American Perspectives: The Deposed King's Favor Pt. 2 ("기황후" Ep. 22)

 

 

 

***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"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Byeong Soo and his soldiers  shamelessly march through Goryeo Village.  Jo Cham grabs two screaming children and throws them on the ground.

 

"Anyone objecting will be killed immediately!"  Byeong Soo yells.  A woman grabs onto his arm, and he throws her to the ground.  "How dare you with your dirty hands...You should've picked the chief more carefully.  Take them away!  Are you watching, Jeok Ho?  If you want to save these people, bring the bloodletter!  Otherwise, you'll do hard labor in the mine for the rest of your lives!  Understand, Jeok Ho?"

 

Mak Saeng, Eunuch Bang, and Bul Hwa are hiding behind the stairs.  Mak Saeng runs forward, but Eunuch Bang and Bul Hwa hold him back.

 

"Are you out of your mind?"  Eunuch Bang whispers.

 

"You want me to just watch them getting hurt because of me?"  Mak Saeng asks.  "I am going to kill those bastards and end my life."

 

Bul Hwa punches him in the back, sending him to his knees, unconscious.  "Can we leave Seung Nyang in the women's pavilion?"

 

"What can we do on our own?"  Eunuch Bang whispers.  "Head Eunuch Dokman said he has a plan to get her out of the palace, so all we can do is trust him and wait."

 

"Shouldn't we let his Majesty know?"  Bul Hwa asks.

 

"He will just feel bad," says Eunuch Bang.  "Let's wait until Seung Nyang comes out."

 

Bul Hwa sighs.  He doesn't consider that the best course of action.

 

*********

 

Empress Danashiri is dissociating in her room.  How the hell is she going to deal with this?  The entire empire already thinks she's pregnant.  Is everyone going to mock her and throw her away?

 

Court Lady Seo breaks her rumination.

 

"You shut the physician's mouth, right?"  Empress Danashiri asks.

 

"I did as you asked," Court Lady Seo replies.  "But how about if you just let the people know--"

 

"The Emperor even issued grain to the people to congratulate my pregnancy," Empress Danashiri says anxiously.  "Are you asking me to be the mockery of the world?"

 

"It will be known after a few months anyway."

 

"Things go wrong during childbirth all the time," says Empress Danashiri.

 

"Your Highness."

 

"I'll receive the fertility treatments.  So, have that prepared."

 

"I heard it's very painful," says Court Lady Seo.

 

"That pain is nothing.  I can't be childless living as an Empress in name only for the rest of my life."

 

*********

 

Eunuch Dokman and Lady Park approach the doors to Seung Nyang's quarters.

 

"Yang," Eunuch Dokman says, "please come out for a minute."

 

 

 

 

"Are you saying there is a way for me to leave the palace?"  Seung Nyang asks.

 

Eunuch Dokman nods.  "Lady Park will request from the Empress to leave the palace for her child's birth and recovery."

 

Lady Park nods.

 

"She will sneak you out at that time."

 

"Thank you," Seung Nyang says sincerely.

 

Lady Park touches her hand.  "We agreed that Goryeo people will help each other, didn't we?"

 

"It's in four months," says Eunuch Dokman.  "If you endure four months here, you can leave the palace, and raise your child without worries."

 

Seung Nyang breathes a sigh of relief.  "I won't forget the generosity everyone has shown me."

 

Eunuch Dokman nods.

 

Lady Park grabs Seung Nyang's hands.  "If Wang Yoo knows about your pregnancy, he will be so happy."

 

********

 

Moo Song, Wang Yoo, and Jeom Bak are galloping through the forest.  They reach the top of the hill, and pull to a halt.  Down below is the capitol of Goryeo.

 

"We've arrived at the Gaegyeong we've been longing for in our dreams," says Moo Song.

 

"I don't know why my heart is racing and my eyes are welling up," says Jeom Bak.

 

"It would've been nice if we had all come together," says Wang Yoo.

 

"Let's go, Your Majesty," says Moo Song.

 

********

 

"Is that true?"  Wang Yoo is standing outside the main palace entrance, talking to his father.  "What do you mean by counterfeit Yuan currency?"

 

A eunuch hands him a tray full of fake Yuan paper currency.

 

"Are you saying these are fakes?"  Wang Yoo asks.

 

His father nods.

 

"Then, Yuan envoys have been paying for trade with counterfeit banknotes all this time?"

 

"That's what I heard," says the king.

 

"How could this happen?"

 

"Kim, who was in charge of trading, was in on it with the Yuan envoys."

 

********

 

Wang Yoo pulls back a white sheet covering a body in the morgue.

 

"He was the official in charge of trading with Yuan," says Moo Song.

 

Wang Yoo examines the body's head.  "He got attacked by something blunt instead of a knife.  Bring me all the fake money and silver."

 

"Understood, Your Majesty," says Jeom Bak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The table is covered in fake Yuan currency notes, as Wang Yoo, Moo Song, and Jeom Bak meticulously study them.   Wang Yoo is using a magnifying glass to catch any details that aren't easily seen.

 

"How much are all these?"  Moo Song asks.

 

"The fake banknote is so detailed that it's hard to tell the difference from the real one," Wang Yoo admits.

 

"According to the investigators, they are made by one source," says Moo Song.

 

"You said the envoy hasn't paid for the current trades yet?"  Wang Yoo asks.

 

"Since the officer who was in charge is dead, they are delaying the payments," says Moo Song.

 

"They probably couldn't take a chance on being found out to be using fake banknotes," Wang Yoo speculates.

 

"We can't beat them up since they are Yuan's envoys," says Jeom Bak.  "What shall we do to these bastards?"

 

"Where are the envoys now?"  Wang Yoo asks.

 

"I heard that they're staying in Poonghwa Pavilion," says Moo Song.

 

"Do as I say from now on," Wang Yoo instructs.

 

*********

 

The Yuan envoys are partying in the gisaeng house, drinking with the best women.

 

"If you serve me well from today, I will make you my concubine."

 

"Forget being concubines, just sell us some Yuan money to make our owner happy, please."

 

"What do you mean sell you some Yuan money?"

 

"I heard the value of the Yuan banknotes will go up soon.  Our regular customers are buying them because of it.  You can get three times the value if I introduce you."

 

"Three times?"

 

The gisaeng smiles.  "You can trust the information circulating here."

 

The envoy pauses.  "I don't have any to make a deal."

 

********

 

"The count is correct, owner," says Jeom Bak.

 

Moo Song takes out a wooden chest, and hands it to the Yuan envoys who were partying upstairs earlier.

 

The envoy opens the chest and sees several pieces of silver.  He looks at Moo Song and Jeom Bak warily.  Something about this deal seems really weird.  He closes the chest, and lifts it several times, just to be sure the weight is consistent.

 

"You sure we don't need to weigh it?"  Moo Song asks.

 

"My hands are the scale," says the envoy.  He puts the chest on the table.  "It seems plenty more than three times."

 

********

 

Wang Yoo examines the newly purchased banknotes with a magnifying glass.

 

"Are they fake?"  Moo Song asks.

 

"They are real," says Wang Yoo.

 

"Those bastards," says Jeom Bak.  "He seems to be cautious."

 

"Keep buying up the Yuan banknotes," says Wang Yoo.

 

"Yes," Moo Song bows.

 

"They will give you counterfeit money sooner or later," says Wang Yoo.

 

"Yes, Your Majesty," the two men chorus.

 

********

 

In the privacy of his room, Wang Yoo takes out his brush and ink.

 

My dearest Seung Nyang,

I think the business here will take longer than I thought.  I feel uneasy having left you there.  We'll soon roam around Goryeo's land together.  Please don't overdo it until then...I miss you, Seung Nyang.

 

*******

 

"General!"  Byeong Soo bursts into Tanqishi's office.  "I just confiscated Wang Yoo's letter coming from Goryeo."

 

Tanqishi grabs the piece of paper.  "This confirms Seung Nyang didn't go to Goryeo.  What about Wang Yoo's men?"

 

"I can't find a trace of them," Byeong Soo wrinkles his nose.

 

"Don't be lax in guarding the inside and outside of the palace," says Tanqishi.

 

"Yes, General," Byeong Soo bows.

 

Tanqishi holds the letter up to the candle light, and watches the flames slowly eat it up.  If only he could put a torch to their relationship.

 

********

 

Empress Dowager is praying in Gameop Temple when Lord Jang walks right in.

 

"Empress Dowager, General Bayan's man has sent you a letter," says Lord Jang.  He pulls a golden envelope out of his deel.

 

Empress Dowager quickly turns around.  Is this the news she's been waiting for?

 

Empress Dowager,

I hope you have been healthy and peaceful.  In Liaoyang, General Bayan's first order of business is to train the soldiers.  We cannot create a strong army in one day, but our forces are definitely becoming stronger.  But, of course, the problem is always money.  Just by confiscating the assets of corrupt local politicians, it is still difficult to have enough to finance an army.  So, I am looking for another way to finance our army.  I am requesting that you look for someone who can help us.

 

"Have you looked into any wealthy merchants in Yuan?"  Empress Dowager asks Lord Jang.

 

"Most of them are connected to Prime Minister El Temur," says Lord Jang.

 

Empress Dowager sighs.  "Of course.  The power to maintain Prime Minister El Temur's status must come from a tremendous amount of money, after all."

 

"So, what is your plan, Empress Dowager?"

 

"Yuan has ten provinces.  One of them is definitely on my side.  If I can get five of the remaining nine magistrates on my side, we could challenge El Temur."

 

"I will help you in any way I can."

 

"How is the Emperor these days?"  Empress Dowager asks.

 

"He has become much more dignified, unlike before."

 

"I'm sure he's feeling very lonely.  Please endure a little longer, and wait, Your Majesty," says Empress Dowager.

 

******

 

Seung Nyang holds up a beautiful, tiny, white jeogori.  "This...you made this yourself, My Lady?"

 

Court Lady Noh smiles.  "How do you like it?  Do you like the baby clothes?"

 

"Yes," Seung Nyang smiles.  She can't believe someone would do something so nice for her.  "Just thinking about my baby wearing this is so fascinating."  She lovingly holds it close to her chest.

 

***********

 

Empress Danashiri is face down, gripping her blankets, and crying out in pain.  Her fertility treatments have begun, the current one involving her back being burned by incense cones, and it's not for the faint of heart.

 

Court Lady Seo, like an empathetic mother, can feel her pain.  "It's almost finished, Your Majesty.  Just a little more...Please endure just a little longer.  Your Majesty."

 

More burn treatments are being applied to her back.  It feels like someone has set her on fire.

 

"Your Majesty, just a little longer," says Court Lady Seo.  "Endure just a little longer, Your Majesty.  Just a little longer."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Empress Danashiri is sadly sitting up in her bed.  Ideally, her husband should be there, comforting her, holding her hand.  Some would ridicule her for having "unrealistic expectations."  Is any of this even worth it?

 

"Your Majesty, please," Court Lady Seo holds her hand, "stop the treatments now.  You receive acupuncture and moxa therapy everyday.  But there has been no progress in four months.  It is difficult for me to continue watching you suffer."

 

Empress Danashiri feels like she is going to fall apart.  "To give up now, it would make me look so pathetic."

 

"His Majesty, the Emperor is here!"  Eunuch Dokman yells from the hallway.

 

Why now?  Empress Danashiri thinks.

 

Court Lady Seo darts to the chair.  "Your Majesty, please put this around your belly."  She hands her some padding that makes her look pregnant.  "Hurry, please."

 

Empress Danashiri puts it on as Court Lady Seo quickly assembles the rest of her clothing.

 

**********

 

"Why are you so late?"  Emperor Toghon impatiently asks from the hallway.

 

"Your Majesty!"  Eunuch Baek shouts.  "His Majesty, the Emperor has come!"

 

Adding insult to injury, Lady Park is standing next to the Emperor, in her full on pregnant glory.

 

Court Lady Seo walks out into the hallway and bows.  "Her Majesty was taking a brief nap.  Please go in now."

 

Emperor Toghon and Lady Park approach the Empress.  "Welcome, Your Majesty," Empress Danashiri bows.  She looks at Lady Park icily.  "But, why did you come with him?"

 

"It seems Lady Park will give birth soon," says Emperor Toghon.

 

Knife to the heart.  "What about it?"

 

"She wishes to recover from the birthing at Gameop Temple where Empress Dowager is," says Emperor Toghon.

 

Just go to hell, all of you.

 

"So, we were hoping that you would permit it," Emperor Toghon continues.

 

"I apologize, Your Majesty," says Lady Park.

 

Empress Danashiri looks at her hatefully.  Go. To. Hell.

 

"Please permit it," says Emperor Toghon.  "The mother should be comfortable in order to have a safe birth."

 

Fuck you.  Fuck you.  Fuck you.  Empress Danashiri forces a pleasant smile.  "It is typical for those giving birth in the Imperial Family to recover in private homes.  There is no reason why I can't permit it."  The window of opportunity has busted itself open.

 

Lady Park bows.  "Thank you, Your Majesty."

 

"I have a request of you, as well," says Empress Danashiri.

 

"Please, tell me," says Emperor Toghon.

 

"During my remaining months of pregnancy, I would like to offer prayers in the small Buddhist temple at Hwanggak Temple."

 

"Will you be alright away from the Imperial Palace?"  Emperor Toghon asks.

 

"When doing good for the unborn child, what could possibly harm me?"  Empress Danashiri asks.

 

"Then, do as you wish, Empress," says Emperor Toghon.

 

She smiles at the Emperor, but stares at Lady Park coldly.  Die, bitch, die.

 

*********

 

"Your Majesty!" Eunuch Baek says as they cross the arched wooden bridge.  "Now you can see Yang whenever you want to."

 

"Not yet," says Emperor Toghon.

 

"But it's already been four months," says Eunuch Baek.  "Are you alright?"

 

"As written in Empress Dowager's letter," says Emperor Toghon, "regaining my dignity as the Emperor is first and foremost to me right now.  I can't do anything in the end without any power.  Even for Yang..."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Empress Danashiri stares at the ceramic centerpiece on her table.  Tanqishi breaks her dissociation with his loud footsteps.

 

"Were you looking for me, Your Majesty?"  He asks.

 

"Can you help me, Brother?"

 

"Is there a problem?"

 

"Yes.  Whenever I think about it, it makes me gnash my teeth even while sleeping, and makes my hair stand on end."

 

Tanqishi puts his sword down, and takes a seat.  He knows Empress Danashiri is paying the highest price for the battle between Empress Dowager and El Temur.  "What's the matter?  Tell me.  When you are this troubled, what can't I do to help you?"

 

Empress Danashiri's blood boils.  "That wench, Lady Park...please kill her for me."

 

Tanqishi stiffens.

 

"Over my dead body," Empress Danashiri rages, "I can't stand to see her having His Majesty's child!  Please kill that wench, Brother, and stop my bloody tears from falling."

 

"If it doesn't go as planned," Tanqishi cautions, "not only you, but even Father, will be put in danger."

 

"She's leaving for the Gameop Temple to give birth.  Who would know if we got rid of her?"  She grabs his hand.  "Please grant me this request.  I feel like I'm going to go crazy!"

 

"We shouldn't," says Tanqishi.  He understands his sister's anger, as he thinks Emperor Toghon is a piece of shit, but their hands are tied right now.  "We shouldn't tell Father about this."  He decides to change his mind, precisely because this Emperor is a piece of shit and a panty waist.

 

"Of course," says Empress Danashiri.  "I'll take it to my grave."

 

********

 

A very rugged looking bandit dressed entirely in brown is knocking back some good alcohol at the Courtesan House.  Tanqishi enters the room, followed by Talahai, Byeong Soo, and Jo Cham.

 

"This is General Tanqishi," says Byeong Soo.

 

"I'm Crazy Dog," the bandit bows.

 

Jo Cham puts a wooden chest down on the table and opens it up, revealing several gold pieces.

 

Crazy Dog has never seen this much gold in his life.

 

Tanqishi leans forward.  "I need you to become a bandit, and kill some wenches."

 

Crazy Dog snickers.  Piece of cake.  "Just give me your order."

 

*********

 

Seung Nyang picks up Court Lady Noh's mirror.  Court Lady Noh's heart races, she runs up to the table, and grabs it from Seung Nyang.

 

"My Lady," says Seung Nyang.  She must be having another episode.  

 

"You'll die if you touch this," says Court Lady Noh.  "It's been cursed."

 

Seung Nyang smiles.  "I understand.  I won't touch your things."

 

"This belongs to someone else.  Do you know why I'm not giving it to you?  If I give it to you now, you will die.  So I'm going to give it to you later."

 

Seung Nyang chuckles.  "I understand, My Lady."

 

"Yang," Eunuch Dokman calls from outside.

 

Court Lady Noh hides her mirror and gets into bed.  "Why is that man back again?"

 

Seung Nyang lets Eunuch Dokman in.

 

"In two days," he whispers, "Lady Park is heading to the Gameop Temple."

 

Seung Nyang gasps.  Finally!  I'm going home and leaving this cursed hell hole for good!

 

"She'll be going  in the palenquin," Eunuch Dokman continues, "so if you hide inside beforehand, you should be able to get out of the palace safely."

 

"Please ask Eunuch Bang to meet me at the second peak of Chilbong Mountain where Hwanggak Temple stands."

 

Court Lady Noh peers out from under her blanket.

 

"Alright, I will do that," Eunuch Dokman whispers.  "But...when you get out, what are you planning to do?"

 

"First, I'll go back to Goryeo, and meet His Majesty."

 

"Alright," Eunuch Dokman whispers.  "I understand."  He gracefully makes an exit.

 

Seung Nyang takes a deep breath and holds her abdomen.  "Baby...you'll soon meet your father.  When he meets you, he'll be so happy."

 

********

 

Wang Yoo is slowly polishing his sword as he's contemplating his next step.

 

"Your Majesty.  Your Majesty!"  Jeom Bak runs into the room.  "Those bastards sent word that they will sell 20,000 banknotes," he whispers.

 

Moo Song looks at Wang Yoo expectantly.

 

"If they are real banknotes," says Wang Yoo, "20,000 is impossible.  So they're definitely fake."

 

********

 

The Mongolian envoys meet outside late at night with Moo Song and Jeom Bak.

 

"Did you bring the money?"  The lead envoy asks.

 

Moo Song gestures to the cart next to him.

 

A secondary envoy takes a look.  Before he can open the chest, Jeom Bak slams his sword down on the lid.

 

"Show me the banknotes first," says Jeom Bak.

 

Wang Yoo is standing off to the side, dressed in dark blue, his face concealed by his hat.

 

********

 

Moo Song pulls back the lid on the envoys' chest of money, and rifles through the banknotes.  He looks over at Wang Yoo and nods.  Moo Song throws the notes aside.

 

The secondary envoy opens up one of the chests on the cart, and jumps back. It is completely empty.

 

"What do you think you're doing?"  The lead envoy snaps.

 

Moo Song pulls out his sword and points it at the envoy's throat.

 

On reflex, everyone else pulls out their swords.

 

"Don't move!"  Jeom Bak shouts.

 

Without warning, the secondary envoy gets shot in the back from an arrow.  Several archers rise from their hiding spots behind the wall.

 

Wang Yoo approaches the lead envoy.  

 

"Your Majesty," says Moo Song, "we finally found them."

 

Wang Yoo lifts the brim of his hat.  "Take them away."

 

The envoys are speechless.

 

"Yes, Sir," Moo Song bows.  "Take them away!"

 

...To be continued...