761 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

Above Gabia's head, a crimson digit read forty-seven. Qing nonchalantly averted her gaze. Hmm, isn't such a score surprisingly low for someone supposedly accused of being a wicked enchantress or malevolent witch? Had Gabia's misdeeds reached a hundred, the full mark for being beastly, Qing would not have treated her with any kindness. If Gabia were truly wicked, Qing might have immediately resorted to extracting her joints, hanging her upside down, and meticulously extracting all information from her—a horrific form of torture for those familiar with dislocation. What a pity... Of course, Gabia was unaware of Qing's sinister thoughts and merely tilted her head slightly in curiosity. Despite usually feigning lethality, the gesture was rather endearing, though fleeting. "…? Ah! Hoohoo, letting mosquitoes in would be dreadful, wouldn't it? However, knowing the Divine Maiden's sensitivity, wouldn't I have come prepared with sandalwood for Her Grace?" Gabia displayed the wooden box she held. Given that nothing within the Forbidden City's possession was less than exquisite, this box was particularly opulent. "Sandalwood?" "Sandalwood(伽羅) is the sap from the agarwood tree, the most expensive among incense products." The highest quality sandalwood is said to resemble polished black jade, smooth and lustrous, with not a single blemish. For that reason, its rareness is unmatched under the heavens, thus called Heavenly Treasure(天寶). In Buddhist scriptures, sandalwood is described as a divine tree, found in the Land of Bliss. enN1WnIzcFhHMVJuR0JvdkNPc013N3hPaDVtSjl4dXBLZE9hWnZHbUhzcWFXcDZQeTFBM0FCRDlJVU13RVJyWQ Named for its reminiscent fragrance, it is known as sandalwood. "A single chest of this is worth two yuanbao, making it more expensive than gold." To think, the value of two gold yuanbao for just enough to fill a bowl. And yet, sandalwood? A name that somehow suggests a lack of aroma. Nonetheless, if the intention is to ward off insects, why use such an exorbitant incense instead of regular mosquito repellent? After all, incense was originally created to fend off insects. Qing, having lived in Zhongyuan for several years, had become accustomed to burning incense in summer. However, the sight of high-grade incense always managed to capture her attention. The incense powder, as fine as pancake flour, was poured generously into a maze-shaped mold. Once pressed in with a brush, carefully lifting the mold revealed a long maze of incense powder within the burner. This single-stroke, longest-possible line filled every space perfectly. Once lit at the end, the structured incense powder burned slowly, releasing its fragrance. Watching it, Qing became increasingly curious about just how exquisite the scent might be. Finally, the natural aroma of what was claimed to be the heavenly sandalwood wafted into Qing's nose. "Oh. This is sandalwood? I thought…" "Oh, have you encountered it before?" "Whenever I visited a friend's house, this scent filled the air." "Huh? That couldn't be right." Whenever Qing visited the Seol Trading Company, this was the fragrance that always greeted her. Even though the Seol Trading Company was thriving, it was unlikely they would burn incense as expensive as two gold yuanbao per mere ounce. Of course, the Seol Trading Company could afford it. And even without the means, they possessed the determination to somehow procure the finest incense for the most important individuals in the world. Yet, Qing was unaware. So her only thought was: Hmm, are they trying to pull a fast one on me? Pretending it's something invaluable, claiming they are offering the most treasured incense. Still, Qing's sense of smell was nothing ordinary. She soon picked up on subtle differences. "But, sniff, sniff, is it slightly different? Perhaps a bit richer? Slightly, hmm, what is it? It seems somewhat sweeter..." Qing's sense of smell surpassed that of an ordinary human. If one were to compare, it would range between three to four times that of a normal person. For reference, a dog's sense of smell is up to ten thousand times that of a human, so unfortunately, Qing was still not on par with a canine. At Gabia's expression, however, her face lit up brightly. "Ah, of course! Lady, sandalwood is the finest among agarwood. So if you've smelled agarwood, it might seem similar. How could you have experienced such rare sandalwood?" "Is that so?" Yet, why does she talk like that? I have plenty of money too, you know? I could just buy a whole bunch and fill my room with it if I wanted. Of course, I'd rather order another dish than spend money like that. Burning money for incense is quite literally like burning money. But, the difference between those who choose not to drive expensive imports and those who can't afford them is vast. If someone remarks, "How could someone like you drive a foreign car?"— A remark from an old court maid suddenly came to mind. She lacks manners to serve her ladyship properly, and it does seem that way. Lacks quite a bit, actually. However, what does it matter? I was never a high-ranking lady. Burning expensive incense might warrant some show of ostentation. Even Jumsoon, who offered potatoes,— Spring potatoes are delightful, aren't they? Your home doesn't have these, does it? The sentiment remains despite the rude words. After all, just because it's nighttime, doesn't mean the intention of preparing the finest incense vanishes. "And, lady, hoohoo, hoohoohoo..." Suddenly, Gabia started letting out a markedly seductive laughter. What's the deal? She should speak up. Then, with a feigned seductive gesture, she licked her lips, pulling a jade bottle from her bosom and presenting it. "This is the renowned fragrance of Tianzhu." Gabia spoke with a confident expression, almost daring Qing, as if asking, "How much do you want this?" Qing responded. "Hmm. Really?" "Oh, my lady, it's the fragrance of Tianzhu itself, not some inferior product or fake circulating in Zhongyuan. It's genuine Tianzhu fragrance made by Tianzhu people using their secret techniques! You should be more thrilled." The term "fragrance" refers to oil used in the practice of Tui Na, a massage technique. Among these, the fragrance of Tianzhu is regarded as the most precious. This is because Tianzhu's massage culture, the application of this fragrant oil, is a remnant of a prehistoric civilization, tracing back a staggering six thousand years. In the language of Tianzhu, it is known as Ayurveda. In Qing's homeland, it is referred to as aromatherapy. It is even mentioned as a mystical healing method in Buddhist scriptures. According to these scriptures, the Buddha Shakyamuni was saved twice through this fragrant massage: once during an intestinal obstruction, and another time when a wound became infected, resulting in a severe fever and sepsis. Aside from these, numerous legends of Tianzhu speak of great emperors, generals, poets, and other illustrious figures who were healed using this massage therapy. However, the exploits of Tianzhu's notables are of little interest to anyone. Thus, as Gabia extolled the virtues of her massage, Qing merely mused about the peculiar names of Tianzhu. "The Divine Maiden wants to bestow upon you a massage embodying the essence of Tianzhu's six-thousand-year tradition." "Hmm. Thank you." "Oh, really, you have no idea how beneficial it is. Especially for women, let me tell you, it makes the skin as pure as jade, as clean as can be..." Gabia trailed off. Even if it's the best beauty treatment that makes the skin as immaculate as white jade, Qing's skin already maintained the highest standard a woman can possess. Her long fingers with their white, translucent skin were the epitome of beauty that pierced the hearts of Zhongyuan inhabitants. "But beyond that, it helps in reducing excess body fat and, uh, it's excellent for beauty treatments..." Gabia's voice gradually lost its confidence. "Even if you're already perfect, perhaps... enhancing it could be beneficial? The Divine Maiden insists on it not because she has to, but because she desires to." Qing chuckled slightly. What is this? Is this some new form of flattery? I'll award high points for creativity. Although her words are a bit rough and clumsy, she doesn’t seem like a bad person. "Since you've gone to the trouble of preparing, I suppose I should try it once. Oh, I prefer when they press firmly. A massage needs some pressure." "Oh, really, Lady, that's not a proper massage. Pressing and pulling so forcefully, that's just the uncivilized Tui Na of Zhongyuan, where brute force is all it takes. What I am offering is an authentic massage." Hmm. A good-hearted person, indeed? ---- Naturally, humans have an inherent tendency to evade their own faults. This was a well-documented psychological fact, thoroughly validated through numerous cases in Qing's homeland. For instance, consider a once-popular parental trend: members of the 'Natural Healing Parents Group.' Even when their child's condition worsened to the point of severe disability, they refused to administer medication. This was because, once they did, they'd have to acknowledge total responsibility for the child's state as their own fault. They would have to accept and admit the truth that their misguided beliefs and incompetence had irreversibly harmed their child. Without getting too extreme, one can see it in detestable bosses at the workplace or the commonplace nuisances around town. Despite being at fault, they raise their voices, concealing their mistakes. People inherently possess a cowardly nature that tries to dodge responsibility. When they suffer consequences, they blame the world, insisting it was not their doing, but that the world made them this way. Otherwise, they fault others, exclaiming that everyone else does it, so why single them out? However, just because one refuses to accept responsibility doesn't mean others will ignore it, leaving them looking like complete fools. In this continuum, the Crown Prince could neither concede nor afford to. To now admit that the Heavenly Sword Flower truly seemed to be Princess Yeon-seul? Then what does the Prince become? Unable to recognize his own sister and foolishly intending to make her his consort; an epitome of familial betrayal. Without parental consent (at least not visibly), Despite the opposition of countless ministers, Above all, proposing to Yeon-seul! A cold sweat burst across the prince's body, triggering an uncontrollable surge of energy from within, causing his body to convulse violently as his legs thrashed against the bedding. No! The Crown Prince leapt to his feet, wiping away the sudden cold sweat. Though uncertain by what insidious schemes Ximen Qing had ensnared both his mother and nursemaid, she could not deceive him as well. Yet, as his mother and nursemaid had already fallen for her tricks, he could not stay still. Someone with the discerning eye and the authority to prove the imposter's imposture was needed. Faces flashed through the Crown Prince's mind, but many were politically entangled or posed a risk. Thus came the following day. "Brother, are you asking me to hand over my maid right now?" A woman spoke, her face obscured by a veil, adorned in fine silk robes. In particular, a striking phoenix emblazoned across her luxurious garment. Notably, within the palace, only concubines and princesses were permitted to don attire featuring a phoenix. "Uh, I apologize. However, you understand the current situation, don't you? The amount of opposition from both young and senior ministers is overwhelming..." "So, you wish to demonstrate your intention by assigning my maid to that woman? Isn't it enough that Lady Deok-seong already resides in the private residence?" Seeing the prince scratch the back of his neck, in a gesture reminiscent of someone, nevertheless, "Ahem. There are circumstances at play. While I apologize, I know how much you cherish her like a sister." Ministers had laid themselves on the ground, staunchly opposing the notion of bringing a woman who had roamed the martial world into the Crown Prince's inner chambers. However, this was always an act stemming from loyalty and earnest devotion. Therefore, the Crown Prince could not simply step forward and shout, "I will do as I please, so kneel or lie down as you wish!" That would be an act of trampling on their loyalty. All the Crown Prince could do was continue to elevate the status of the Heavenly Sword Flower, signaling indirectly to the ministers that he had no intention of changing his mind. ...which was just an excuse. In truth, he simply wanted to bring in the maid who had grown up with Yeon-seul. That maid would surely detect the falsehoods of the imposter, and naturally, she would join in revealing the imposter’s true identity. But he couldn't state it outright, so the Crown Prince awkwardly continued to offer justifications. "But precisely because she's someone you are close to and cherish, I wish to bring her. And it wouldn’t be a bad opportunity for her either. The Heavenly Sword Flower is said to be a person of integrity and cheerfulness. And, after the situation resolves, I'll ensure she is returned to your service-" "That's fine." The reply was unexpectedly straightforward. The Crown Prince, who had been prepared to be kicked in the shin due to his former temper, was startled and couldn't help but ask again. "Oh? Are you really okay with this? Truly?" In response, the veiled woman, Princess Yeon-seul, spoke with a voice slightly singed by her distinctive intensity, yet with a gentle tone. "If it's truly your intention, brother, how could I be stingy about welcoming a new sister-in-law? Through Ryua, I might even become closer with her. Your Highness? Are you alright? You're having a facial spasm, a stroke, a cerebral event, perhaps? My, how concerning."