American Perspectives: Empress Danashiri's Aftermath Pt. 1 ("기황후" Ep. 13)

 

 

***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"

 

 

 

 

 

Emperor Toghon is finally alone after being stuck in the middle of a vicious battle between his two puppet masters.  He's been treated like a stud horse by Empress Dowager Budashiri in his unwanted encounters with Lady Park, who, in turn, has been treated like a brood mare.  He's been treated as a stepping stone to further political power by El Temur in being married off to a woman he barely knows.  A woman whose self esteem he has destroyed, in order to please his auntie, the Empress Dowager.  His codependency and lack of assertiveness has really shot him in the foot, and has done more harming than accommodating.

 

"I want to die," he says mournfully.  This position really isn't the glitz and glamour that he thought it would be.  "Seung Nyang."

 

Unbeknownst to him, Seung Nyang is standing behind him.

 

He sighs dejectedly.  There really is no way out, except death.  Should he just jump off the balcony, and end it now?  "I wish I had died on Daecheong Island instead."  He turns around, and his heart skips a beat when he sees who's behind him.

 

Seung Nyang looks him straight in the eye.

 

"Why are you here?"  Emperor Toghon asks.

 

"I have something important to tell you."  Seung Nyang explains as she lowers her eyes.

 

"Did you come to laugh at me?  That this is all I got for betraying you?  Did you want to ask if I betrayed you for this pathetic and shabby position?  Is that it?"

 

Seung Nyang makes eye contact.

 

"Why don't you go ahead and laugh at me freely?"  Emperor Toghon asks.  "Like in Goryeo, tell me what a fool and an idiot I am, and then tether me to a post!"

 

Seung Nyang takes a deep breath.  She really has to rein in the hatred and anger she has toward this teenage Emperor.  If she could, she would smack him upside the head, and call him a dumbass.

 

"Don't expect...anything from me," Seung Nyang says icily.  "I will not do anything, if it's for you, whatever that may be."

 

He looks at her in tearful shock.  Realistically, he could have beheaded her for being so blunt, but because he's really in love with her, he lets it pass.

 

"Your Majesty," Eunuch Baek whines, as he finally found his childish Emperor.  "Your Majesty, you need to get to the Inquisitor's Office."

 

Emperor Toghon glares at him.

 

"The re-examination is being carried out there," says Eunuch Baek.

 

The gears in Seung Nyang's mind turn.

 

*********

 

The hugely deceptive Yeon Hwa is smiling sweetly, and combing Lady Park's hair.  She's pretending to be the best friend Lady Park has ever had in her entire life.

 

Hong Dan is on the other side, also helping with her hair.  Meanwhile, Lady Park is on the verge of tears, but is trying her damnedest to keep her head up.  In this snake pit, tears can be used against you.

 

Court Lady Seo and her underlings enter the room.  "Bring her out," Court Lady Seo snarls.

 

Lady Parks gasps as she is grabbed by the lesser Court Ladies, and ripped out of her chair.  "What is this about?"  She tries to break free from their iron grip.  "Let me go!"

 

"Your Highness!"  Hong Dan says with genuine anxiety.

 

Yeon Hwa covers her mouth and pretends to be shocked, though a Barbie doll would do a better job of faking those emotions.  After everyone has left, she lowers her hands and smiles.  Finally!  I get an increased chance to fuck the Emperor!

 

********

 

Empress Dowager is walking with her entourage behind her to the Inquisitor's Office.  She is livid as hell, as she could not maneuver Emperor Toghon the way she wanted.

 

Empress Danashiri, Tanqishi, and their entourage happen to cross her path.  Internally, Empress Dowager is fuming.  Internally, Empress Danashiri is gloating.

 

The two come face to face.  Empress Dowager feels nothing but disdain.

 

"You don't look well," Empress Danashiri beams.  "What happened to your lovely appearance?"

 

Empress Dowager flashes a fake smile.  "Thank you, Your Majesty, for worrying about me."  She gracefully passes Empress Danashiri.

 

Empress Danashiri's smile fades.

 

"She's not someone who would ever bow down," Tanqishi remarks.

 

Empress Danashiri smirks.  "Watch and see.  Once the re-examination is over, I'll shave her head and send her to jail."

 

*******

 

A petrified Lady Park is kneeling on the straw mat.  What if her plan with Seung Nyang backfires?  She keeps her head up, and does her best to keep the tears in check.

 

Court Lady Seo smirks.  Yeon Hwa does a crappy job at concealing her delight.  What if I replace Lady Park?

 

El Temur looks over at Empress Dowager, who ignores his stare.  Empress Danashiri also glances over, only to get the side eye from Empress Dowager.  Empress Dowager is not going to lose this battle to a teenage girl.

 

"His Imperial Majesty!"  Eunuch Dokman announces.

 

The officials rise as Emperor Toghon descends the steps.  He looks down at the very vulnerable Lady Park.

 

Seung Nyang stands near Tanqishi.  He eyes her warily.

 

"Why are we doing the re-examination here?"  Emperor Toghon asks.

 

"If the pregnancy is a lie," says El Temur, "it's not something she could have come up with alone."

 

Empress Dowager turns to look at him.

 

"Even if we have to cut away all flesh at this moment, we need to find out who is responsible!  Physician, begin the diagnosis!"

 

The doctor who had examined Lady Park earlier, bows, and approaches her on the mat.

 

Lady Park looks straight ahead as the Doctor lifts up her arm, and puts his fingers on her wrist.  The doctor looks up at the spectators uncertainly.  Empress Danashiri beams with confidence.  Finally, unrestricted access to my husband.  Empress Dowager is on the verge of tears.

 

The doctor gasps.  No way!  Am I losing my mind?  Becoming senile?

 

"Tell me," El Temur demands.  "Is she pregnant?"

 

"Th-That is..." The doctor stutters.

 

Seung Nyang smiles in satisfaction.  Check mate!

 

"Why can't you speak?"  El Temur fumes.  "Other physicians, your diagnosis!"

 

Empress Danashiri has an awful feeling in her stomach about this.

 

Several physicians are on each side of Lady Park, checking her pulse.

 

Lady Park closes her eyes, wanting this mortifying moment to end, pronto!

 

"She's pregnant!"  One of the physicians declares.

 

Empress Dowager is about to crumble to the floor with the profound sense of relief she is feeling.

 

"Her pulse is indeed showing she's pregnant!"

 

Empress Danashiri wants to throw up.

 

Tanqishi looks back at Yeon Hwa.  What the fuck?  "What happened?"  He whispers.

 

"Th-There's no way," Yeon Hwa bows.  "I made sure she took the powder and the tonic."

 

Empress Danashiri is beginning to panic.

 

Seung Nyang smiles evilly.  Plan succeeded.  Fuck you!

 

******

 

"What do you mean?"  Eunuch Dokman asks.  "Make sure the tonic doesn't contain licorice?"

 

"It's suspicious that Lady Park keeps needing the washroom," says Seung Nyang.  "I wonder if she ate anything containing gourd flowers."

 

"Gourd Flowers?"  Eunuch Dokman asks.  "Then...the reason the Empress is trying to make her drink tonic is..."

 

"She's trying to cause a miscarriage," Seung Nyang replies.

 

*******

 

Eunuch Dokman keeps an eye on the herbalist as he gathers the ingredients for Lady Park's tonic.  As soon as the herbalist leaves, Eunuch Dokman unwraps the packets, and removes all the licorice.  He keeps looking over his shoulder, as everyone on the palace staff is working for someone.

 

*****

 

"Your Highness!"  Lady Park faints and crumples into the floor.

 

Seung Nyang leads the way as Eunuch Dokman carries Lady Park to her quarters.  He places her on her bed, and takes her pulse.

 

"What happened?"  Seung Nyang asks.

 

"The baby is fine," Eunuch Dokman replies.

 

Seung Nyang breathes a sigh of relief.  "Thankfully, the number of gourd flowers Yeon Hwa gave her was a small amount."

 

"Go to the Empress Dowager and tell her we want her re-examined."

 

"We can't do that," says Seung Nyang.

 

"Why not?"  Eunuch Dokman asks.

 

"It's a great opportunity to make the Empress fall into her own trap."

 

"Yang, you..." Eunuch Dokman is astounded.

 

"Before someone takes the fall, it's not a fight that will end.  We need to end this here."

 

******

 

"You cannot," Hong Dan stops the doctor from pulling back Lady Park's curtains.

 

"What do you mean?"  Emperor Toghon asks.

 

"She was breaking out in a cold sweat, so she is unclothed," Hong Dan explains.

 

"Then I'll just put my hand in for diagnosis," says the doctor.

 

"Do that, then," says Empress Dowager.

 

"Yes, Your Highness," the doctor bows.

 

Hong Dan sit on the bed, and extends Lady Park's arm.  Except, it isn't Lady Park.  It's Seung Nyang.

 

"Hmm..." the doctor says anxiously.

 

"What's the matter?"  Empress Dowager inquires.

 

"I can't sense a pulse showing that she's pregnant."

 

Empress Dowager's knees buckle, and Emperor Toghon catches her before she hits the floor.

 

"Your Highness," says Emperor Toghon.

 

**********

 

Seung Nyang sits beside a very exhausted Lady Park on the straw mat.  She and another palace maid help her stand.

 

"She is indeed pregnant," El Temur grudgingly acknowledges.  "So, congratulations, Your Majesty."

 

"This isn't over with a congratulatory remark!"  Empress Dowager snaps.  "Your Majesty, the Imperial Authority has been ridiculed by the whole world over this."  She looks at El Temur.  "To the Empress who requested a re-examination by believing a ridiculous rumor, punishment should be given."

 

Empress Danashiri wants to barf.  If she's deposed, her family is toast.

 

"Before that," says Emperor Toghon, "I'd like to ask the Empress one thing.  For what reason were you certain of a false pregnancy?"

 

"Th-That is..."  Empress Danashiri stutters.

 

"The Empress' sin is obvious," El Temur interjects.  "She was too easily swayed by rumors and caused the Imperial Authority to be ridiculed.  Therefore, it's only right that she pays for her sin."

 

Empress Dowager smiles.  "How will she pay for it?"

 

"Will prostrating herself and awaiting punishment do?"  El Temur asks.

 

Empress Danashiri looks at him in horror.

 

"Father," Tanqishi says anxiously.

 

"It's not the kind of sin that can be forgiven by prostrating oneself," says Empress Dowager.  "We need to find the person who started the rumor, and make an example out of them!"

 

"Your Highness!"  El Temur snarls.  "Prostrating is the last line that can be drawn by the Gods.  Are you determined to chase her out of the palace?"

 

Empress Dowager smiles.

 

"Is that what you dearly want?"

 

"Please stop!"  Emperor Toghon rises, like a little boy watching his parents fight.  He sighs and looks over at Seung Nyang, who is grinning viciously.  She pointedly stares at Tanqishi.

 

Tanqishi can't believe he has been bested by a tributary Goryeo woman.

 

Emperor Toghon, on the other hand, his mind is completely blown.  How the hell did Seung Nyang and Lady Park pull this off?  He needs some very strong wine, pronto.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tanqishi aggressively drags Seung Nyang into the the library.  While she is fearful of what he might do, she is rock solid in knowing she did the right thing.

 

He slams her into the bookshelf.  She assertively breaks free from his grasp, and looks him dead in the eye, hierarchical formalities be damned.

 

"What do you think you're doing?"  Seung Nyang asks sternly.

 

"You can fool everyone else, but not me," Tanqishi growls.  "You fucking wench ruined our perfect plan.  I will take you and--"

 

Seung Nyang calmly pulls out a piece of paper.  Her ability to remain rock solid while this asshat who tried to rape her, is yelling at her, is really fucking admirable.

 

Tanqishi's heart drops.  This wench knows her shit...

 

"This," Seung Nyang says sternly.  "Do you know what this is?"

 

"What is that?"  Tanqishi is doing a really crappy job at hiding his anxiety.

 

Seung Nyang smirks, but her eyes are teary with rage.  She is so profoundly hateful of this attempted rapist that she wants to cry.

 

*********

 

Empress Danashiri is writing out the emancipation paper for Seung Nyang.  The paper that will release her permanently from the palace, and allow her to return to Goryeo.  Empress Danashiri casually hands it over to Seung Nyang.  "This is the promise that I'll let you out of the palace."

 

"I would like your seal placed on it," Seung Nyang asserts.  She trusts this Empress about as far as she can throw her.

 

Court Lady Seo looks at Seung Nyang incredulously.  "This wench...you should take what's given.  How dare you?"

 

Empress Danashiri puts the paper back on the table.  "It's fine.  Lady Park is going to lose her head.  There's no reason I can't put my seal on it."  She marks the paper with her distinctive red stamp.

 

********

 

"You!  Seung Nyang, you!"  Tanqishi snarls.

 

Seung Nyang grins.  It feels so fucking great to emasculate this glorified frat boy in soldier's armor.  "You're going to kill me?  Let's see who dies first, shall we?"

 

He tries to wrest the paper from her grasp, but Seung Nyang's reflexes are fast.  She grabs his wrist and throws his arm back.

 

He attempts to reach for her paper again.

 

"I'm going to scream," Seung Nyang warns.  Tanqishi backs away.  "I'm sure you don't want me to expose the Empress' conspiracy."

 

"You're a fool.  Just to get revenge for a deposed King, you made us your enemy."

 

"It's not revenge for His Majesty."

 

"If not, then..."

 

"You...killed my mother."

 

Tanqishi's eyes widen with shock.

 

"She died by the arrow you shot!"  Seung Nyang yells.  "If you don't want to get involved with me any further, just leave me alone to leave the palace."

 

Tanqishi is floored.

 

"I also find it insufferable to keep seeing you," Seung Nyang sharpens her words for the kill shot.  She confidently walks out of the library, leaving Tanqishi paralyzed with shock.

 

Tears stream down his face.  No way...Did I really have feelings for her?

 

A door silently slides open behind him, revealing a very observant Eunuch Baek.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Her gorgeous crown is removed from her hair by her trusted friend and mother figure, Court Lady Seo.  Empress Danashiri cannot believe her fool proof plan failed.  Additional Court Ladies remove her jewelry, and lay it out on a tray.

 

Court Lady Seo removes the layers of her royal deel.  She feels humiliated as she's stripped down to her underdress, and her hair is unbound.

 

Eunuch Dokman enters the room and bows.  "Your Majesty, it's time for you to go to the Imperial Court."

 

"Your Imperial Majesty!"  Court Lady Seo cries.  She, and the rest of Empress Danashiri's Court Ladies, drop to their knees.

 

Tears well up in the Empress' eyes.  "Stop crying," she says calmly.

 

"Your Majesty," Court Lady Seo sobs.

 

"I'm...the Empress of this country.  I can withstand having a finger pointed at me from behind, but pitying me to my face, I cannot allow."

 

"Your Majesty," Court Lady Seo sobs.  She sees this young woman as the daughter she never had.

 

"Lead the way," says Empress Danashiri.  "I'll go to His Majesty."

 

*********

 

Eunuch Baek approaches Emperor Toghon in the main hall, and whispers a message.

 

Before Emperor Toghon can process what Eunuch Baek has just told him, Empress Dowager and her entourage enter the hall.

 

"Your Majesty, the Empress is here," says Empress Dowager.

 

*********

 

Empress Danashiri is kneeling outside on a straw mat with her hair unbound, while wearing only her under dress.  "Your Majesty, everything that happened is my fault!  Please...grant me your forgiveness.  Your Majesty!"  She touches her forehead to the cold ground.  As she gets back up, the sounds of thunder and lightning echo across the palace grounds.

 

"Your Majesty, please grant me your forgiveness."

 

Emperor Toghon can hear her from inside the palace, and he feels horrible.

 

Empress Dowager smiles and suppresses her laughter.  Women can really be their own worst enemy...

 

"This will never happen again!"  Empress Danashiri continues as the lightning strikes.  "I ask for your mercy, Your Majesty."

 

Emperor Toghon feels terrible.  Neither one of them asked to be pawns.

 

The rain is soaking the stoic Empress.  Tanqishi and El Temur are watching her from under the nearby covered walkway.

 

"I can't just watch anymore," says Tanqishi.  "I'll go get her!"

 

"Leave it be!" El Temur barks.

 

"Father!"

 

"Didn't you hear me?  If the war is unfavorable, you must lose your shoulders to protect your head.  It's in return for not being dethroned.  She has to deal with it."

 

*********

 

Emperor Toghon is not feeling good about his wife's continued humiliation.  "Tell her to stop."

 

Eunuch Baek bows.

 

"You can't, Your Majesty," Empress Dowager insists.

 

"It's raining hard now," Emperor Toghon disagrees.  "What if she gets sick?"

 

"Rather than that, make Lady Park an Imperial Consort," says Empress Dowager.

 

"Empress Dowager if you keep pushing Prime Minister--"

 

"Power also gets old, not just people.  Power also forms cracks with time.  If Lady Park becomes an Imperial Consort, and gives birth to a Crown Prince, all the ministers will line up behind her."

 

Emperor Toghon sighs.  All he wanted was a simple, luxuriant life.

 

"That's how power moves," Empress Dowager continues.  "From old power to young power.  That's how you gather influence, Your Majesty!"

 

**********

 

The storm has ceased, and night has fallen.  Empress Danashiri and her entourage remain outside.

 

Tanqishi is dutifully watching over her, while El Temur is long gone.

 

Don't expect tears from me, Your Majesty.  Until I can pay back these wenches who caused me this humiliation with pain a thousand fold, I will not cry...I mustn't...I must not...She falls on her side, and hits the wet concrete.

 

"Your Majesty!" Eunuch Dokman gasps.

 

"Your Majesty!"  Court Lady Seo sobs.

 

"Your Majesty!"  Tanqishi shouts.

 

Her entourage runs to her unconscious body.

 

"Your Majesty, please wake up!"  Court Lady Seo cries.  "Your Majesty!"

 

Tanqishi holds her in his arms.  "What are you doing?  Put her on my back!  Hurry!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lord Jang, followed by Eunuch Baek, enter Lady Park's quarters.  She is now appropriately clothed in a purple, blue, and pink hanfu.  She is respectfully kneeling.

 

"Lady Park, receive His Imperial Majesty's honor," says Lord Jang.  He unfurls a scroll.  "Lady Park is honorable and kind, and has become an example of the Inner Court.  She has also received His Majesty's favor, and she bears the Emperor's child.  This is the Mandate of Heaven.  I, the Emperor, make her an Imperial Consort of the Fifth Rank.  Lady Park, receive this honor."  He hands her the rolled up scroll.

 

Lady Park respectfully bows and receives it.  "Your Imperial benevolence is immeasurable, Your Majesty."

 

Eunuch Baek smiles.

 

Lady Park looks behind her at Seung Nyang.

 

Seung Nyang smiles her approval and nods.

 

 

...To be continued...