak asks incredulously.

 

Yeon Bisoo's eyes narrow.

 

"Are you asking me to believe that?"  Jeom Bak asks.  "Stop playing around and bring him here!"

 

"Hey, you!"  Eunuch Bang slaps him across the face.

 

"Elder!"  Jeom Bak gasps, as he ends up sprawled on the floor.

 

"Watch your mouth," says Eunuch Bang.  He respectfully bows to Yeon Bisoo.  "I recognized you from earlier.  I was waiting for you to reveal yourself.  Thank you for opening your heart to us."

 

"Since you saw my face," says Yeon Bisoo, "if you can't earn my trust, you're both dead."

 

"Well, how could I earn your trust?"  Eunuch Bang asks.  "Your tactics were perfect.  Interrupting the enemy's sleep by playing the gong and incapacitating their military power."

 

Yeon Bisoo raises an eyebrow.  "That's all you had?  Get rid of them."

 

"The soldiers!"  Eunuch Bang yells.  "Couldn't be the only tired ones," he says calmly.

 

Yeon Bisoo looks at him in shock.

 

He looks up at her and laughs.  "Why so surprised?  Oh!  Does Bayan know, too?  Don't worry.  Since the only one in the world who knows your intentions is just me, Bang Shin Woo, the strategist."

 

Yeon Bisoo begins to feel terrified.  Who is he, and what does he know?

 

 

 

 

 

 

"It may be called a wooden fence, but it's a vast fortification," says Toqto'a with his deep, sexy voice.  "The only way to attack them is head on."

 

"The time of the attack is in two days," says Wang Yoo.

 

"When they retreat, it should be the fifth hourly period," says Bayan.

 

In two days, fifth period, Wang Yoo thinks.

 

"When you head out to lure Baghatur and the Turks standing guard," says Bayan, "I and Toqto'a will seize their camp."

 

"Don't worry," says Toqto'a, "I have already set up a secret plan."

 

"Tell me what it is," says Wang Yoo.

 

"You don't need to know," Talahai snaps.

 

"We're having a strategy meeting in order to achieve victory," says Wang Yoo.

 

"If it's for victory," says Toqto'a, "not knowing everything is a strategy, too."

 

Talahai smirks.

 

**********

 

"We're attacking in the fifth period," Wang Yoo says to Moo Song as they walk outside.

 

"Things are going to be urgent," says Moo Song.

 

"If it's as expected, Bang will return tonight.  Relay this news."

 

"Yes, Sire."

 

Byeong Soo walks by as the two men walk further away.  "What are they whispering about?  I'm sure he said to relay something."

 

"General Yeom!"  Jo Cham shouts.  He runs up to Byeong Soo, out of breath.  "Hurry up!  General Bayan is asking for you."

 

"You..." says Byeong Soo, "Keep an eye on that guard."

 

"What for, all of a sudden?"

 

"I trust my gut.  They're up to something.  I'm sure of it."

 

"Like what?"  Jo Cham asks.

 

"What that is, is...Anyway, watch and see if there's anyone who leaves the camp tonight!"  Byeong Soo sputters and walks away.

 

*********

 

"Relay?"  Toqto'a asks.  "What did the deposed King want to be relayed, and by whom?"

 

"Unfortunately, I didn't hear what that was," Byeong Soo admits.  "But...it bothers me that Eunuch Bang and Jeom Bak aren't around."

 

"They died during the battle," says Bayan.

 

"You believe that?"  Byeong Soo asks.

 

Bayan rises from his seat.  "Then, are you saying the Turks and the deposed King have communicated?"

 

"Tonight," says Byeong Soo, "if his guard goes missing, I'm certain they've been communicating."

 

*********

 

The Turks are outside the Yuan encampment, late at night, blowing the horn, and banging on their percussives.

 

Jeom Bak and Eunuch Bang are well disguised in Turkic armor.

 

Bayan bursts out of his ger.  "Those bastards..."

 

Toqto'a follows close behind.  Talahai exits, and Byeong Soo is the last in line, grinning from ear to ear.

 

"You bastards!" Byeong Soo exclaims.

 

The four men approach Wang Yoo and Bul Hwa, who are keeping watch at the gate.

 

"Look.  Like I said, his guard his missing," Byeong Soo whispers to the other three men.

 

"Where's your guard?" Bayan inquires.

 

"What is this about?"  Wang Yoo counters suspiciously.

 

"Where is your guard?"  Talahai demands.

 

Wang Yoo and Bul Hwa pretend to look guilty.

 

Byeong Soo has a big ass grin.

 

"Why are you looking for me?"  Moo Song approaches them with a wheelbarrow full of torches.

 

Bayan and Byeong Soo look at him in shock.

 

Moo Song picks up a torch.  "We need more torches, so I went to make some."  He drops the torch into the wheelbarrow.  "Is there something you want to say to me?"

 

Shit.  Byeong Soo thinks.

 

Bayan looks at Byeong Soo in disgust, and the four men walk away.  Byeong Soo can't believe he miscalculated.  He was sure Wang Yoo and Moo Song were planning something.

 

Moo Song, Bul Hwa, and Wang Yoo huddle up.

 

"Have all the torches been prepared?"  Wang Yoo asks.

 

"Yes, a total of twelve," says Moo Song.

 

*******

 

Bayan turns around and shoves Byeong Soo.  "Yeom!  If you're going to bring me information, make sure you know what you're talking about!"  Bayan and Toqto'a walk away.

 

"It's strange," Byeong Soo says to Talahai.  "There's no way my gut was wrong."

 

As Talahai is about to say something, Byeong Soo quickly yells, "Hey, Jo Cham!  Has any soldier left the camp?"

 

"No, I didn't see any," says Jo Cham as he quickly walks away.

 

Talahai grabs Byeong Soo's arm.  "You idiot.  If you talk nonsense one more time, I won't let it slide!"

 

Byeong Soo bows.  He can't believe he was wrong.  His instincts were perfect at the Law Enforcement Office.  "I'm sure he said to relay something..." He says to himself.

 

*********

 

Bul Hwa, Moo Song, and Wang Yoo stand behind the torch bearers at the gate.

 

"Light the torches," Wang Yoo instructs.

 

Yeon Bisoo, in her Baghatur mask, pauses as she watches the torches light up.

 

"The torches are lit," Jeom Bak says to Eunuch Bang.

 

"1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12," says Eunuch Bang.  He pulls down his mask.  "Twelve!  That means an all out attack!"

 

"At what time?"  Jeom Bak asks.

 

"Take out two torches," Wang Yoo says to Moo Song.

 

Two torches extinguish.

 

"Two have been unlit," says Jeom Bak.

 

"In two days!" Eunuch Bang says.

 

"Take out three more," says Wang Yoo.

 

"Three more have been unlit," says Jeom Bak.

 

"It means a full frontal attack in two days in the fifth period!"  Eunuch Bang exclaims.

 

Yeon Bisoo looks over at Eunuch Bang and Jeom Bak.

 

"Do you think Eunuch Bang got the signal?"  Moo Song asks.

 

"He had to," says Wang Yoo.  "That's the only way my plan will work."

 

 

 

 

 

Emperor Toghon is moping in the hot bath while Eunuch Baek checks the water.

 

He's remembering the time he was examining Seung Nyang in the courtyard.  If it's really him, there were plenty of chances to tell me.  No way...Does he still resent me because of that King of Goryeo?

 

"My Majesty," says Eunuch Baek.  "Would you like more hot water?"

 

Emperor Toghon sighs and slides under water.

 

"Ah!!"  Eunuch Bang jumps.  "M-My Majesty!"  As he reaches in to grab him, Emperor Toghon pops back up.  Eunuch Baek breathes a sigh of relief.

 

"Is there no news of Seung Nyang in Goryeo?"  Emperor Toghon asks anxiously.

 

Eunuch Baek bows.  "I apologize."

 

"Why is it so late?"  Emperor Toghon snaps.  "News should have come by now!"

 

"I think there's a problem," Eunuch Baek bows.  "I will find out what ha--"

 

Emperor Toghon furiously splashes him.  "Never mind!  Argh!  The one who's thirsty should dig a well first.  Tell Yang to bring some refreshments.  I'm going to ask her myself."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seung Nyang is out on the covered deck, serving refreshments to Emperor Toghon.  She carefully pours the tea, and keeps her eyes downcast.  She ignores his stare.  She has no intention of giving him the answer he wants.  She defininitely looks much more feminine than the boy he remembered, which is what gives him reason to doubt.

 

"Why aren't you looking at me?"  Emperor Toghon asks.  "Do you not like being with me?"

 

"Servants do not dare to look," says Seung Nyang.

 

"Is that really the only reason?"  Emperor Toghon asks.  "Raise your head."

 

Seung Nyang hesitates.

 

"It's an order," says Emperor Toghon.  "Raise your head."

 

Seung Nyang reluctantly looks up.

 

Emperor Toghon feels flustered, and looks away.  "That's enough.  You can lower it."

 

Why am I getting so flustered?

 

"If there's nothing else, I'll leave," says Seung Nyang.

 

"Yes, leave," Emperor Toghon says uncomfortably.

 

Seung Nyang bows and exits.

 

Emperor Toghon clutches his heart.

 

"Your Majesty, why are you sending her away?"  Eunuch Baek asks.  "You said you were going to question her."

 

"It's not that easy," Emperor Toghon sighs.

 

"Your Majesty," says Eunuch Baek, "just one lowly servant--"

 

"What do you mean one lowly servant?  Don't you dare speak that way!"

 

"Yes, Your Majesty," Eunuch Baek bows.

 

Maybe she's the Seung Nyang I'm searching for...

 

*********

 

Seung Nyang crosses an arched wooden bridge.  The way he looked at me wasn't normal.  "Damn...If he's caught on, it'll create issues."

 

"Yang!"  Hong Dan and Yeon Hwa approach her on the bridge.  "Where did you go?  The Empress was looking for you.  Did you do something wrong?"

 

"Who knows?"  Seung Nyang smiles.  She says nothing else as she passes them.

 

Yeon Hwa watches her enviously.

 

********

 

Empress Danashiri is giggling like the leader of the Mean Girl clique.  "Good job.  Lady Park really loved your cakes."

 

"But what about the letter you promised to give me?"  Seung Nyang inquires.

 

"When I'm certain Park has miscarried, I'll give it to you," Empress Danashiri grins.  "Don't be disappointed.  It'll happen earlier than we thought.  When the toxicity has built up, at the right time, I'll give her a tonic that calms her morning sickness."

 

"A tonic?"  Seung Nyang asks.

 

"The toxicity is twice as strong when the gourd flower is combined with licorice," Court Lady Seo explains.

 

"Until then," says Empress Danashiri, "you need to keep an eye on her.  Very, very carefully."

 

"I'll keep that in mind," Seung Nyang bows.  As she exits Empress Danashiri's meeting room, Tanqishi hides behind a curtain in the hallway.  

 

What are Seung Nyang and the Empress doing?  "Perhaps..."  He rushes into her room.  He quickly bows to Empress Danashiri.  "I saw a servant of the inner court leaving here.  Is she the one who's helping us?"

 

"Yes," Empress Danashiri grins.  "She's very intelligent, so she's doing a great job."

 

Tanqishi has an awful feeling.

 

"But why...do you look so concerned?"  Empress Danashiri asks.  "Is there something wrong?"

 

"It's nothing," says Tanqishi.  "Did you give her that powder?"

 

Empress Danashiri smiles.  "Of course, I did.  I saw that wench eating it myself."

 

Seung Nyang wouldn't help us...

 

 

.....To Be Continued....