876 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

Qing tilted her head slightly. For some reason, the expression of freedom was subtle. There was something vaguely lowered in her eyes, somewhat moist and cheesy, and her lips were pitiably drawn tight as if barely holding onto the edges. What is this expression meant to convey? Freedom cleared her throat with a meaningful cough. “Do not be too discouraged. It is the way of our country, and the fate of those born of heavenly blood is cruel.” “Huh.” “Though one may call a nobleking a king, what title is as hollow as this? Once the crown prince is established, other royal descendants are merely threats to the throne. Thus, giving them the ornament of a nobleking and exiling them to distant places is all there is to it.” Freedom offered a bitter smile. “Would it be any different for a princess? When barbarians cause disorder, the nation becomes chaotic, and much blood is shed. It's more advantageous to send one person to quell this. It's not a personal decision by the Son of Heaven out of animosity towards you.” It was a consolation, saying that your father did not despise and sell you off to the barbarians. After all, princesses are meant for such purposes, and it wasn’t that you did anything wrong to deserve this or that you were particularly disliked. With that, Qing tilted her head even more. For Qing was not in need of consolation, what did this mean? What’s the implication here? “And truly, the life of a bonder princess isn't all that bad. Do you think those barbarians would dare mistreat the princess of the Heavenly Empire? Just as a nobleking is a master in the royal household, the bonder princesses too become masters there, and their life is no different from living in the palace, perhaps even better than being cooped up in the stifling Forbidden City.” The people from Qing’s homeland might argue how being handed over in a loveless political marriage, leaving behind the most advanced civilization, to marry into a barbarian tribe, could not be seen as terrible. Yet, in this primitive ancient Zhongyuan, it’s become more common for people to marry someone of their choice. It’s often the case where bride and groom don’t see each other’s faces before marriage. Typically, men take concubines because their main wife is chosen by their family, while a woman who truly captures their heart is taken as a secondary or a concubine. Not that living in the Forbidden City is some sweet and cozy home filled with warmth and comfort for the princesses; on the contrary, it’s often not. So, Qing nodded in agreement. Upon thinking it over, this might actually be a better situation for the fake Yeon Sul. The only concern she had was: “Uh, but is it okay to send a fake to the barbarians? They might get angry if they find out.” “Would there be anything for them to find out? If the Heavenly Empire says she’s a princess, then she is a princess.” In reality, it doesn’t matter to send a fake. It happened often that an openly fake princess was sent. First. Summon a palace maid randomly. Second. Adopt her, then grant her the title of the Daughter of Heaven, making her a princess. Third. Sell her off to the barbarians, end of story! The most famous woman sent off in this manner, freshly transformed into a princess overnight, was Wang Zhaojun. Renowned as one of the Four Beauties from time immemorial to the present, among all the women, among the Four Kings of Beauty, was Wang Zhaojun. The process is equally remarkable. At the time, the Son of Heaven, Emperor Yuan, was preparing a marriage alliance to pacify the violent Xiongnu barbarians. Typically, a fake princess was chosen among the court maids, palace maids. However, a palace maid was considered a potential woman for the Son of Heaven. So the thought arose, even if it’s for marriage alliance, a palace maid seemed too precious to send to these barbarians. Thus, he pondered over who among the maids would be the least missed or regretted if sent, and clapped his hands with realization. Yes, if sending a maid to the barbarians anyway, send the least attractive one! So he commanded portraits of the maids to be brought forth. But then? The painter, taking extra money from the maids, made slight enhancements to their portraits. Depending on the amount of bribe paid, the portrait became more beautiful, and paying even more could make others’ portraits look less attractive. Thus, reviewing these slightly modified portraits, naturally, the emperor picked who seemed the least beautiful. And so, notification was sent to the maid's family, initiating the lengthy process of adding her to the royal genealogy, leading to the first and last meeting between the emperor and his new daughter. Wang Zhaojun. A super, super, super beauty. According to records, the emperor was so captivated by Wang Zhaojun’s beauty that he couldn't take his eyes off her, nearly losing his senses. But there was no reversing the decision. Infuriated, the emperor commanded the immediate capture and punishment of the painter responsible for the excessively enhanced portraits. The painter met a very, very gruesome end due to the excessive modifications. Meanwhile, the Xiongnu barbarian chieftain, Huhanxie, held no expectations for the princess promised by Zhongyuan. He thought, though he had to treat her as a queen, he hoped she was at least decent in appearance. But what’s the state of his new queen? Having beheld the beauty of his new queen, Wang Zhaojun, chieftain Huhanxie solemnly declared. As of today, I retract the alliance with Zhongyuan. Zhongyuan and Xiongnu are united as one. Loyalty! Long live His Majesty! So great was the gratitude, the Xiongnu never invaded Zhongyuan again, acting as a loyal tributary nation. Though Wang Zhaojun faced a slight issue, (Hu Su Chui System, where a son inherits his father’s wives, taking them as his wife after the father’s death), when her husband died, she ended up marrying his son. Fortunately, it wasn’t her own son, allowing her to live happily ever after. Moreover, Wang Zhaojun generously spread Zhongyuan’s advanced technologies, earning great reverence as Mother of the Xiongnu. A new Xiongnu law was even established in her honor, exempting biological mothers when a son inherits his father’s women. “So, as you can see from Wang Zhaojun’s story, becoming a bonder princess isn’t necessarily bad for the princess.” Qing’s head tilted further, nearly to the point it looked like she was standing sideways. What’s this? Why does this voice drip with oil, pretending to be kind? --- New Terms: 1. **Nobleking (친왕)** - Translated to signify a royal title that seems grand but is essentially meaningless, reflecting the hollowness of the status for royalty other than the crown prince. Alternately could be translated simply as "King's Kin." 2. **Bonder Princess (화친공주)** - This term was translated as "bonder princess" to preserve the notion of being part of an alliance or bond through marriage, often used as political pawns in historical contexts. 3. **Wang Zhaojun (왕소군)** - A famous historical figure, one of the Four Beauties of ancient China, known for her story involving political marriage alliance. 4. **Xiongnu (흉노)** - This term refers to the nomadic peoples often referred to as "barbarians" in ancient Chinese texts and was preserved in its Chinese pronunciation due to historical significance. Chinese Characters Adjustments: - **Wang Zhaojun (王昭君)** - The historical character is kept as "Wang Zhaojun" to reflect historical context. - **Huhanxie (胡漢夜)** - Translated for the name of the Xiongnu chieftain to maintain historical authenticity. In terms of content and intent, the translation preserved the original narrative's essence, illustrating the political nuances and interpersonal dialogues with the names and historical figures maintained for authenticity. The narrative involves humor and sarcasm intertwined with historical facts about political marriages, which was captured in the translated text to preserve the voice of the characters and the context provided by the narrative. Qing decided to let it go for now. Perhaps it might indeed be better for the fake Yeon Sul princess to go for the political alliance, considering how uneasy it must have been to live in the palace as someone fake. Not having met her, Qing couldn't say if she was living comfortably in the Forbidden City, indulging herself, or if she spent sleepless nights due to mental anguish. Either way, as a princess, she should accept the fate of a princess. Just that much? After all, she's a stranger. There's no reason for me to care, is there? "Hmm, well then, fine." "What Yue means, ahem, is that she hopes you weren't too hurt." Above Qing's head, a bunch of question marks from her homeland appeared. What's this? The conclusion seems odd. Was I supposed to be hurt by something? Which part of this was supposed to wound my heart? It was then that Qing understood Freedom's expression. It was plainly pity—such a tender form of compassion! "Hold on. Why would I be hurt? Is this a moment where I’m supposed to feel miserable? Did I miss something?" "Er, even if the princess going for the alliance is a fake Yeon Sul, the emperor, um, doesn’t he think she’s real?" "Huh. No? The emperor is aware, you know?" Freedom’s face was something to behold. It was the picture of sudden stupidity. "What does that mean?" "The language." "It’s not the language that matters right now, what is this—" "Didn’t you hear the rumors? The young hero Ximen Qing visited the Forbidden City. That’s where it was found out." To Qing, the emperor was indeed a complex figure. Before visiting the Forbidden City, he was nothing but a wretched scumbag. Given his conduct, it’s clear that the emperor remains a ruthless, cold-blooded being devoid of human qualifications. Yet, despite his villainy, adhering to the views of ancient Zhongyuan, he proves to be quite a diligent ruler. Which is partly corroborated by the existence of the 'zero' brand on his forehead, adjudicating no ups or downs. Considering Princess Haryeon's words, it seems he was a father who truly loved his daughter but awkwardly expressed it, much like any stiff father might misplace his affection. An unacknowledged, lonely head of the household, perhaps a subtly dominated husband, a fatigued office worker… well, as an emperor, he would technically be a CEO or Chairman? Only, his 'company' was the entirety of Zhongyuan. Qing’s weakness was affection. If you just liked him, he would melt and open his heart right away, making even the wicked ones, such as the notorious Choi Ryang and the liabilities of Seol Ga-sang, simply acquaintances to him. Once Princess Haryeon mentioned, “Dad’s actually had it tough and he loves you,” the weal in Qing’s hostility softened accordingly. Moreover, judging from the emperor’s attitudes, it seemed spot-on. And one self within Qing couldn't regard herself as Yeon Sul, being the substantial thorn that was a body-snatching impostor, which played into her guilt, too. “So, what happened then? Surely, with her character, she wouldn’t have wished to send you—being amidst the despised martial arts realm no less.” “Well, it seems it wasn’t particularly for emotional reasons. It was more like, work is work, so clear it all out! Although, I do think having an emotional reason would have humanized him a bit more.” Freedom replied with a chilly, sarcastic laugh. “Ha, humanity? Are you speaking about your brother?” “Yet, there somehow seems to be some humanity, though? But why is your tone so solemn? Want to be friends or not? Should I address you formally? Greetings to Your Highness, Your Highness, long live a thousand years. May you have a very prosperous New Year!” Qing exaggeratedly prostrated herself. At this, Freedom coughed. “Ahem, um, it’s just become a habit. The more I use it, the more it sticks to my mouth.” “That’s because you’re not relaxed. Even among friends, maintain a bit of tension, don’t get too laid-back.” If Qing’s friends had heard this, they’d be utterly confounded. For supposedly being a friend, they’d wonder what tension was left when there’s so much shared lounging, eating, and even more dramatic deeds exposed. Nonetheless, Qing himself was a man of fair leniency. Between friends, things happen, doesn’t it? Isn’t it true that when you become real best friends, even flatulence becomes part of the deal? “Well, that’s how it turned out. Officially, I’m no longer Princess Yeon Sul. I’m Ximen Qing of the martial world.” “That’s, hmm, with his disposition, he surely wouldn’t have approved?” Qing winced slightly. In fact, Qing had struck a secret deal that couldn't be spoken to anyone, potentially aiming to become the Murim Alliance Leader within ten years to offer the righteous Murim to the royal family. Of course, it wasn’t about basking in luxury, but merely buying time since the martial world was on the verge of igniting instantly. Ten years was substantial after all. But it was not something that could be told to others. Instead, Qing said something he could: "Well, I received a post instead. Censor of the Twelve Prosecutors? It was as if I couldn’t return home without accepting it, so, it turned out that way." "Seemed like you couldn’t go home if you didn’t accept it…" "I’m telling you, it was really like that. It felt like I couldn’t go home without taking it, so what could I do with being a high-ranking official?" "No blame to you really. It’s just that, um, right, going home is necessary." Freedom offered a bright smile. People are inevitably transparent to their close ones; the Forbidden City was never truly home to a friend. "But then." Qing said, clapping twice together as he joined both wrists, performing a curious palm-slapping hand gesture. "What's that? Some marketplace gesture? I’ve never seen it during my covert investigations." Qing grinned with a mischievous smile. "Envelope, envelope open wide. Don’t you know? When you get New Year's greetings, you should hand over a red envelope. Aren't you going to wish me a prosperous New Year too? I mean, it’s not like I need New Year’s money or anything, considering how wealthy I am. It’s just that I’m accepting it specially for my friend’s blessings." --- New Terms: 1. **Murim Alliance Leader (무림맹주)** - This term reflects a position of high authority in the world of martial artists, overseeing the Murim Alliance. Could be translated simply as "Martial Arts Leader." 2. **Censor of the Twelve Prosecutors (십이도감찰어사)** - An ancient official post title, possibly involved in oversight or investigations, suggesting authority and surveillance functions. Chinese Characters Adjustments: - No need for character adjustments as the text didn't introduce new Chinese terms needing retention for historical or cultural context. In terms of translation, the narrative's humorous tone was preserved, reflecting the interactions and character dynamics seen throughout, retaining Qing's laid-back and somewhat mischievous demeanor. Qing’s secret dealing nature was kept opaque to maintain narrative integrity while adhering to the character's principles as seen in the source.