American Perspectives: Fake News Pt. 1 ("기황후" Ep. 14)
***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"
It's a new day in Daedo as Seung Nyang gets ready to face the morning. Her head hurts, but she knows that her life must go on. She is appreciating the perk of having her own room, and therefore the ability to process her grief in private.
Eunuch Dokman inadvertantly interrupts her private moment.
"Sir," Seung Nyang politely rises. She senses he's an ally she can trust.
"Yes, are you feeling alright?" Eunuch Dokman asks. He closes the door behind him.
"After taking the tonic you sent me, I'm a lot better."
"This medicine isn't from me, but from the physician."
"Why did the physician give me..."
"While you were lying in bed sick, the Emperor came by. You mustn't show such disloyalty again."
Seung Nyang's cheeks burn.
"Understand?" Dokman asks.
"Yes, sir," Seung Nyang bows.
**********
Emperor Toghon is apathetically sitting on his bed, drinking. He has a smaller tray of delicious dishes sitting in front of him.
He remembers an earlier conversation with Lord Jang.
"When I looked into it," says Lord Jang, "it seems that the deposed King led a ragtag mob and brutally suppressed the Turks."
"Your Majesty, it's Yang," Seung Nyang says from outside his door. The other court ladies open the door and let her in.
She stands in front of him at the bottom of the stairs and bows. "I was late, Your Majesty."
Emperor Toghon takes a sip of tea. "Return to your room and rest today."
Seung Nyang looks up at him uncertainly. "I'm...much better now."
"I said return to your room! Until I say otherwise, don't come out of the Inner Court!"
Seung Nyang humbly bows and walks out.
Emperor Toghon furiously throws his cup on the floor. Why is Wang Yoo always getting in my way?
"Wang Yoo?" Empress Danashiri asks. "You mean the one who was the King of Goryeo?" She meticulously applies her blush.
"Yes, Your Majesty. He's coming to the palace to see His Imperial Majesty," replies Court Lady Seo.
"What's the big deal about him coming?" Empress Danashiri asks.
"According to the rumors, he is vicious, and he lusts after women."
Empress Danashiri applies her lip color and smirks. "How contemptible. But then again, no wonder he was deposed."
"I have to send over some servants if the unwelcome guests stay the night," says Court Lady Seo. "Who should I send?"
"Just send any..." Empress Danashiri pauses. She smiles and stands up. "Right. You can send that wench Yang. Sticking her into a lion's cage wouldn't be enough to calm my anger toward her. If the deposed King is that hideous, we can send that wench."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Excellent. Empress Danashiri drums her fingers together like Mr. Burns from "The Simpsons."
*******
The Goryeo Palace Maids and Court Ladies rush outside. The red gate opens, and leading the procession is the Captain of the Kheshigs and his men.
Wang Yoo pauses at the entrance, looking radiant in his fuschia colored robes. His men gather behind him, and the palace women gawk.
Yeon Hwa and Hong Dan's jaws drop when they see this lovely Goryeo King. He scans the area, and slowly walks through the entrance.
"He's the deposed King?" Yeon Hwa asks in disbelief. Maybe I can be his concubine...Hee hee!
"Unlike the rumors, says Hong Dan, "he's very handsome."
"I know, he's tall, too," Yeon Hwa agrees. "His face just glows." She is really hoping to obtain the privilege of serving him.
"Your Majesty," says Moo Song. "I don't see Seung Nyang."
"I've looked, too," says Wang Yoo.
"If she heard the news, she would be out here," says Eunuch Bang.
"Oh, she must not have heard yet," says Jeom Bak.
Wang Yoo enters the main hall with Bayan and Toqto'a. He's not anticipating a fun time with the Emperor.
Tanqishi, Talahai, and El Temur are at the foot of the steps. Emperor Toghon scowls at Wang Yoo from his throne.
"Your Majesty, have you been well?" Bayan asks.
"Welcome, General," says Emperor Toghon. He makes it a point to stare at Wang Yoo. "I haven't seen you in awhile, either."
"It's been awhile, Your Majesty," says Wang Yoo.
"I've heard about your fortune of war. You achieved a great feat."
"Your Majesty," says El Temur, "giving credit for the victory and their rewards should not be lacking in the least."
"You are quite right," Emperor Toghon agrees. "General Bayan, please step forward. I will personally pour you some wine."
"Uncle," says Toqto'a.
"Come and receive a drink from me," says Emperor Toghon.
"Your Majesty," says Bayan, "the victory of the war isn't mine."
"Bayan, what do you mean?" El Temur asks.
"In the most critical situation," says Bayan, "the one who saved us and led us to victory was...the unit led by Wang Yoo."
"Is that true?" El Temur asks Talahai.
"Yes, Father. It is." Talahai reluctantly acknowledges.
"We can divide up responsibility for defeat," says Wang Yoo, "but we cannot divide victory achieved by fighting alongside each other. So, isn't it everyone's victory?"
El Temur laughs heartily. "Both letting the other take the credit? These are true men, Your Majesty."
"That's right, Prime Minister," Emperor Toghon agrees. "I present Wang Yoo with 1,000 taels of gold, and 10,000 taels of silver."
"I'm obliged," Wang Yoo bows.
"And to General Bayan, along with 10,000 taels of gold, you will now be the Captain of the Imperial Guard."
"Your benevolence is immeasurable, Your Majesty," Bayan bows.
"Your benevolence is immeasurable, Your Majesty," Toqto'a agrees.
*******
"Yang Yang!" Hong Dan approaches Seung Nyang as she's strolling through the yard of the Inner Court.
"What's going on today?" Seung Nyang asks. "The Inner Court is so empty."
"Everyone went to the Imperial Courtyard."
"Why is that?" Seung Nyang asks.
"The deposed King from Goryeo came, and he's really handsome. Everyone's there, trying to get another glimpse of him."
Seung Nyang's eyes widen, as it all begins to make sense. That's why Emperor Toghon wanted to keep me in the Inner Court today..."His Majesty came back alive?"
"He achieved a huge victory in war." Before Hong Dan can say anything more, Seung Nyang sprints away. "Yangyang! Yangyang!"
Seung Nyang joins the other Goryeo women out on the deck, hoping to get a good glimpse of her beloved.
"How can he be so handsome?"
"Your Majesty," Seung Nyang whispers as he descends the stone staircase. She follows him while walking on the deck, and he's on the stone path. She's hoping he can see her, even though he's looking straight ahead. Your Majesty, I'm here. This way...Please turn your head this way, Your Majesty.
He pauses at the foot of the next stone stairway, and Seung Nyang waits anxiously. He turns his head and scans the crowds of women who are openly ogling him. The real life Wang Yoo/Chunghye would have taken full advantage. This Wang Yoo, however, is much more virtuous. His eyes briefly flicker over her, and he pretends he can't see her. Seung Nyang wants so badly to call out his name.
*******
Wang Yoo enters his guest quarters and faces Eunuch Bang. "Did you see Seung Nyang on our way out?"
"I didn't," says Eunuch Bang. "Did you see her?"
Wang Yoo sighs. "There were others around, so I pretended not to see, but she was definitely looking at me."
"The Head Eunuch Dokman of the Inner Court is a long time friend of mine. I can go meet with Seung Nyang and figure out a place for you to meet her."
Wang Yoo nods. "Good. Please do that for me."
Moo Song quietly enters the room and bows. "I have a message from the Imperial Court. The Emperor is requesting to see you alone."
"Alone?" Wang Yoo inquires.
The two royal men meet under the gazebo for tea and refreshments.
"Sitting here in front of you like this," says Emperor Toghon, "the past memories are rushing by. Well, you must remember them, too. The day I first set foot in Goryeo's Royal Palace." He rises from his seat. "You never know how things turn out in life. The one who was exiled has now become an Emperor," he faces Wang Yoo, "and you who used to be a King, is now a shabby hostage."
"Whatever happened," says Wang Yoo, "in order to protect your life, I made every desperate effort."
***In real life, Wang Yoo/Chunghye was exiled due to raping his father's concubine, not due to a misunderstanding regarding the Emperor.***
"Let's give credit where credit is due," Emperor Toghon sneers. "My life was saved not by you, but Seung Nyang. But that kid who was so rough back then has turned into a girl and ended up here. Isn't that amazing? She would even pretend to die if you commanded her to. Don't you miss Seung Nyang?"
"Please send her back to Goryeo," says Wang Yoo.
Emperor Toghon takes a seat and sighs. "I heard that women who get brought here as tribute girls, but go back to Goryeo, are called impure. Do you want her to be scorned that way?"
"She would be happier in her hometown mountain village than here," Wang Yoo persists.
"If it's for her happiness...I am going to do everything for her."
"Do you think that's what she wants?"
Emperor Toghon furiously slaps the table. "I'm the Emperor of this Kingdom. Whether it's heaven or hell, her fate rests in my hands, not yours!"
"Then...in whose hands rests your fate?"
"What?" Emperor Toghon asks.
"You can't even freely use the Royal Seal. How can you talk about having control of someone's fate?"
"Shut that...mouth."
"I know Seung Nyang better than you. Things will never...turn out the way you want." Wang Yoo rises and bows. As he exits the gazebo, Emperor Toghon is fuming.
*******
"I guess...you're the only one time hasn't affected," Eunuch Dokman comments. "You still look the same."
"You, too!" Eunuch Bang replies. "You looked really old when you were young, and you do still do now!"
The two men burst into giggles.
"Wait!" Eunuch Dokman says. "Is this a criticism or a compliment?"
"It's a criticism! How is it a compliment?" Eunuch Bang giggles.
"Anyway, thanks to you, I've laughed for the first time after coming here."
"Really?" Eunuch Bang asks. "But...I came because I have a request."
"Tell me. What is it?"
"In the Inner Court, there's someone named Seung Nyang. No, no. I heard she's called Yang here." Eunuch Bang looks around him to make sure there are no eavesdroppers. "The King who I serve wants to see her."
"Yang is a Court Lady," Eunuch Dokman says sternly. "How can she meet another man?"
"Shh! That's why I'm asking for your help. Since we're both from Goryeo, please help with this one."
"Look. I'm no longer someone from Goryeo, but the Head Eunuch of the Imperial Family of Yuan."
"This man, how can you say you're not from Goryeo? Once from Goryeo, always from Goryeo."
Eunuch Dokman clears his throat.
"Please help with this just once," Eunuch Bang insists. "Hey, Dokman. Dokman! Dokman!"
*******
Seung Nyang is sitting alone at the table in her room, feeling a bit miffed that Emperor Toghon had kept this major secret from her. She understands why, but it doesn't stop her from feeling angry and deceived. She's also questioning where she stands with Wang Yoo.
Maybe his Majesty didn't see me. If not, maybe he's pretending not to. "But then again, to his Majesty, I'm just a subordinate."
Her door slowly opens, and a smiling Eunuch Bang peers in. "Seung Nyang!" He whispers excitedly.
She's astonished to see him. "Eunuch Bang, sir!"
"Long time, no see!" Eunuch Bang rushes to her and grabs her hands. He steps back. "Wait, let's see. You're pretty. Very pretty. I did think you looked too pretty to be a boy. You weren't a boy after all!"
Seung Nyang blushes.
"Have you been well?" Eunuch Bang asks.
"Yes," Seung Nyang nods. "How about His Majesty?"
Eunuch Bang slaps his forehead. "Oh, where's my head? He's staying at the guesthouse. He will stay there from now on."
"I'm so glad he's...safe."
"Oh, before 8:00 tonight, come to the Pagoda in the backgarden. His Majesty will wait for you over there."
Empress Danashiri looks absolutely radiant as she strolls the courtyard with Court Lady Seo. Her entourage follows behind them. Her radiance is a very typical response for the wife of a sexually avoidant husband, especially when another man is coming to visit.
"Morning greetings are enough," says Empress Danashiri. "Why do I have to go in the evening, too?"
"Did you forget Prime Minister's orders?" Court Lady Seo asks. "For the time being, you must not do anything you can be criticized for."
Empress Danashiri sighs.
*******
Empress Danashiri gracefully enters the Empress Dowager's quarters, while Court Lady Seo trails behind. Empress Danashiri respectfully bows, while the resentment is boiling inside her.
Empress Dowager pretends to be focused on her embroidery, but internally, she's gloating. I always win. Don't you ever forget it.
"Empress Dowager, I'm here to say my evening greetings."
"You came," Empress Dowager remarks. "It must be bothersome to have to come to my quarters."
Empress Danashiri forces a smile. Internally, she's raging. "It's something I naturally must do. How can I say it's bothersome?"
"I've requested a tonic for you from the apothecary."
"Tonic?"
"You need to become pregnant, too, don't you think?"
Right for the heart. Empress Danashiri no longer feels so beautiful or self confident as the reality of her marriage slaps her in the face.
"In this world," Empress Dowager continues, "nothing happens for free. How can you protect your position without a male heir in this royal palace where people whisper?"
"I didn't realize you were so concerned for me."
"Of course I am! Do you think I dislike you because of petty feelings?"
She wants to rub salt in the wound? Empress Danashiri forces another smile. It's beginning to make her face, head, and soul hurt. "Of course not. The whole world knows of your benevolent character."
"Is that so?" Empress Dowager smiles. "This place doesn't wait for the right time. You need to work a little harder, Empress."
...To be continued...
