769 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

The old minister's warning was fervent, filled with anger and determination. The Crown Prince wore a decidedly sour expression. "Hmm, well. It's not that simple..." "Your Highness, this is a criminal daring to mock the celestial dynasty! Why are you hesitating to immediately impose the harshest punishment?" "It's just, hmm, well, since you'll find out sooner or later, I might as well tell you now. Heavenly Sword Flower is going to be... kahem, she's to be my consort—" The expression of the old minister, Beom Yak-gong, became quite serious. "Your Highness, a woman's beauty is fleeting. Though dazzled by that fraudulent display of beauty, know that time flies like an arrow and even the most beautiful flower withers with the passage of time. I dare say, if you only admire a woman's appearance—" "Admiration, you say! What nonsense!" The Crown Prince shouted and started rubbing his arms, shivering in disgust. "Don't speak such nonsense!" Seeing the Crown Prince's loud objection, Beom Yak-gong's expression was equally displeased. After all, didn't he himself say he would take her as his consort, then why is he getting upset? "Then why speak of the Crown Princess?" "Ahem, ahem. His Majesty has concerns over the rash actions of rough vagabonds, claiming to be of the martial world. Yet, instead of wielding the sword, he wishes to embrace them with virtue and love, showing mercy by inviting the most famous woman of the martial world as the Crown Princess, to demonstrate that the love of heaven embraces all under it." It sounds nice, like the royal family extending a hand of reconciliation to the martial world. However, among the government officials, there is no one who doesn't know about the emperor's dislike for the martial world. This is because anyone too naive or without connections to be unaware has already disappeared. Especially for Beom Yak-gong, who knows that palace figures aren't allowed to train in martial arts, it was immediately clear what this meant. To seize the greatest genius of the martial world. "Ah. However, how could you take someone falsely claiming to be of noble blood as the Crown Princess? When you ascend to the heavens, having such a woman as the nation's mother, what will happen if she, an audacious woman who already claims ancestral ties, gains power?" To ascend to the heavens means for the Crown Prince to succeed the emperor. The term used for kings is succession or coronation, but ascending to the heavens is exclusive to the Crown Prince. "I’ve sent people to gather evidence of her false claims, but the findings were insubstantial. Hmm. Well, we have many virtuous women in the palace..." Virtuous women. Among the foreign women given to the emperor for political alliances, there are not a few who age and die without ever seeing the emperor's face. The plan was to have Heavenly Sword Flower wed him and then be tucked away forever in some secluded palace. Beom Yak-gong stroked his beard in deep thought, unable to hide his anxiety over the prospect of an imposter taking the seat of Crown Princess. Finally, Beom Yak-gong spoke. "Then, I will gather evidence of her impersonation. If we have clear proof, we can charge her with that heinous crime." Yet, the Crown Prince's demeanor remained lukewarm. "No, His Majesty has said he will soon summon Heavenly Sword Flower, so even if evidence comes to light, postponing the wedding is unlikely... It's enough to keep her hidden away..." "Your Highness, she is a traitor who mocked the celestial dynasty." "She'll tire herself out finding a place in a secluded palace; no need to spill blood..." "Your Highness, this is when you must show the majesty of the heavens by remaining firm in your actions. Do not let personal feelings hold you." The Crown Prince replied with a displeased look. "If definitive evidence is found, and if the Regency Council agrees, then make the effort." ---- "Have you been well, my lady?" It had been a while since Wei Basun had shown his face. Qing warmly greeted him, asking if he would like to come in for some tea. However, Wei Basun shook his head. "No, the time has come." "Time? Oh, could it be?" "Yes. It is time for you to meet the Emperor." "Oh, has the schedule finally been set?" At last! It had been a long wait. They had promised a reward from the Emperor but had left her languishing in the palace with no word. Of course, Qing had enjoyed better facilities, treatment, and food than any guest chamber she had visited before, but the facilities and treatment matched those at the highest guest chambers at Seol's Commerce Guild's top establishments. Hmm, come to think of it, those guild guest rooms are truly remarkable, comparable to even the Forbidden City. Qing eagerly inquired about the arrangements. "So, when shall I meet him?" Wei Basun smiled wryly and replied. "Right now. Let's go." "What?" "This is how palace affairs usually work. His Majesty's state duties are demanding, so it's uncertain when he can give time again." The reasoning sounded plausible. But in truth, it was the method the Forbidden City used for dealing with envoys. Indefinite waiting followed by sudden summoning. Providing only basic formalities on their way, fortunately without complex procedures expected from visitors. Thus, heading to the very heart of the Forbidden City, the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The Hall of Supreme Harmony was the center of the Forbidden City, where the affairs of the Central Plains were managed. It was also the largest single structure in Zhongyuan. Twenty zhang wide on the sides and eleven zhang across the width—a massive building. If anyone from Qing's hometown listened, they could immediately understand the exact size due to a scientific and economical unit system unique to their culture: A dedicated space of seven hundred and twenty pyeong! And standing eleven zhang high. A height comparable to a twelve-story residential building from back home, even surpassing the city's walls, making it the tallest building in the Forbidden City. Even more impressively, this colossal palace was not standing directly on the ground but was elevated atop a three-tiered marble platform, each tier three zhang high. This three-storied foundation is a symbol of authority reserved exclusively for the emperor's buildings in Zhongyuan. It was as if a palace larger than the towering fortress walls had settled there. How insignificant must a single person appear standing before this monumental, miraculous structure! Especially to the primitive inhabitants of ancient prehistoric civilizations, who had yet to develop electronic telecommunications. So, when the multitude of people and nomads from beyond the border beheld the vast plaza of the Hall of Supreme Harmony beyond the Grand Gate, gazing at this magnificent view? They would naturally understand the immense authority of the Son of Heaven, from the bloodline bestowed by heaven. Overwhelming! The soul-crushing majesty of the celestial dynasty. Thus, when Qing crossed the Grand Gate and faced the wonder of the world's largest palace and its massive presence, her feelings were: Wow! Is that actual gold on the roof? How much gold is that exactly? Qing is not overwhelmed by mere architecture. After all, Qing is not a primitive person, and she could easily see massive structures in her homeland. So, it felt like just another tourist attraction. Admiring the glimmering golden tiles (not actually gold), Qing calculated how much gold they might claim it to be, causing Wei Basun to grin proudly. In appearance, her reaction was no different from someone who was truly awed. Then, Wei Basun loudly announced, "The young hero, Ximen Qing, ascends the heavenly steps at the emperor's command! You must offer your gratitude for the heavenly grace!" “Long live! Long live! Long live forever! Long live! Long live! Long live forever! Long live! Long live! Long live forever!” As instructed earlier, repeating the phrase "Long live" three times, the music of Zhongyuan began to play as if on cue. Musicians in splendid costumes sweated profusely as they played flutes on either side, while others struck drums and long-hanging metal objects to add to the sound from above. It was a grand, sweat-laden welcoming ceremony held in the sun-scorched plaza of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, without a single tree or blade of grass in sight. Following this, Qing stepped onto the left stone path among the three straight pathways leading to the Hall of Supreme Harmony. In the Forbidden City, the paths one may use are delineated by their status. The central jade path, set with jade, is a passage reserved exclusively for the emperor himself, the path on the right is for the heavenly bloodline and their consorts. And everyone else must use the left path. No wonder it was so worn down. On either side of the stone path, imperial guards dressed in splendid golden armor holding crescent moon blades stood without a twitch, exhibiting an almost acrobatic level of discipline. Though the heat was inescapable, their chins dripped with sweat, falling steadily. Droplets probably entered their eyes as well, yet they did not blink, demonstrating their elite status. Upon finally reaching the high stairs before the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Wei Basun shouted again, "Young hero Ximen Qing, offer your respects to the celestial dynasty!" "Young hero Ximen Qing offers respects to the celestial dynasty!" She bowed toward the Hall of Supreme Harmony from the foot of the stairs. Then ascended the first tier, bowing once more. Climbing the second tier and finally offering a last bow before the third. It was only after three total bows that one could stand before the Hall of Supreme Harmony. And by palace protocol, from this point on, one must bow their head deeply, only looking at their own feet as they step forward. Well, how elaborate. But such measures were how the powerful elevated their authority. This practice was not unique to the East; in all civilized domains, even to gaze upon a noble was something requiring permission. Qing gingerly looked at her feet beneath the delicate veil, stepping forward carefully. The plush carpet underfoot was undoubtedly of the highest quality. Fortunately, golden lines were stitched across the carpet, clearly marking where to stop, so Qing halted accordingly and knelt. Although only Wei Basun and a few guards were clearly within the range of Qing's awareness through Spatial Perception, the presence of others, though vague, was also sensed by her. In this infinitely expansive and airy hall teeming with life, how many people were present? Beyond, another flight of high steps led up where the emperor and his throne were stationed as a grand unit. Finally, it dawned on her that she was truly before the emperor of Zhongyuan. Honestly, she had lived a charmed life until now. Even in the palace, surrounded by three devoted acolytes offering nothing but luxury, Qing had not even had to pretend to be a seriously injured patient, something she had forgotten about entirely. What sort of person was the emperor? A man with a fanatical hatred intent on destroying the martial world. He was ruthless enough to kill his own sibling for that pursuit. When his sibling rebelled to save their life, he determined to use any means necessary, summoning even demonic flames, regardless of the suffering imposed on thousands. A ruler so ruthless and cowardly, seemingly uncaring of the people, as vividly noted amidst the assassin chaos–a power incarnate who cared solely for himself. Is he a properly ruling monarch, though? In a country where nobody trusts the officials, what kind of role does the head of government ultimately play? “Young hero Ximen Qing, you may raise your head.” Qing swallowed hard. Qing had encountered countless evildoers. Every time the number of the dead and those suffering grew, the growing numerical weight of the blood-red tally. Thus, karma is red. The spilled blood, and the tears shed in pain, are red. So, what would the emperor's karma look like? If he were a villain like none other before—would I— Hmm? Does it even matter to me? Suddenly, Qing felt a lightness of heart. So what if the emperor's a villain? What does it matter to me, really? Qing wasn't someone possessing the heroism of Jing Ke, who attempted to assassinate the First Emperor for the world's sake. Sure, based on the Crown Prince's condition, it seemed he might make a good emperor, but what connection did that have with her? She was only responsible for protecting herself, her friends, and those she held dear. Slaying villains was merely a pastime. While it felt satisfying when a bad person died, dedicating her life to that pursuit? That'd be a massacre waiting to happen, not just one person dying alone. With that realization, Qing relaxed. When thinking about it, really, was there ever a need for such trouble? She was simply curious. Curious about the grandeur of the evil karma one might possess. Would the numbers stretch endlessly from wall to wall, or perhaps end in a succession of nines followed by a limit? Then Qing slowly raised her head. Seven steps symbolizing the Son of Heaven. Seated alone atop a throne large enough for three men to sit comfortably was a lone middle-aged man, whose solitude made him appear almost pitiful. Above his head— Qing's eyes widened in astonishment. A number she never expected to see. Did she see it wrong? She blinked and rubbed her eyes, but the number persisted. Above the emperor's head. In numerals not yet used in Zhongyuan. 「0」