American Perspectives: Triangulation Pt. 2 ("기황후" Ep. 15)
***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."
Empress Danashiri is thrilled to have Wang Yoo walking behind her entourage. She briefly entertains the idea of inviting him to her room for a late night tryst. She and her entourage move to the side, and it disappoints her that Wang Yoo keeps right on walking. My own husband doesn't even want me. Why should I expect him to?
"Why aren't you apologizing to me?" Empress Danashiri asks sharply. If I have to be mean to get his attention, so be it.
Wang Yoo turns around to face her.
"There's no way you forgot about your rude behavior that night already, did you? For a scholar with literature, martial arts, and duty, where are your manners?"
Wang Yoo walks up to her. "Is it Yuan's manners to lay a hand on a former king of a country? I think your manners warrant you to apologize to me."
Classic flipping. Nope. He entered a space he was not allowed in, with the intent of putting Seung Nyang in a compromising position. Therefore, Empress Danashiri's reaction was completely justified.
"How could I have known it was you that night?" Empress Danashiri asks.
"I, too, never dreamed it was you. It was a mistake that happened by chance, so I wish you not to talk about it anymore." With his men, he walks away.
"Why is he being so arrogant as only a deposed King?" Empress Danashiri asks.
"He is so impertinent," Court Lady Seo agrees.
*********
"Can you put the petition in the Imperial Office?" Eunuch Bang asks Seung Nyang in their secret library spot.
"I'll find a way."
"El Temur is a determined person. If that petition is found, not only the secret group, but everyone who's been in and out of the office will be tortured. Then...you won't be safe, either."
"I understand," says Seung Nyang.
"Not only you...but remember His Majesty's life will be on the line, too."
"I'll keep that in mind," says Seung Nyang. "Give me a signal as soon as the petition is completed. We'll meet back--"
They hear the door open, and they immediately disassociate with each other. A eunuch enters the library, while Seung Nyang and Eunuch Bang pretend to read. After he leaves, Seung Nyang breathes a sigh of relief. At least it wasn't Tanqishi...She shudders to think of that outcome.
"A long tail is bound to be stepped on," Eunuch Bang whispers. "You can't use the same method twice."
"Then..."
He holds up a book. "In this book, by tomorrow night...I'll put it inside."
"I understand," Seung Nyang nods.
Eunuch Bang gestures for her to leave. No where in the palace is safe when it comes to subversion.
"Don't get too upset with the King," Eunuch Bang whispers. "He's only worried about you."
Seung Nyang smiles. "I understand."
Eunuch Bang shoos her away. After she leaves, Eunuch Bang whispers, "Oh, I hope she does well."
********
Emperor Toghon is thrashing around in his bed like an angry toddler who has had too much candy at the birthday party. "Ah, I am so irritated I can't sleep." He scowls at Seung Nyang. "Look at me."
Eunuch Baek turns to him.
"Not you."
Eunuch Baek turns back.
"Look at me," says Emperor Toghon.
Seung Nyang looks over to the side. "Should I read you a book?"
"What can't Wang Yoo do?"
"There's probably nothing that he can't do better than you," Seung Nyang responds.
Eunuch Baek's jaw drops.
"W-What...what did you say?" Emperor Toghon sputters.
"How about a kickball game?" Eunuch Baek interjects.
"Kickball?"
"That's what you're best at."
"Well, since I was little, I competed a lot, so I'm actually pretty good at it. Is Wang Yoo good at it?"
"I've never seen him play," says Seung Nyang.
"Really? Not even once?"
"But...he'd probably be good at it."
"Uh, how can he be good at something he hasn't done before?"
"Ask Wang Yoo to play," Eunuch Baek suggests. "While getting all the servants to attend. If you win over him easily, they will respect you."
Emperor Toghon gestures excitedly. "You really are a good fellow if you don't nag."
Eunuch Baek smiles and bows.
"Gather up the Eunuchs," says Emperor Toghon. "I am going to practice."
"This late?" Eunuch Baek asks.
"Let's go now," says Emperor Toghon. As he walks forward, he looks over at Seung Nyang. "Aren't you following me?"
Seung Nyang looks at him curiously.
"I told you not to lag more than three steps behind."
Seriously?
*******
"It's late at night, and Emperor Toghon is in a dirt field with five of his eunuchs. He clears his throat, and exudes an air of superiority. He barely runs and kicks the ball, while the Eunuchs pretend to struggle and fall. Emperor Toghon is feeling like he's on top of the world.
Seung Nyang is trying her hardest not to laugh.
Eunuch Baek makes a big show out of blocking the goal. As Emperor Toghon kicks the ball, Eunuch Baek jumps away. He doesn't stand a chance...
Emperor Toghon looks at Seung Nyang and pridefully thumps his chest.
Seung Nyang shrugs.
"Congratulations!" Eunuch Baek smiles. "No one is more skilled than you."
Emperor Toghon smirks.
"You're so fast that I can't see your feet."
"You're amazing, Your Majesty."
"My goodness," says Emperor Toghon. "How can you be guarding me when you all lack so much? I'll be even rougher. Try blocking me well."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the eunuchs bow.
Emperor Toghon kicks the ball, and hits a eunuch in the head.
The ball slowly rolls to Seung Nyang.
"You!" Eunuch Baek growls. "How dare you take his ball?" He asks the eunuch who got hit in the head.
"I'm sorry," the eunuch bows.
"Kick it over here," Emperor Toghon says to Seung Nyang. "Oh, never mind. The ball is harder than it looks, so carry it over here."
With a swift movement of her leg, Seung Nyang kicks the ball far overhead. Everyone looks at her in shock. Seung Nyang tilts her head and shrugs.
Emperor Toghon sighs.
********
Emperor Mingzong's lament was buried in the ground, Wang Yoo writes, as El Temur's laughter pierced the sky. The day the Emperor's letter written in blood is revealed, Heaven and Earth shall fill with rage and the wind will fill with blood.
"Jeom Bak," says Wang Yoo, "do you know how to read and write?"
"Not a word," Jeom Bak admits.
"I think your writing will be good," says Wang Yoo. He hands over the paper. "Just copy what's on here in your writing."
"Me?" Jeom Bak asks. "I have callouses from holding a sword, but I've never even once held a brush!"
"That's why he's asking you to do it!" Eunuch Bang says impatiently.
"He's asking for you to draw it, not write it," Moo Song explains.
"So..." Jeom Bak says, "Not to write, but to draw them? All right, then." His hand shakes as he holds the brush covered in red ink.
"Are you shaking?" Bul Hwa asks.
"Hold on!" Jeom Bak says. "I'm not shaking, but the hand is." He looks at his hand. "What's the matter with you?"
********
Jeom Bak awkwardly holds the brush as he copies the characters on Wang Yoo's original document.
"Loosen up the wrist, and do it slowly," says Wang Yoo.
"I understand," says Jeom Bak. "There."
"Do it well!" Eunuch Bang says.
"I know!" Jeom Bak hisses.
"There, loosen the wrist," Jeom Bak says to himself out loud. "It's done."
Wang Yoo looks over the paper. "This is good." He folds it and hands it over to Eunuch Bang. "Did you find a way to get this inside the Imperial Office?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," says Eunuch Bang. "Eunuch Dokman who is also from Goryeo will help us."
Seung Nyang and Emperor Toghon are staring each other down in the kickball field.
"I'm going to attack now," says Emperor Toghon, "so see if you can block me with your skills."
Seung Nyang shortens her skirt, and crosses her arms.
Emperor Toghon does a bunch of fancy dancing, looking like a blue and gold chicken. As he softly kicks the ball, Seung Nyang goes for it, gets the ball, and knocks Emperor Toghon over.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!" Eunuch Baek screeches.
Seung Nyang traps the ball, and observes the Eunuchs tending to Emperor Toghon.
"Are you hurt?" Eunuch Baek asks.
Emperor Toghon pushes the eunuchs away from him. "You attack this time," he says to Seung Nyang.
Seung Nyang smirks.
"I won't go easy on you, just know that."
Seung Nyang clears her throat. As he runs for her, she backs away with the ball. She does some tricks, and kicks the ball over his head. Before he can get the ball, she gets to the other side of him, and traps it with her foot. She looks at a horrified Emperor Toghon and smiles.
Emperor Toghon chases after her. He jumps on her, and pins her down. "See, I blocked you, too."
Seung Nyang tries to push him off.
"That's how you play kickball," Emperor Toghon sneers. "Do you understand?"
"I won," says Seung Nyang.
"What?"
With her head, she gestures toward the goal. He looks up, and sure enough, there's the ball. She pushes him off and stands up. She brushes herself off, while he scowls at her.
"I'm not playing anymore," Emperor Toghon pouts. He walks away in a huff, pushing Eunuch Baek out of his path.
"You!" Eunuch Baek snaps at Seung Nyang.
Seung Nyang laughs as the Eunuchs chase after a very sullen and emasculated Emperor Toghon.
*******
As the Emperor and his Eunuchs are walking up the steps, Court Lady Noh is strolling across the walkway, admiring herself in the hand mirror.
"Oh, tonight, I will take care of you, Sire," she says to her reflection. "Am I that pretty?" She giggles. As she sees the Emperor stomping up the stairs, she hides behind a huge lantern.
"Your Majesty!" Eunuch Baek yells.
Court Lady Noh pops out from behind the lantern, and plants herself in front of Emperor Toghon. "Your Majesty!" She gives him a huge hug. "Where are you going, Your Majesty?"
"W-What is this?" Emperor Toghon stutters. He has never seen this Court Lady before, and she is way too old for him.
Eunuch Baek sighs.
"I was waiting for you," says Court Lady Noh. She buries her head in his chest.
"Why are you doing this?" Emperor Toghon asks.
"Please embrace me, Your Majesty."
The other eunuchs yank her away from the Emperor.
"Lady Noh! Lady Noh!" Eunuch Dokman shouts.
Court Lady Noh gasps and makes a run for it.
"Who is that woman?" Emperor Toghon asks.
"She's a court lady who has gone insane," Eunuch Baek explains.
Eunuch Dokman approaches them and bows. "My apologies, Your Majesty." He chases after her. "Lady Noh! Lady Noh!"
"Why is there an insane person living inside the palace?" Emperor Toghon asks.
**********
Seung Nyang is taking a look at her skinned knee within the privacy of her bedroom. Out of nowhere, two hands grab her neck. She pries the hands away from her, and Court Lady Noh falls backward.
Seung Nyang puts her hands around Court Lady Noh's neck. "Who are you?"
"The Emperor protects me," Court Lady Noh whispers, "so no one can take it from me!"
"She's somewhere here," Seung Nyang hears Eunuch Dokman say in the hall. "Find her."
"Let go. Let go! Please let go of me!" Court Lady Noh begs.
Seung Nyang releases her hands from her neck, and Court Lady Noh hides under the blankets.
Eunuch Dokman enters the room with Yeon Hwa and Hong Dan behind him. "Did a court lady come by here?"
Seung Nyang gestures with her head toward the bed.
Eunuch Dokman sighs. "She was quiet for awhile..." He pulls the blanket off, and Court Lady Noh curls up in a ball.
"I was wrong! I was wrong!" Court Lady Noh begs. "Give me one more chance, please! Give me one more chance..."
"Take her," Eunuch Dokman whispers.
Yeon Hwa and Hong Dan pull her off the bed.
"Please, please, this is my room!" Court Lady Noh begs. "This is my room! My room!"
"Yes, yes, I understand," says Yeon Hwa.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Where are you? Your Majesty!" Court Lady Noh cries.
"Who is she, exactly?" Seung Nyang asks as the two palace maids drag her out.
"She was favored by the Late Emperor Mingzong," Eunuch Dokman explains; "and became a Court Lady. When the Emperor died, she ended up like that from the shock. I felt sorry for her, so I put her deep inside the Inner Court, and looked after her, but she's suddenly acting up again."
*********
Eunuch Bang scurries into the library like a frightened mouse. He pulls a piece of paper out of his sleeve, and it's the fake bloodletter Jeom Bak had written the night before. He folds it up, and slides it into the book he and Seung Nyang use for secret messages.
Seung Nyang stealthily makes her way across the snow covered palace grounds. Tanqishi takes notice of her going into the library alone, and he's sensing a perfect opportunity.
As Seung Nyang enters the library, she checks her surroundings before grabbing the secret message book. She smiles as she finds the secret document in the middle of the book. She hears the doors open, and she quickly turns around. Ugh, she sees Tanqishi entering, and she pretends to be reading. They are alone in the library, and she just wants him to go away.
He stands directly behind her, and she snaps the book shut.
"What are you doing here?" Tanqishi asks.
She turns around to face him. "That's none of your business." As she walks away, he tears the book from her hands.
"Why are you reading this book?"
"The Emperor asked me to read it to him to sleep." She yanks the book from Tanqishi. "I'll leave first."
He grabs her and slams her into the bookshelf. Several books fall onto the floor. Seung Nyang is several months out of practice with her martial arts, and she's feeling terrified. He moves in to kiss her, and she abruptly turns her head away. It would be ideal if he plowed face first into the book case, but that just doesn't happen.
"Why are you doing this?" Seung Nyang asks calmly, as if she's talking to a student who has been encouraged to kiss her on a dare. "I'm a Court Lady at the Imperial Court."
"Impudent wench. You say that I killed your mother? Countless tribute women have died by my hands. How do I know which arrow she got killed by?"
Seung Nyang looks him dead in the eye.
"Don't be fooled," says Tanqishi. "It's not that I can't kill you, but that I won't." He steps away from her, and slams the doors as he exits the library.
One day, I will also kill you...Seung Nyang angrily thinks.
...To be continued...
