776 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

The Emperor was astonished. Extremely astonished. It wasn't because the identity of the Heavenly Sword Flower(天華劍) was something beyond imagination, shocking enough to make him raise his hands awkwardly as if clapping with amusement. At the root, it wasn't an improbable, bewildering joke one could hardly utter informally even as a jest. But the vivid sound still echoed in the Emperor's ears. Across both Orient and Occident, there's no word globally that means a parent who has lost a child. A man who loses his wife is called a widower(鰥홀아비 환). A woman who loses her husband, a widow; a child who loses parents is an orphan. But there's no term for a parent who has lost a child. Because it's such an indescribably tragic reality, people thought calling a parent who lost a child with such a term wasn't humane. That's why, to express such sorrow indirectly, there’s a phrase, ‘断腸’, meaning gut-wrenching sorrow. In the past, a sailor, wishing to raise a baby monkey he had caught, took it onboard. Observing this scene, the mother monkey wailed and chased the ship desperately. Startled, the sailor tried to return the baby but couldn't land the ship due to the treacherous terrain of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. It was only at the narrow opening toward Sichuan that they could return the baby. Yet, upon receiving her child, the mother monkey immediately perished, and upon cutting her open, her gut was found torn to shreds. Thus, the sorrow of a mother who has lost a child was akin to such gut-wrenching grief, and likewise, the horrifying wail of the childless mother was coined '断腸'. The Emperor had heard such a sound. Even the empire's renowned healers shook their heads and recommended a peaceful poison, as there was nothing odd about his daughter being unable to regain consciousness, teetering on the edge of death, while the empress's cry was that gut-wrenching sound of a heart being shattered beyond repair. Had the monks from the Heavenly Maiden Sect not intervened, perhaps the empress too might have followed them into oblivion. Fortunately, heaven smiled upon them and Yeon Sul survived, allowing the Empress to cease her tears. Yet perhaps the sorrow had been too immense. The Empress began showing signs of madness. Declaring that Yeon Sul wasn't herself and distancing from her, she grew hale towards the monks of the Heavenly Maiden Sect, clamorously demanding their heads. And then suddenly, she demanded to offer prayers, thinking perhaps fresh air might help her recover, leading to permission for her to step outside the palace walls. Though originally, as Empress, she shouldn't have ventured outside the palace frivolously. Perhaps it was the mystical aura of Shaolin that replenished her spirit because she regained her previous clarity. But now, again? “Empress, that is…” The Emperor hesitated and couldn’t continue his words, sealing his lips. However, the Empress seemed to have an agenda. “The Heavenly Sword Flower is our Yeon Sul. A mother can recognize her child at first glance. Whether others could discern or not, having borne and raised her, I am her mother.” Though there was doubt about whether it was Lady Deokseong who raised her, the Emperor remained tight-lipped. Arguing against someone in a fit of madness wasn’t something he could fathom; there’d only be further aggravation questioning its logic. What use would logical rebuttals be in the face of madness? The Empress’s eyes turned sharp and spiteful, more glaring than anything else. “Of course, Your Majesty wouldn't understand. Because you always disfavored her! That child, timid and afraid even as she stood before you, fragile like a trapped animal facing the predator. Instead of showing compassion, Your Majesty yelled at and chastised her! Isn’t that why you couldn’t recognize an impostor living right in front of you? Is it not?" “……” The Emperor silently bore the Empress’s wrath. “That’s why I refrained from telling Your Majesty. Any explanation would fall on deaf ears, and even if understood, it wouldn’t bring any good to Yeon Sul. It was better for me to go away, living whatever life I pleased outside." The Empress vented her fiery words for quite some time before catching her breath, still fuming. Having received her passionate words, the Emperor finally spoke quietly again. “Haah. Let me indeed verify if Ximen Qing’s true identity is Yeon Sul as you say, Empress.” “With a child that lacks memories post-illness, how do you intend to do that? If your method involves torturing those Heavenly Maiden Sects’ devilry monks into confession, just know, they'd rather die than admit to something like that. Isn’t that right, Your Majesty?” “No, Empress, you know the method. If the Heavenly Sword Flower claims amnesia, yet intermittently recalls life as Yeon Sul, no, I misspoke.” The Emperor gestured dismissively. “Let us proceed this way. The Empress should confirm the truth directly with your own eyes to recognize…” ---- “How is your health, Ma’am? Has the prescribed medicine shown any improvement?” Met with this question, Qing swallowed hard. She’d swallowed down the wonder-medicine yet hesitated to claim any improvement, as doing so would only lead to the horrid reality of the upcoming marriage, a devastating collapse of dignity. Stuck between conscience and dignity, finding no foothold. “Well, it’s still a bit…” “Is that so? Then, in order to conduct a thorough examination, we may need to proceed with blood sampling. Ma’am, would you like to do it yourself?” “Um, is blood sampling truly necessary?” “As I must report to His Majesty, it must be clear whether the condition has improved or not. Even if unsure, reporting the process of determining through blood sampling will suffice.” At this, Qing’s eyes rolled around. Yet no matter how they might roll, there wasn’t substantial justification to refuse. And anyway, rather than making a scene, providing blood and claiming a martial arts peculiarity would serve better. Claiming inability to provide blood would only raise suspicion; perhaps it was time to exude confidence. “I’ll do it myself.” Receiving a small jade vial and a long needle through the mosquito net, Qing considered the action. Thanks to her robust physique, regardless of asking for help, it would only serve to wear out the elderly. And moments later, Qing extended the jade vial filled with her blood across the bed’s edge. "It's just that the issue we're dealing with involves vitality and internal injuries, so examining the blood might not reveal much. Energy channels and blood vessels, though related, are different entities..." Qing didn't forget to lay the groundwork. If the blood test came back with 'healthy' results, she could stubbornly claim it was an internal injury, not a disease, thus forming the foundation for her argument. "As I mentioned, even an old physician must show dedication in his work to remain attached to the royal court continuously. Is the empress still taking the decoction? At least it doesn't possess any toxic properties, so it's akin to a safe, tonic prescription. Truly, it's a relief, isn't it?" Being a renowned physician capable of diagnosing with just a pulse, he likely recognized quickly that the prescribed medicine was more of a tonic than a mere decoction. "Haha... Indeed. Taking the wrong medicine could be catastrophic, but it's a tremendous relief." "Hmm. So it seems. I shall brew it twice over and secretly pass half to Lady Deokseong. Until then, take care." Had he noticed or not? Either way, it was of no consequence. If he had noticed, it meant the palace physician was willing to turn a blind eye, and if not, then he was simply making an effort to provide the medicine to his patient as a dutiful practitioner would. As the palace physician withdrew, another face burst energetically into the room—Gabiya. "Ma'am!" "Uh, I'm a bit tired today..." Qing showed reluctance. While she had a rough understanding of back massage techniques, Gabiya, as an instructional aid, was somewhat lacking when attempting more advanced levels. With just a slight rub, she flailed and trembled within no time, making a commotion as if unsure how to handle herself. Moreover, back massage techniques are always about massages, not touching inappropriate areas. Therefore, it was no longer a practical help for Qing's practice. However, for Gabiya, it was immensely aiding her in mastering Aegyeong Yoga. Even the head of the Heavenly Maiden Sect mentioned how Gabiya's rapid mastery was astonishing. So, Gabiya incessantly begged for training sessions in massage techniques. Even though she couldn't endure it and brought durable cloth to tie her arms and legs to the mosquito net’s pillar at the bed's corner. Gabiya, you're really hopeless... Perhaps, for further honing of skills, someone less sensitive would be needed. Hmm, was Gyunyeong quite numb? He always appeared expressionless, and however long he could endure it, witnessing that slight twist of his calm face would be quite something- "But that's not it at all. Hehe, Ma'am, you mentioned wanting to see a Heavenly Maiden Sect's event before, didn't you?" Gabiya interrupted Qing's thoughts. It was about Qing's previous inquiry regarding attending a Heavenly Maiden Sect’s event. What embarrassing thoughts am I having now? Startled, Qing quickly dispelled the inappropriate thoughts and turned her focus toward the Heavenly Maiden Sect event. It seems whenever Gabiya attended a Heavenly Maiden Sect event, her karma fluctuated, sometimes decreasing. What kind of event could cultivate good karma like this, was it some volunteer work or charitable act, something within the palace bounds or perhaps due to the unusually alluring nature of Aegyeong Yoga...? Her curiosity piqued Qing further. "Oh, really?" "Yes. You're scheduled to attend the next event. And, hehe, Ma'am, there’s more to it." Gabiya delivered a suspicious smile. What news could possibly slow her reveal…? "This time, Prince is also attending. Hehe, Ma'am, might our revered leader’s secret seduction technique pique your interest? To capture his heart decisively!" Gabiya playfully grasped her head and sat down abruptly. Qing was startled. Oh, no! My reflexive instinct, I must’ve accidentally thrown a punch. "That's enough. Hmm. Let's postpone attending till later." There's no good reason to bump into the Prince. ZGVPdDc2cnQxMFU0bVlrbnZITXlVcVBoOGFYbWZQRVBidWJQZFZpakt5OVU5SU9UZ0pZWm5TL0NXcFc3c1lmbQ Judging by how things have been progressing, it seemed as if the Prince was infatuated with Yeon Sul as well. "Even if you say so, your name is already on the guest list for the event curated by the court..." "What? Who on earth put my name there without my consent? I only said I was curious, not that I desperately wanted to participate!" Hearing this, Gabiya jumped upright in surprise. "No, no! It's a misunderstanding. How dare I peddle your honorable name, Ma'am. The head of the sect stated that your name was already included." So, Qing's name had been added to the list long before. Gabiya used this to flaunt her involvement to Qing, claiming that she had facilitated Qing’s opportunity to observe the event, conveniently attempting to claim credit where due. "This is about slyly trying to entrap someone." "I pledge my loyalty solely to you, Ma'am. Please understand my sincere intentions." Gabiya, looking greatly deflated, sneaked cautious glances, attempting to plea. She feigned fatal charm, yet her nature was entirely cunning and relentless in her audacious suggestion. However, well, she wasn’t exactly a superior. Without Gabiya, joking aside, she would've died of boredom, making her somewhat of a lifesaver? "Hmm. So when-" "Ma'am!" Interrupting Qing, another court lady came bustling in. The amazing spectacle of her two close confidantes storming into their master's room as casually as a home’s living room. An act that'd surely invite reprimand if seen by others, though Haeryu had started this long ago, Gabiya merely began following suit after observing her. "Ma'am, have you heard? You’re required at the mysterious meeting of the foreign barbarians tomorrow! Good heavens, how can it be like this, those cursed witches, ha, there's one here too!" "Ma'am, sniffle, I'm always being chastised. I… I only wished to help you." "Hey, what? Faking tears now?" "Sniff, You're too harsh, really." Well, these two always bicker as usual. Though it appeared as if Gabiya was the one getting beaten up while Haeryu received unwavering support from Lady Deokseong. Anyway. Qing eventually learned the date of participation. Still, it was perplexing why the event, claiming to be a royal gathering, was only communicated a day in advance through the court ladies.