American Perspectives: Tug of War Pt. 1 ("기황후" Ep. 18)

 

 

***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 awkwardly standing between Wang Yoo and Emperor Toghon, while Empress Danashiri is off to the side, obliviously watching the shadow puppet show.  Both men are clinging to Seung Nyang's hands for dear life, to the point that she feels they would rip her in half if either one tugged any harder.

 

Wang Yoo insistently tugs her in his direction.  There's a time and a place, Seung Nyang thinks.  Grabbing my hand in the middle of an Imperial Puppet Show while I am on duty as a court lady is neither the time nor the place.  Especially when the Emperor has the authority to punish me.

 

Wang Yoo gazes at her longingly, and Seung Nyang feels conflicted.

 

Emperor Toghon, not to be outdone, yanks her over.  He scowls at her, already feeling moody that his wife is here, ruining his chance at romance.

 

As these two men are tugging on her, Seung Nyang feels more like a prize than a person.  Wang Yoo gazes at her pitifully, Emperor Toghon looks at her with entitlement.  Neither of these looks are seductive.  Seung Nyang just wants it to end already.

 

Empress Danashiri smiles at the shadow puppet scene in front of her.  She looks over at Emperor Toghon to see if he's watching.  Instead, the sight in her presence makes her blood boil.  Even when they are sitting together in the same room, he humiliates her by chasing after another woman.

 

"Why are you standing there?"  Empress Danashiri asks with irritation.

 

Both men finally release her hands.  Emperor Toghon makes sure Empress Danashiri sees him rolling his eyes.

 

Seung Nyang breathes a sigh of relief.

 

"Get back to your place right now," Empress Danashiri snaps.

 

Seung Nyang bows and backs away.  She is relieved as hell to momentarily to be out of this triangle.

 

Emperor Toghon longingly looks back at her.  She pointedly avoids eye contact.

 

Wang Yoo turns his head, and gives her puppy dog eyes.  She looks away.  That is so not sexy.  It feels like I'm being hit on by a child instead of a grown man.  Wang Yoo gives Emperor Toghon side eye.  Emperor Toghon scowls at him.

 

Empress Danashiri watches them closely.  She smiles when she sees Emperor Toghon's scowl.  The expression in His Majesty's eyes have become vicious, like a wild animal.  It's a good thing I brought Wang Yoo, she convinces herself.  Just look at him getting jealous now because of me.  Empress Danashiri chuckles.  She's going for anything to keep herself from falling apart.

 

Emperor Toghon scowls, and her smile disappears.  Her conviction shatters.  It's not her they are competing over.  Am I worth anything to anybody?  Does anyone even want me?

 

*********

 

Emperor Toghon storms into his quarters with Seung Nyang close behind him.  She braces herself for the dreaded male temper tantrum.

 

"I am giving you an Imperial Order, which you must obey from now on," Emperor Toghon says, his back turned.  "If you don't abide by it, I will behead you."  He turns around to face her.  "You must never speak to Wang Yoo.  You can't look at him, or look at him and smile.  And never...cry over him in front of me."

 

"Why are you doing this?"  Seung Nyang asks.

 

"Are you talking back to me after my order?"

 

"His Majesty only--"

 

"His Majesty!  His Majesty!  His Majesty!  I can't even listen to that word any longer.  Get out."

 

Seung Nyang bows and exits.

 

 

 

 

 

As Seung Nyang is walking back to her quarters, she runs right into Wang Yoo.

 

"Follow me," says Wang Yoo.

 

She stays several steps behind as they walk over the arched stone bridge.  He stops in the middle and waits for her.

 

"Would you like to...come back to Goryeo with me?"  Wang Yoo asks.

 

Seung Nyang's heart pounds.  Is it even possible?  She doesn't want to be disappointed again.

 

"Let's return together, Seung Nyang."

 

"Yes, Your Majesty," Seung Nyang replies.  "I will go."  Tears roll down her cheek.  "I will follow you and return."

 

"It will be a very difficult journey."

 

Seung Nyang nods.  "I am prepared for it."

 

"I don't know when it will happen."

 

"Whether it's 1,000 or 10,000 years, I will wait."

 

"Promise me one thing.  Don't think about helping me.  Your being in danger causes me...more pain than dying."

 

"Yes, Your Majesty.  I understand."

 

As she gets ready to walk back, Wang Yoo grabs her wrist, and pulls him into her arms.  He embraces her for as long as he can.

 

Tanqishi emerges from behind a wall, and he feels sick to his stomach as he watches them embrace.

 

*********

 

Emperor Toghon is alone in his room, thumbing through a book he doesn't know how to read.  He puts the book down and sighs.  "Maybe I shouldn't have sent her away.  I should have asked her to read some more."

 

*****

 

A plethora of mice are running through the palace grounds, making the area a cat's dream come true.

 

Emperor Toghon is barely waking up in his luxuriant golden bed.  He stretches and rolls over, only to come face to face with a tiny black mouse.

 

He grabs his pillow and screams.  He scoots to the corner of the bed and screeches in horror.

 

Eunuch Baek and his secondary eunuchs burst through the doors.

 

"Your Majesty, what's the matter?"  Eunuch Baek asks.

 

Emperor Toghon fearfully points at the very tiny mouse, who is minding his own business.  "R-Rat!  Rat, Rat!"  Emperor Toghon screams.

 

Eunuch Baek's knees buckle. The two secondary eunuchs draw their swords.

 

"Catch it!"  Emperor Toghon shrieks, gripping his pillow like a teddy bear.

 

Eunuch Baek trembles as he can't bear to touch the little mouse.

 

Emperor Toghon begins to hyperventilate.

 

Seung Nyang casually walks in on all the fuss, walks up to the bed, business as usual.  Without a second thought, she picks up the mouse, like it's her personal pet.  Since she's now roommates with Court Lady Noh, a timid mouse is the least of her concerns.  She holds the mouse in Emperor Toghon's face, and he flinches.

 

"Oh, seriously," Emperor Toghon breathes a sigh of relief.

 

Eunuch Baek gets up.

 

"Do you need your swords to catch a rat?"  Emperor Toghon sneers.

 

"Put up your swords," says Eunuch Baek.

 

"Really," Emperor Toghon sighs, "trying to guard me when you all are not even as good as Yang.  Get out."  He throws his pillow at Eunuch Baek.  "Get out.  Get out!"

 

Eunuch Baek smooths out the pillow and puts it back on the bed.

 

Emperor Toghon picks it up, and furiously throws it again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wang Yoo strolls through the Imperial Palace Hallway, only to run into Empress Danashiri and her entourage.

 

The Empress' heart flutters.  "Have you come to see Empress Dowager?"

 

"Yes," says Wang Yoo.  "I think she wants to talk about marriage again."

 

Empress Danashiri grins.  "She is really tenacious.  You said you're not interested.  Why is she pushing the issue?"

 

Court Lady Seo looks down as she feels something brush against her leg.  She jumps back and screeches.  "Oh, Your Majesty!  Be careful.  Rats!"

 

Empress Danashiri looks down and sees several tiny mice.  "Oh no!"  She shrieks.

 

"Over there!"  Court Lady Seo screams.

 

Without hesitation, Wang Yoo picks the Empress up.  She looks at him, blushing, heart racing.  She clings to him for dear life as he carries her away.  She closes her eyes tightly, hoping to get away from these horrid creatures, and maybe, just maybe, get a little more time with him.

 

They get to a clear spot, and Wang Yoo says,  "Please let go of me now."

 

Empress Danashiri clears her throat as he puts her down.

 

Court Lady Seo notices that the Empress' skirt has ridden up, exposing a huge portion of her petticoat.  Court Lady Seo quickly makes the adjustment.

 

Wang Yoo awkwardly looks away.

 

"Th-Thank you, Wang Yoo," Empress Danashiri stutters.  "But why are there so many rats in the palace?"

 

"I have never seen so many at once," Court Lady Seo remarks.

 

Empress Danashiri smiles at Wang Yoo.  "Anyway, I owe you for today."

 

"I will take my leave now," Wang Yoo smiles back.  He calmly leaves the two women behind.

 

"Did I...look too unsightly just a moment ago?"  Empress Danashiri asks.

 

"Yes!"  Court Lady Seo replies.

 

Empress Danashiri feels ashamed.

 

"Not at all, Your Majesty," Court Lady Seo corrects herself.

 

Empress Danashiri sighs.

 

***********

 

The worst of the rodent infestation is in the Palace Maids' area.  The young women scream as there are just so many nasty mice.  The maids run like they are being chased by a pack of wolves.

 

Empress Dowager gracefully strolls through the walkway.

 

Yeon Hwa sees her, stops, and bows.

 

"Why all the fuss?"  Eunuch Dokman asks.

 

"Rats!  There are rats everywhere!"  Yeon Hwa shrieks.

 

"What?  Rats?"  Eunuch Dokman asks.

 

The girls scream as more rats surround them.

 

As soon as they reach Empress Dowager, she screeches the loudest.

 

**********

 

Tanqishi and El Temur are raptly engaged in a game of Go, while Talahai watches from the side.

 

"You've got a long way to go," El Temur criticizes.  "You just cannot read the board."

 

"Prime Minister, there's a disaster," Bayan and Toqto'a barge in.

 

"What disaster now?"  El Temur asks impatiently.

 

"The palace is overrun with rats," Bayan replies.

 

"What?  Rats?"  El Temur asks.  He pushes the Go Board off the table, and throws the game pieces at Bayan.  How dare Bayan interrupt him with something so random?  "It's not as if enemy soldiers have invaded.  What's the big deal about some rats?"

 

"They are not just rats," Toqto'a pushes back.  "There is a large swarm of them."

 

El Temur looks at him sideways.  "A large swarm of rats?"

 

*********

 

"How have you managed this palace?"  Empress Dowager yells from the throne in her meeting room.

 

Eunuch Dokman bows.  "I am sorry, Your Highness.  No matter how many we catch, they just keep coming."

 

"That is not all," Lord Jang adds.  "There was even a rat in His Majesty's bedroom."

 

"Isn't it strange that this place is suddenly crawling with rats?"  Empress Dowager asks.

 

"I am sorry to tell you this," Eunuch Dokman bows, "but there is a strange rumor in the palace."

 

"Strange rumor?"  Empress Dowager asks.

 

"His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Mingzong's Curse, has begun, they say."

 

"The curse has begun?"  Empress Dowager asks in disbelief.

 

*********

 

Eunuch Bang is rocking a monk's outfit in a Courtesan house, and striking a small hand drum.  He is completely topless with prayer beads around his neck.  "Why am I undressed when it is so cold?  People like us are full, even when we don't eat, and we don't feel the cold.  How?  Because we cultivate ourselves morally and religiously."

 

Jeom Bak gasps.  "Yes, cultivate ourselves morally and religiously."

 

"I thought we'd talk about our kingdom today," says Eunuch Bang.  He rises from his chair and slaps the table with his drumstick.

 

He ascends the stage.  "The twelve animals of the sky circle Heaven and Earth.  Rat, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit.  What is the rat?  Yes, it's a rat, but what are we to rats?  Among the twelve animals, the rat is the first.  Why?"

 

"When there is trouble in Heaven and Earth," says Jeom Bak, "the first thing to run away is the rat, I heard."

 

"Oh, he sounds smart."

 

"But why are those rats only causing trouble in the Imperial Palace where the Emperor lives?"  Eunuch Bang inquires.

 

"The Imperial Palace?"  Jeom Bak pretends to be shocked.

 

"Then the curse of Emperor Mingzong--"

 

"Shh!"  Eunuch Bang interrupts.  "Lower your voice.  It means the heavens have become angry.  It's an evil omen, for sure."

 

"What do we do?"

 

"What do we do?"

 

"I heard in some villages, wild dogs killed all the villagers."

 

"In my wife's hometown, a large dragon fell down and died."

 

"A dragon fell and died!"  Eunuch Bang shouts.  He bangs on his drum with the stick, and goes around in circles on the stage.  "A dragon fell and died.  No more needs to be said.  What is a dragon?  The Emperor is a dragon!"

 

"Oh, hey!  Hey!"  Jeom Bak yells.  "Then did Prime Minister...to Emperor Mingzong..." he makes a cutting motion near his throat. "Kill him-oh!"  He covers his mouth in pretend horror.

 

"To sum it up, the Prime Minister killed the late Emperor.  The heavens became angry, so rats and dogs are running wild," Eunuch Bang declares.

 

"What can we do?  Any ideas?"  Jeom Bak asks.

 

"We have to pray," Eunuch Bang whispers.  "Save us, merciful Buddha."

 

"Save us," Jeom Bak says dramatically.

 

"Save us."

 

"Make sure to secretly let the people know this truth," Eunuch Bang adds.

 

"What do we have to do?" Jeom Bak whispers.

 

"Save us, merciful Buddha," says Eunuch Bang.

 

At a table away from the crowd, Wang Yoo and Moo Song are observing the hysteria they took part in creating.

 

"No matter what," says Moo Song, "we have to acknowledge Eunuch Bang's speaking skill."

 

"The unease of the people is turning a ridiculous rumor into truth," says Wang Yoo.

 

"Save us Buddha."

 

"Save us Buddha."

 

Bul Hwa approaches Wang Yoo and Moo Song's table.

 

"Have you looked into it?"  Wang Yoo asks.

 

"The rumors of rats swarming into the palace have spread," says Bul Hwa, "and everyone is talking about Emperor Mingzong's curse."

 

"Unease will become resentment," says Wang Yoo, "and resentment will soon change into rage.  Then the people's rage will be directed at El Temur."

 

 

 

 

 

El Temur grabs a red scroll and throws it down the stairs in the main hall.  He stands next to Emperor Toghon's throne as he unfurls another scroll.  He rolls his eyes and sighs.  In frustration, he tears it up, and then throws it down the stairs.

 

Emperor Toghon does his best to keep a neutral face.

 

"Every last one of them is rotten," El Temur rants.  "Today there are no appeals for you to put your Imperial seal on."

 

"I understand things a bit, too," says Emperor Toghon.  "That my father's curse has begun, so strange events are happening in this kingdom--"

 

"Who said such things to you, Your Majesty?"  El Temur interrupts.

 

"I have eyes and ears."

 

"And corpses have ears, eyes, mouths, and noses, too.  Did you forget that I told you to live like a living corpse?"

 

"Why are you afraid?"  Emperor Toghon asks.

 

"What did you say?"

 

"My father's curse, why would you--"

 

"Your Majesty!"  El Temur roars.

 

"I can become a living corpse, but the people cannot.  How can you block that many eyes and ears?"

 

"The people are foolish beings.  Fear is the wisest way to rule over such foolish people.  Seeing your loose mouth, it seems you have not yet seen true fear."

 

"Prime Minister!"  Bayan and Toqto'a enter the hall.  "Please go to the Buddhist Temple immediately."

 

"What is it now?"  El Temur asks impatiently.

 

"You'll see when you arrive," Toqto'a replies.

 

El Temur makes his way down the steps.

 

As he leaves, Emperor Toghon takes a deep breath.  "I guess it's still too early for me to properly face Prime Minister El Temur."

 

Seung Nyang emerges from behind a divider.  "Prime Minister El Temur is afraid, as well.  Your fear can be seen, and Prime Minister El Temur hides his fear.  That is all.  To me, you made Prime Minister El Temur feel fear."

 

Emperor Toghon smiles.  "Did it really seem that way to you?"

 

Seung Nyang nods, and gives a validating smile.

 

******

 

El Temur, Bayan, and Toqto'a trudge through the snow before they burst into the temple.

 

Empress Dowager is already there, while Tanqishi and Talahai are behind her.

 

El Temur immediately notices the tears of blood on the Buddha.  He has an awful feeling in the pit of his stomach.

 

Empress Dowager is in tears.  El Temur turns to look at her, ready to accuse.

 

"What happened?"  El Temur snaps.

 

"Empress Dowager came to offer a Buddhist prayer," says Tanqishi, "and she said it was like that."

 

"Bayan!"  El Temur barks.  "Make sure that anyone who saw this does not talk about it.  Not a single word, or I will kill all of you."

 

"Yes, Prime Minister," says Bayan.  He and Toqto'a promptly exit.

 

"Empress Dowager," says El Temur, "you better not tell anyone, either."

 

"You've made Buddha cry tears of blood!"  Empress Dowager roars.  "You sure are something!"

 

"I told you to be careful of what you say!"  El Temur shouts.

 

"Everything has become crystal clear now.  The curse.  The curse has begun."

 

"Curse, you say?  Someone just put some blood o the statue of the Buddha."

 

"Can you really say that after having seen this yourself?  Those years of famine and disasters, they are all due to your sins, Prime Minister."

 

"Shut your mouth!"  El Temur demands.

 

"Do you not fear Buddha?"

 

"What's the big deal aobut a statue of Buddha?"  Though the blood stains are giving him the creeps.

 

El Temur grabs Tanqishi's sword, and as he's about to lunge for the statue, Empress Dowager stands in his way.

 

"Have you gone mad?"  Empress Dowager asks.

 

"In this Kingdom, do you know how many temples I burned down while out conquering?  I can cut down a statue like that with one blow."  He aggressively pushes her back.

 

"You are not in your right mind," Empres Dowager retorts.  "You have gone insane!"

 

El Temur gazes at her icily, and Tanqishi pulls him back.

 

"Father," Tanqishi begs, "please stop now."

 

"I am the one who will bring down curses now."  El Temur rages, "On you, and on the Emperor.  I would prefer it if you didn't receive my curse due to such useless rumors."  He hands Tanqishi his sword.  He kicks the doors open as he and his sons exit.

 

Empress Dowager's knees buckle as her masked anxiety unleashes itself.

 

"Empress Dowager, are you alright?"  Lord Jang asks.

 

"I am alright."  Her breathing is rapid, and her legs feel weak.  She faces the Buddha and puts her hands together.  "Merciful Buddha, please look kindly upon your poor people..."

 

 

...To be continued...