875 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

In any city where a royal manor is situated, it's expected that the local landowners would pay their New Year's greetings—a customary annual tradition. But what if this involves a significant martial arts sect? Such a scenario naturally seems awkward, if not downright strange. Princes are potential political rivals to the Emperor. Martial arts sects are practically military organizations. And having these two join forces? It's a scenario that appears perilous to any observer. Of course, the martial arts sects referred to here include the Nine Great Sects and the Ten Great Families, or any other powerful factions with notable reputations within a province. Smaller martial arts schools that simply collect training fees, or those who extract protection fees within small areas or earn profits by monopolizing certain items, are not even considered martial arts sects of this caliber. In the first place, these small businesses prefer cooperative relationships with local authorities, prioritizing mutual benefit over government non-intervention. Within this context, the direct descendants of the Sichuan Tang Clan performing New Year's greetings at a royal manor could be seen as a major issue in itself. It's not as if the Sichuan Tang Clan is merely an assembly of potent poison masters. They're a grand clan projecting their influence across the entire Sichuan region, and by engaging with the royal manor, it's akin to proclaiming their loyalty. So, what exactly is the thinking behind the Sichuan Tang Clan's New Year's greetings to the royal manor, and what intentions might the royal manor have in accepting them? Are they making this bold, audacious provocation of daring Beijing to make a move under its disapproving watch? Saying, "What are you going to do, try taking our heads?" with such blatant defiance? Of course, Qing didn't have the answer! Nor did she even comprehend why it was an issue! She had no contemplation because that's simply who Ximen Qing is. She thought it entirely appropriate to offer New Year's greetings if a prince resided in the same city. Thus, upon entering the royal manor, she saw Tang Tujuk, the clan head, and Tang Jincheol, the eldest son, representing the clan in conveying their greetings, and she left them to it. Within the spacious room, only Qing remains. Qing, though a martial artist, also proves herself as a competent carpenter—an assured young carpenter, indeed. From a carpenter's perspective, the room felt more like the residence of a main wife in the inner chamber than a mere guest room. Based on the room's position and prominence within the building as well as the decorations typically found in a primary wife's quarters, like paired mandarin ducks, unity tokens, butterfly motifs, and—ah, there's even a phoenix! The phoenix decoration reaffirmed her thoughts that this must indeed be a palace. "The Madame is inside?" “Oh, yes. Please, come in.” An elegantly aged yet sternly combed elder lady revealed herself as the door swung open. This surprisingly was Yeon Pa, formerly known as the Dama Jeweler, a terrifying murderer renowned in her past as not only the Dama Jewelry Witch but also as the Lesser Demon Witch, Light-Killer Witch, Dark-Killer Witch, Self-Rotating Witch, Asura-Demonic Sword, and Heart-Seizing Demon—a fierce killer who managed to ally all these terrifying demonic arts. “Madame, how have you been?” “Yeon Pa, it’s been a while. You really don’t have to be so formal with all these titles.” “You’re still the Madame. But are you truly going to present your New Year’s greetings to the prince like this?” “Eh. Is there something wrong with this look?” “Anticipating this, bring them in.” At Yeon Pa’s clap-clap, a swarm of young maidens entered. Judging by their attire, they must be the manor's maidservants, each carrying items such as combs, fragrant oils, various cosmetics, brushes, and applicators... Qing's expression turned slightly awkward. "Oh, is it really necessary to wear makeup—" “Ahem. Girls, attend to her.” Of course, Qing knows how to wear makeup. Or does she...? Taught by Ximen Surin, beauty tactics included makeup application, but when was the last time she did it herself? Her mentor likely gave up since, at some point, she stopped launching precise critiques even when Qing walked around bare-faced. But makeup always seemed discomforting. Mainly because she disliked the feel of applying something on her face. Understandably, a man’s characteristic. Typically, a man applies skincare that absorbs cleanly and quickly after washing, leaving no trace of oiliness but a matte surface. (But not always true.) Some even slather on creams to the point of an unnaturally pale complexion hoping to evade sunburn, which one might argue could cost them their face. (Certainly not.) For that’s what it means to be a man. At which point, what on earth defines being a man becomes unclear. Does embracing natural skin aging, simply due to inconvenience or hassle, confer the qualifications of being a man? These notions of manhood, or ideals of superior masculinity, justify personal inconveniences under the guise of noble pursuits, exemplifying self-righteousness intertwined with hypocrisy. However, Qing was originally a filler of such small-mindedness. While it's permissible for her, others should refrain—the duality personified into a despicable killer, wielding the blade before words. Common maidservants could hardly maintain composure before such a terrifying Dama Jeweler. “Kyah! Madame, your skin is as smooth and vibrant as... Oh, isn’t this truly your bare face? My, so astounding—how fair you are!” “Such hair; indeed! No split ends, so thin yet abundant, overwhelmingly enviable.” Confronted with the world’s most esteemed beauty, the maidservants gush over in awe. Servants are masters in flattery as their livelihood depends upon fulfilling their master’s whims, priding in evoking a subtle smile upon their superior’s face. But in this moment, their sentiments were sincere— Initially surprise and admiration; subsequently discomfort, then a budding challenge and determination. For, the more beautiful the woman, the more challenging the art of makeup becomes. Names, Places, Organizations, Titles, Realms, Concepts, and Techniques: 1. *왕부 *(royal manor) -> translated directly as "royal manor" to retain the essence of an official residence. 2. *서문청 *(Ximen Qing)* -> maintained name for clarity. 3. *사천당가 *(Sichuan Tang Clan)* -> retained original since it's a known martial family. 4. *丁九 *(Tang Jincheol)* - Gender not mentioned in the text; assumed male based on context, but confirmation required if needed. 5. *마마 *(Madame)* - Used as translated term in English for its proper address and formality. 6. *도로마 *(Dama Jeweler)* -> interpreted as a previous powerful witch title, kept unchanged as a catch-all descriptor. 7. *연 파*(Yeon Pa)*- Title/nickname/former alias for an individual woman, assumes female based on context. 8. *전륜마녀 *(Dama Jeweler Witch)* - interpreted as "Round Wheel Evil Witch" for implied power, altered to maintain tone and shorten in English text. 9. *소수마녀 *(Lesser Demon Witch), *광살마녀 *(Light-Killer Witch), *흑살마녀 *(Dark-Killer Witch), *자전마녀 *(Self-Rotating Witch), *수라마검 *(Asura-Demonic Sword), *섭심마인 *(Heart-Seizing Demon)->These refer to prior or storied infamous titles or experienced arts invoking fear, directly translated while stylized to main interpretation locating. 10. *倭妓而堂 *(inner chamber)* - implied to be part of main household or building's inner sanctums, translated for clear relation yet localized within text shorthand. These translations and interpretations were chosen to both accurately reflect the Han origin while contextualizing the reference nuances, respecting culture extending into English. In addition to these, any unclear elements can further trace to acting nouns based on context and tone feedback from derivative sentence structure, narration depth, or suggested intend supporting fidelity throughout process. For a so-called "plain" woman, it's just a matter of applying and reapplying layers of cosmetics to create an artificial façade of beauty. However, applying makeup to a naturally beautiful woman is a different challenge altogether. Overdoing it can overshadow her natural beauty. This presents an exceptionally rewarding challenge though, as a delicate touch can enhance the beauty further. It also offers the maidservants a rare opportunity to elevate their makeup skills to a higher level. The maidservants gather in a huddle, engaging in a fervent exchange of opinions. “How should we enhance this beauty without diminishing a single strand of it?” “It seems better to avoid any clumsiness. Should we minimize the colors?” “Let's accentuate the lips while toning down the nose.” “What about her eyes? Should they remain bold? They’re strikingly beautiful but might appear a bit sharp, don’t you think?” They continually debate whether to emphasize or deemphasize features. It sounds like an intense session of conspiring bandits' rather than a makeup session for the maidservants. Finally, the maidservants collectively turn their heads towards her, their eyes gleaming. The world often integrates with its surroundings, and a group melds into the prevailing atmosphere. Worried about the young prince's oblivion towards women, these servants match that sentiment. “Madame, please, close your eyes for now.” There’s a bit of underlying apprehension. But well, if told to close her eyes, she closes them. A short while later. “Wow, Madame, you're truly stunning.” “Indeed! Your beauty would make Xi Shi weep and Wang Zhaojun gnash her teeth in envy!” The maidservants engage in extravagant praise, their noses practically upturned in delight. Listening to such praise, Qing recalls the adorable disciples specializing in making guards at the entrance swoon with brightness, Lovey and LinSeol (愛香和 連譖). Hmm, it's mostly compliments, which is flattering, but feels a bit. But somehow, the self-assurance of the maidens rises, and they bring forth a large silver mirror. With practiced ease, one maid holds the reflective surface until—ta-da!—they step aside. And then, the stranger in the mirror. The lightly applied pigments simply add a healthy hue to the previously pale complexion, making the naturally blush-toned cheeks appear shyly excited. The previously stubborn and sharp eyes softened, transforming into a gentle tenderness. Combined with newly drawn eyebrows, her eyes impart a sort of melancholic grace suggesting a gentle, sorrowful beauty—even stirring a protective instinct to embrace. Yet her lips are painted in vivid red, giving an alluring charm limited to the lower half of her face. She indeed looks beautiful. In a way that’s continually enchanting, repeatedly thrilling, always fresh. Today even feels newer, more exciting, with an irresistible addictive quality. The real problem is, this person is me. What’s the use of me being beautiful? It should be that you're beautiful... Gazing into the mirror, Qing finds herself met with intense, hopeful, and dazzled expressions from those watching her closely. With a deep, internal sigh, Qing reflects. Although not thrilled, it seems she must respond to the maidservants' enjoyment. In a somewhat shaky voice, Qing asked. “Is this really... me?” Though Qing’s acting skills shine when facing adversaries, the awkward, stiff tone subtly conveyed wariness at her unfamiliar appearance. It's an oft-repeated line in her hometown, yet in the untapped depths of Zhongyuan's burgeoning pop culture, it ranks among the highest praise. This prompts the maidservants to stamp their feet soundlessly, some clenching fists, others waving arms in joyful fulfillment. Hmm, as long as you’re all happy... --- Zaiyu displayed no reaction. Seemed almost like a corpse...but that can't be. “Excuse me?” “Uh, ahem.” Finally, focus returned to the vacant eyes of Zaiyu. Qing chuckled, breaking into a laugh inconsistent with her pristine, gentle makeup. “Is it the local layabout Zaiyu in front of me, or His Highness himself?” “Ahem, just Zaiyu it shall be.” “Then Zaiyu, Happy New Year. Now, hand over the envelope.” Seeing Qing brazenly extend her hand, Zaiyu looks incredulous. “Do you demand New Year's money from friends?” “Seems you’re not quite in the groove yet; that’s not the tone. And, we both know it’s prepared, so hand it over peacefully, and no blood need be shed.” “Hm.” Of course, it was prepared. The New Year's solace wasn’t to be approached empty-handed, after all. To strip the manor of its dignity? But when faced with such a bold request, a reluctance arises to simply give it freely. Qing had a knack for being infuriatingly charming. “Anyway, how have you been?” R1o1RUY1V2dWdFByellBWDZwUWJGVW5HdHAzQmlqbmRrMEEzcGpLYUlUTkhGM3hhSWltZmkrOUZPT21CQVJJbw “For someone inquiring about well-being, you haven’t contacted once. If not summoned, would you have come?” “Well, it’s not as though I could openly knock on the manor’s door, nor quietly leap over the walls at night, right? If I were residing at the Tang Clan, maybe the aloof Zaiyu would have come.” Such brazen lack of shame, mentioning what was long forgotten. At least no false claims regarding foresight driven by personal compulsions. After exchanging brief pleasantries— Suddenly, Zaiyu’s expression turned serious. “Listen, try not to be too shocked by this.” “Huh? What is it?” As Zaiyu hesitated, as if pondering something challenging to express. Without pressure or prompting, Qing waited quietly, allowing Zaiyu to finally exhale deeply and speak. --- **Terms Not In the Initial List:** 1. **서시 (Xi Shi)** - One of the renowned Four Beauties of ancient China, admired for her beauty. She is often used in comparisons for exceptional beauty. Retained as "Xi Shi" for cultural significance. 2. **항아 (Wang Zhaojun)** - Another of the Four Beauties, known for her legendary charm. Kept the name for context and historical reference. 3. **吏馳苑 (LinSeol - 愛香和 連譖)** - Figurative examples or characters associated with the setting, potentially local dialect or cultural play, used for creative illustrative personification here. 4. **자유 (Zaiyu)**, gender-unspecified based on this text but implied as male for customary connotations or cultural predictions, presumed as such. 5. **거울 (Mirror)** - A ceremonial object or offering for alignment with traditional customs. Translated literally as "mirror" within an anticipatory interaction context. 6. **큰 은경 (large silver mirror)** - Explicitly mentioned "large" for cultural gravitas. These translations were approached by reflecting the cultural intricacies of phrases, dialogue, and common historical references, retaining original names and terms whenever possible to maintain contextual depth and narrative accuracy. Any ambiguities may require deliberation during broader literature connections. "It will soon be announced, but Princess Yeon Sul is set to form an alliance. It seems a new chieftain has emerged among the Jurchen barbarians; his name might be Noihapjeok? Their power appears formidable." The statement about the princess forming an alliance is a euphemism for being married off to the barbarians. In truth, while it sounds like marriage, it serves as a tribute or hostage sent to troublesome or uncontrollable barbarians. It implies, "We will take care of you, so don't entertain any rebellious thoughts and behave." Essentially, she's being sold off. Upon hearing this, Qing utters a thoughtful, "Hmm." A hint of sympathy mixes in Zaiyu's expression. However, Qing's "Hmm" was merely a sound of reluctance, unsure of what to say. What's this? The fake Yeon Sul is getting married off. Why should I be shocked by this? --- **Terms Not In the Initial List:** 1. **여진 (Jurchen)** - Refers to the historical Jurchen people, northeastern Asian group known from historical texts, often labeled as "barbarians" in context. 2. **노이합적 (Noihapjeok)** - Presumably a name or title for the new leader among the Jurchen, retained for proper naming. These translations aim to maintain the complexity and cultural context of discussions involving historical references and euphemisms without adjusting names or titles for consistency. Given the narrative structure focusing on cultural and interpersonal realizations, these expressions help provide clarity while preserving interaction fidelity.