American Perspectives: Discovered Identity Pt. 1 ("기황후" Ep. 12)

 

 

***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"

 

 

 

 

Seung Nyang is carefully putting away the polished tea cups, enjoying the extremely rare moment of privacy and serenity.  There is next to no such thing as being alone in the palace, even when you're having sex with the Emperor.  There's always someone at least a few yards away standing guard.  Her rare moment of privacy is promptly interrupted as one of the last people she wants to see bursts through the door.

 

Seung Nyang turns around as Emperor Toghon stands in the doorway, scowling at her.  She bows as he approaches her.

 

He looks at her accusatorially.  "You..."

 

Seung Nyang has an awful feeling in her stomach.  She looks up at him.  He feels entitled to seeing her face anyway.

 

"Yang...you!  You..."

 

She looks at him anxiously.

 

If the person you miss is the King of Goryeo...

 

Seung Nyang lowers her head.  "What brings you here?  The Empress is probably in her quarters."

 

Fine.  I'll pretend not to know you.  Just like you did to me, I'll also ignore you completely.  He angrily leaves the kitchen.

 

Shit.  I'm certain he's caught onto something.

 

*********

 

Emperor Toghon decides to blow off steam by working on his archery.  He's still practicing with baby arrows, just as Seung Nyang had taught him.  He hits the bullseye.  He's always able to hit the bullseye when Seung Nyang isn't there.

 

"It's not fun," he sighs.  "No matter what I do, it doesn't excite me."

 

"Your Majesty," says Eunuch Baek, "I got word that Empress Dowager wants you at the Inner Court."

 

"The Inner Court?"  Emperor Toghon asks.  Seung Nyang is in the Inner Court.  Every time he makes an enormous effort to avoid her, there she is.  He sighs.  "Tell her I can't come."

 

"She doesn't feel well, and is asking for you.  Your Majesty!  Your Majesty!"

 

"Come on, stop it!"  Emperor Toghon snaps.  "I know, so stop nagging!"  He shoves the bow and arrows into Eunuch Baek's arms.

 

********

 

A long line of palace maids, including Seung Nyang, are carrying trays of food down the covered walkway.

 

"His Majesty is waiting!"  Eunuch Dokman says with his booming voice.  "Hurry up!  Hurry!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coincidentally, Seung Nyang is standing next to Emperor Toghon, serving some food.  While he stares at her with puppy dog eyes, she ignores him.

 

"I heard you care greatly about her," says Empress Dowager Budashiri.

 

"Yes...yes..." Emperor Toghon says awkwardly.  He briefly looks over at Seung Nyang, who is bracing herself.

 

"Eat slowly, Your Majesty," says Lady Park.

 

"You should eat, too," he says to Lady Park, completely oblivious to the blob of food on his chin.

 

"Your Majesty," says Lady Park.  "By your mouth..."

 

Hong Dan looks down and hides her smile.

 

Lady Park stands up and wipes off the blob.  He looks at her awkwardly.

 

"It's nice to see the two of you together," says Empress Dowager.

 

Emperor Toghon is about to take a drink when he notices his cup is empty.

 

"Yang..." Lady Park says.

 

"Yes, My Lady," says Seung Nyang.  She grabs a tea kettle, and pours into Emperor Toghon's cup.

 

He finally takes a drink after she puts the kettle back.  As she bends down to take his plate, their faces almost touch.  He looks at her awkwardly and coughs.

 

"Your Majesty, are you all right?"  Empress Dowager asks.  "Hurry up and give him a handkerchief."

 

Emperor Toghon glares at Seung Nyang as she hands him a handkerchief.  He roughly grabs the cloth from her hand.  What's the matter with me?  "I'll call as needed.  Everyone leave."

 

The palace maids bow and exit.

 

"You don't look too well today," says Empress Dowager.  "Did something happen?"

 

********

 

The Palace Maids are diligently scrubbing the outdoor posts, railings, and floor.

 

"Let's eat!"  Hong Dan runs up to them with a tray of food.

 

At least ten maids huddle around Hong Dan as she takes the rice balls out of the basket.

 

"We nearly starved!"  Hong Dan exclaims.  "His Majesty came so suddenly."

 

Emperor Toghon's entourage comes across the young women eating what minimally qualifies as a meal.  The ladies look happy, but the very small amount of food is appalling.

 

"They're finally getting to eat now?"  Emperor Toghon asks Eunuch Baek.

 

"The servants don't have a set meal time," Eunuch Baek explains.

 

Who cares?  Whether she suffers or not, whether she works all her life as a servant or not...

 

********

 

Emperor Toghon, never alone, is sitting in his study contemplating, with Eunuch Baek at his side.  To think, after all that, she wasn't a boy, but a girl...

 

"Your Majesty," Eunuch Baek breaks his concentration.

 

Emperor Toghon slaps the desk.  "What's with the food the servants are eating?  No side dishes?  Even dog food looks better."

 

"What did I do that you're being like this?"

 

"Idiot Eunuch," Emperor Toghon says in exasperation.

 

********

 

Seung Nyang pulls a black cast iron lid off the soup pot, and makes an effort to wipe it down.

 

"Yang!  Yang!"  Hong Dan joyfully scampers into the room.  "Hurry up!  Let's go to the pavilion."

 

"Pavilion?  Why?"

 

"The Emperor gifted us with food for our work.  The other servants are already there."

 

"I'm not going," says Seung Nyang.  "You go ahead."

 

"But it's from the Emperor.  When would we ever eat something like this again?"

 

"I said I'm not going."

 

********

 

Emperor Toghon and his entourage walk over to the pavilion.  He anticipates seeing a very grateful Seung Nyang who will kiss the ground he walks on.  He looks back at Eunuch Baek.

 

"So, were the servants happy?"  Emperor Toghon asks.

 

"They're all touched by your Imperial Grace," Eunuch Baek smiles.

 

"Of course, they should be.  They would never have had a chance to eat such precious food in their lives."

 

Eunuch Baek smiles and bows.

 

Emperor Toghon turns away and giggles.  He clears his throat, takes a deep breath, and coughs loudly.  He picks up the pace.

 

"Where are you going?"  Eunuch Baek asks.

 

Emperor Toghon smiles and walks faster.

 

"By chance, is it to see the servants?"

 

"Come on now!"  Emperor Toghon shouts a little too loudly.

 

Eunuch Baek lowers his eyes.

 

"Never!"  Emperor Toghon yells.  "What was it?  It's not because I want to see her."  He roughly presses his index finger to Eunuch Baek's lips.  "Never."  He turns away, smiles, and walks ahead.

 

********

 

The palace maids are thrilled with the huge table full of food.

 

"Delicious!"

 

"Try this, too."

 

Hong Dan feeds Yeon Hwa a cake.

 

Emperor Toghon peeks at them from behind a curtain.  He scans the women, looking for the one he had this meal for in the first place.  He looks again.  She couldn't possibly...

 

"But...But...what happened?" Emperor Toghon asks.

 

"What do you mean?"  Eunuch Baek asks.

 

Emperor Toghon looks at him like a petulant child.  "Ah, Seung Nyang!  Ah...I don't see Seung Nyang."

 

"She said she wasn't eating," Eunuch Baek explains.

 

"Not eating?  Why do you think I sent them the food?"

 

"You told me to stop paying attention to Seung Nyang."

 

Emperor Toghon threateningly raises his hand at him.  Eunuch Baek recoils.  "Hey, seriously..." says Emperor Toghon.  "Hey!"  He raises his hand again.  "Ah, seriously..." He takes a deep breath.  "Prepare another feast table."

 

"Pardon?"  Eunuch Baek asks.

 

Emperor Toghon scowls at him.  He grabs Eunuch Baek by the collar.  "Bring Seung Nyang again, you Eunuch idiot!"  He punches Eunuch Baek in the chest.  "My God!  Such an idiot!  You have no sense at all!"  He pushes Eunuch Baek. "Seriously, there is nothing you do well."

 

"Idiot," Eunuch Baek whispers, and covers his mouth.

 

Emperor Toghon pushes him once more.

 

******

 

Seung Nyang is stiffly sitting near Emperor Toghon at the table in the gazebo over the lake.  A full set of fancy food is laid out on the table.  Emperor Toghon is enjoying himself, while Seung Nyang does not touch a single morsel.

 

She looks to the side and avoids eye contact.

 

"Now, eat," says Emperor Toghon.

 

"I'm all right," says Seung Nyang.

 

Whatever I give her, even food, she doesn't want it?  "It's because you helped Lady Park with her morning sickness.  This is your reward for that, so please eat."

 

"I'm full," says Seung Nyang.  She bows.  "I'll leave, then."

 

As she gets up to leave, Emperor Toghon grabs her hand.  Seung Nyang feels very fearful.  1) She doesn't have her weapons, 2) Emperor Toghon has more power than her, and if he wants to strip her down and do her right on the wooden deck, there is absolutely nothing she can do about it.

 

Emperor Toghon's witnessing entourage turns away.  Seung Nyang tries to break free, but he holds her hand very tightly.

 

"Let me go," Seung Nyang says calmly.

 

"Why don't you like it?"  Emperor Toghon asks.  "Every woman in the palace is dying to be in my embrace."

 

"Your joke goes too far!"

 

"How dare you!"  Emperor Toghon yells.  "How dare a servant call my actions a joke?"  He looks up at her.  "Also, the way you look at me...is impudent."

 

"I'm sorry," says Seung Nyang.

 

He pulls her back down in her chair.  "Hurry and eat."

 

She tries to break away from his grip, but he won't let go.  "Let go of my hand.  I'm uncomfortable."

 

He finally releases her hand.  There is an incredibly tense and awkward pause.  "When she's done eating, send her back to her quarters."

 

"Yes, Your Majesty," Eunuch Baek bows.

 

Emperor Toghon abruptly rises from his seat, and leaves Seung Nyang alone at the table, to be monitored by Eunuch Baek.

 

Eunuch Baek looks at her sternly.  "Hurry and eat.  What are you doing?"

 

Seung Nyang looks away and says nothing.

 

Emperor Toghon and his entourage stop walking.  He looks down at the hand he had grabbed Seung Nyang with.  He turns and looks back at her.

 

She's sitting tensely at the table, eating nothing.  She rolls her eyes and sighs.

 

Why is my heart beating so much?  Emperor Toghon thinks.  No way...Am I more scared of her than the Prime Minister?

 

*******

 

Seung Nyang finally gets to walk back to her quarters.  That moment with Emperor Toghon, and then Eunuch Baek, had been torture.  I'm sure he realized I'm Seung Nyang.  If not, how could he...She sighs.  Dealing with Tanqishi is a full time job in and of itself.  Dealing with Emperor Toghon???  Ugh...

 

*******

 

Wang Yoo and his men gallop through the thick forest under the cover of night.

 

The alternative Baghatur (not Bayan or Yeon Bisoo), and his men, chase after them.

 

Byeong Soo and Jo Cham watch from behind a tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Byeong Soo and Jo Cham gallop back to the meeting place for Bayan and his men.

 

"General, Sir!"  Byeong Soo shouts.  "The deposed King succeeded in luring away Baghatur!"

 

"It's time for you to go into battle," Toqto'a says to Bayan.

 

"When I open up their camp," says Bayan, "move in with the soldiers."

 

"Yes, Uncle," Toqto'a nods.

 

"Men!"  Bayan yells.  "We're going into battle!"

 

"Yes!"  The men bow.

 

********

 

Wang Yoo's men continue to lure the Turkic warriors through the forest.

 

"Hold up!"  Bagahatur yells.  He removes his mask, and it's Yeon Bisoo's advisor.  They watch the Goryeo men run away.

 

"Before daylight," Eunuch Bang had advised.  "We have to stop the pursuit and get back to camp."

 

"We have to get back!"  The advisor yells to his men.  "Everyone, retreat!"

 

"Retreat!"  The Turkic warriors yell.

 

******

 

"The enemy is retreating," Bul Hwa says to Wang Yoo.

 

"I think Eunuch Bang won over Baghatur's trust," says Moo Song.

 

Wang Yoo nods.  "Deputy Commander Baek."

 

Baek gets in front of Wang Yoo.

 

"You wait here with the soldiers," says Wang Yoo.

 

"Yes, Sir!"  Deputy Commander Baek bows.

 

"Moo Song and Bul Hwa, come with me."

 

The three men gallop away.

 

*******

Bayan and his men sneak up on the Turkic encampment.

 

"There are still a lot of soldiers left in their base camp," says Byeong Soo.  "How will you open up their gates by yourself?"

 

Bayan says nothing.  He reaches behind him, and Toqto'a pulls out an imitation of Baghatur's mask.

 

Byeong Soo gasps.

 

Bayan gladly takes the mask.

 

"Then...the secret plan Toqto'a spoke of was..." says Byeong Soo.

 

********

 

Bayan and his men ominously thunder across the ground on their horses to the Turkic encampment.

 

"Get Baghatur!" Byeong Soo yells gleefully.  He's having the time of his life.

 

"General Baghatur is being pursued!"  Yells a guard in the watchtower.  "Hurry up and open the gates!"

 

The gatekeepers pull the gates open, and Bayan thunders through.  He slashes the gatekeepers on his way in.

 

"Get them!"  Byeong Soo yells.  "Let's go!"

 

The Mongol warriors gleefully invade.  They indiscriminately slash at anyone who happens to be in their path.

 

"Kill everyone!"  Bayan yells.  "Don't leave anyone alive!"

 

A Turkic warrior climbs the watchtower and blows his horn.  Many Turkic warriors swarm the encampment, playing their percussives.

 

"They're crazy!"  Bayan growls.  "Playing the gongs and drums in the midst of this?"

 

Many Mongol warriors begin to fall off their horses, one by one.

 

"Something's wrong with the horses!"  Byeong Soo yells.

 

"What's wrong with them?"  Bayan asks. 

 

Toqto'a, Bayan, and Byeong Soo are thrown from their horses.  Bayan's mask falls off in the scuffle.

 

"The horses," Toqto'a realizes.  "What they were after were the horses that are sensitive to sounds, not the soldiers."

 

"What?" Bayan asks.  "Then the reason they made all that noise until now was because..."

 

"General!"  Byeong Soo gasps.  "It's Baghatur!"

 

Yeon Bisoo's advisor and his men go tearing through the encampment.

 

"He was chasing the deposed King!"  Bayan exclaims.  "Why is he here?"

 

"I think we were fooled," Toqto'a's heart drops.  "Tell them to retreat."

 

"Retreat?"  Bayan growls.  "Just one stretch of the arm, and we can pull out their hearts!  Kill all of them!  Don't leave any one of them alive!"

 

"General!"  Byeong Soo yells fearfully.

 

******

 

Bayan and Toqto'a relentlessly fight against the Turks.  Bayan is sure his men have the win.  Toqto'a is sure they do not, but for the sake of his uncle's dignity, he continues to fight.

 

In spite of his fear, Byeong Soo dutifully continues to slash and gash.

 

Baghatur and Bayan go head to head.  Bayan pulls back his mask, and it is neither the advisor or Yeon Bisoo.  It's a relatively young man.

 

"Baghatur is dead!"  Byeong Soo yells.  "The enemy has fallen!"

 

Toqto'a looks up in surprise.

 

Or has he?  Another Baghatur comes storming through the gate, followed by his men.

 

"They pursued the deposed King," says Byeong Soo.  "That's the real Baghatur!"

 

"Fine," Bayan growls.  "Whether a hundred, or a thousand, I will kill you all!"

 

"We've been surrounded," Toqto'a says anxiously.  "We need to make an exit and get out of here.  Please hurry.  If we're too late, we'll be annihilated!"

 

"I'm going to die here!"  Bayan is adamant.

 

"Uncle!" Toqto'a shouts.

 

"I'm going to kill these Turk bastards, and wipe them out!"  He runs ahead.

 

"General!"  Byeong Soo shouts.  "Aish..."

 

...To be continued...