782 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

[Inheritance] You have consciously rejected being Yeon Sul and chosen the path of Ximen Qing in the martial world. Thus, as it shall continue, should there be a deviation from this path, you will be deemed a traitor. These were the final words of the Emperor. It was a cold declaration that you were no longer his daughter. Yet Qing felt a strange sense of relief. Who ever said she wanted to be Yeon Sul in the first place? In fact, it was rather convenient to officially not be. Had the Emperor embraced her with tears, calling her his dear daughter, the situation would have become far more uncomfortable and difficult to manage. Not that there wasn’t enough discomfort already, with those persistently poking at her heart, from the Empress to the entire Joy Guard of the Imperial City protecting Yeon Sul. Originally, she was not Yeon Sul, nor did she ever intend to be, so what had really changed? The encounter with the Emperor only left her with the lingering resentment of a vexing mission that even appeared registered in her status window. A thorn in the forest. However, she seemed to understand why such a vehement term like 'thorn in the forest' had been selected for the status window. The status window, devoid of any personal emotions, had never shown bias toward any particular faction in its assigned missions thus far. So why this word choice now? If Qing was to truly accept the role of a representative of the martial world, receiving the General's Sword from the Emperor and then moving against the Unorthodox Faction as a pawn of the government, it would indeed warrant this ominous prophecy. She would be seen as a traitor of the martial world, a collaborator who sold out. Thus, dubbed a 'thorn in the forest.' Well, there wasn't much she could do about it... However, Qing held some assurances. Her friends, her Master, the disciples of the Divine Maiden Sect, they wouldn't harbor hatred or contempt towards her. Truly, not everyone would adore her, would they? Regardless, gaining ten years was a fortunate result. Postponing the government's invasion of the martial world for a decade was indeed a grand achievement. And when did she ever care about missions? Call her whatever they want, whether a thorn in the forest or a traitor, it didn't truly concern her. Plus, it wasn't like Zhongyuan was her nation. Regardless, Qing's mind was filled with dilemmas. If she revealed this to the Murim Alliance, would she not instantly be branded as a traitor? And would she have to unveil the secret of her birth as well? Even without that, the martial world would surely prepare to clash head-on with the government forces. And if so, it wouldn't be surprising if, within those ten years or even sooner, the "true power unknown to the martial world" that the Emperor hinted at began to encroach. It was only at this point that Qing grasped the Emperor's intentions. Within ten years—maximally ten years—she must rise to a position representing the unified wishes of the Righteous Faction of the martial world. Then, she must decisively betray and hand over the Murim Alliance, that was the task! Hmph, the Emperor had quite the dirty trick up his sleeve… And suddenly, Qing felt taken aback. After all, who was she to sell out the martial world? Who was she to assume such a position? She was merely a common master of the martial world, albeit a Transcendent Master who surpassed earthly boundaries. As Qing was mulling over this complex sentiment, she heard a presence outside, announcing an invitation to Changchun Palace. It was the Empress's summons, as she frequently called in the evenings. Due to sitting Qing down right next to her at Hombok Palace, Qing dutifully responded, entering the Empress's chamber. "The absurd talk of marriage is canceled. Of course, it is. But how could you be so indifferent!" The Empress, red-faced and seething with anger, exhaled heavily, filled with ire. "Uh, what happened?" "Don't even get me started. The Emperor intends to leave those despicable frauds and whores be! They should be tied up and burned immediately!" "Hmm. I see." The notion that Qing was no longer Yeon Sul was a decision to accept the current Yeon Sul as real. The fake Yeon Sul had become the real Yeon Sul. And the yoga practitioners from Tianzhu who earned the plaque of Heavenly Maiden Temple for their role in Yeon Sul’s treatment would also maintain their current standing. "What pride is worth when he can't even punish traitors who defame the royal family, afraid of the mockery that he wouldn't even know if his own child is switched?" "Well, I'm fine. Actually, I'm sorry to say this, but I want to live as the martial artist Ximen Qing, rather than Princess Yeon Sul. So, isn't it a good thing? Please don't feel too sad." "Aren't you just defending such a cold-hearted father? You're too kind and naive." A cold-hearted father. Apparently, the Emperor was never fond of Yeon Sul and constantly scolded her; Yeon Sul was said to always tremble and shrink back in his presence. Indeed. The Emperor was truly heartless. Not that it mattered to Qing, but he certainly was to Yeon Sul. Above all, he was heartless to the people. While he spoke of the greater good, he never truly loved his people. The Emperor spoke of grand ambitions. Qing, despite her reluctance, was well-versed in the vast and brutal history of Zhongyuan. The Emperor's intention to bring stability by pre-empting a large-scale war with the martial world is clear. But what of the bloodshed that would ensue? There was no mention of the countless deaths this conquest would bring. Up until now, his actions had shown this clearly. He was a heartless brother who sought the downfall of the Tang Clan in Sichuan by killing his younger sibling. A ruthless ruler who was willing to use wildfire to eradicate a treacherous prince, with no regard for the pain and suffering inflicted on tens or even hundreds of thousands. Thus, a puppet ruler emerged. The Emperor's heartless grand vision even led a loyal subject to thrust their child into harm's way, conspiring sinister plots. Yet, it was delayed. By whom? None other than this person, the Transcendent Heavenly Sword Flower. She delayed it by a full decade—what would they have done without her? Upon reflecting, I find myself quite admirable. Yet, considering the heartlessness of the Emperor, the actions seem justifiable. The princess was swapped? That would drag the royal family's dignity through the dirt. Moreover, the monks of Heavenly Maiden Temple serve like the Jinyiwei's reinforcements. If they were all killed straight away, who would continue to fortify the Jinyiwei in the future? So by pretending that nothing happened, the royal family doesn't suffer any loss. And personally, I find that to be preferable as well... "Come here." The Empress shifted to one corner of the long seat and beckoned by tapping the empty space, signaling for Qing to come and lay her head on her lap. Qing paused. This had always been the norm, so hesitating now seemed uncharacteristic. But there was someone unfamiliar present... "Excuse me, Your Majesty? Who might this be...?" "Ah, you still don't recognize your own sister. It’s your sister, Chehye." "Huh." Since when did I have a sister? Not that I had none, there's a bratty girl somewhere back home and perhaps Jangmyeong over here? Yet the surprise was fleeting. Yeon Sul Princess might indeed have had one. "Uh, hello?" "…Sister." A chill ran down her spine. She thought she had gotten used to being called sister, but it felt different coming from a stranger, almost unbearable. "Are you Princess Chehye?" "I'm Haryeon." "Alright." What is this? Such vague answers. Is she Princess Juharyeon Chehye or Princess Juchehye Haryeon? She should just say it directly. Well, just calling her princess works for now. Besides, isn't this kind of familiar? Where have I heard this before...? Hmm, but honestly, she’s stunning. Qing’s ideal type had always been consistent. A pure, delicate, slightly frail-looking intellectual beauty with a calm demeanor and an enchanting serene smile. But why do the beauties with such impressions in Zhongyuan always turn out troublesome? The first was an unprecedentedly insane murderer. The second, although outwardly plausible, was deeply flawed as a person. This time is the third encounter. And now, truly a respectable one with benevolent merits? "It's been awhile. I didn't realize how long." "Oh! Yes." "Seeing you uneasy is unusual. You used to take my hand and guide me to the palace garden." Hmm, why does this atmosphere feel so difficult? "Mother, may I take my sister with me today?" "Certainly. As siblings share some peaceful time together, the lost memories might resurface. Just like old times, sleeping together might be comforting. Do you remember? Since Haryeon always feared sleeping alone, you used to sneak in to sleep alongside." "Oh, I see." Even if she spoke of such things, hearing the past of someone else evoked only awkwardness. ---- "Truthfully, it wasn’t me who feared sleeping alone, it was my sister. But I couldn’t express that." The reason Yeon Sul snuck into Haryeon's quarters was to avoid sleeping alone. But the excuse Yeon Sul gave was Haryeon. Because that would be more convincing. Sneaking in to comfort a timid younger sister creates a charming tale that inevitably brings smiles. Conversely, if admitted to hiding out of personal fears of solitude? Then you’re nothing more than a coward. Yet, Qing pondered. Was her inability to sleep alone due to Yeon Sul's habits? Unable to drift into slumber without someone beside her, was it because of that? However, Haryeon shook her head. "No, sister could fall asleep anytime, anywhere the moment her eyes closed. She was just bored sleeping alone, restless from sleeping the day away, and once I dozed off, she would wake me just to chat." "Oh. That sounds somewhat mischievous." Haryeon grinned with a gentle smile. "She probably thought I'd be bored. Sister was always like that, asking why read books for fun, coaxing me to leave. Did you see the elephant splashing water? Ah, oh, have you not visited the palace garden yet? There’s an elephant there, one she'd visit every other day." "Huh? There's an elephant?" Qing's interest was piqued. Elephants, or 大象, cannot be ignored. The palace garden is the Emperor's cherished space, a menagerie housing various exotic animals and pets. However, the Emperor's pets were not his personal fondness; they were rare tributes that had to be maintained. "Oh. This aspect remains unchanged." Haryeon laughed softly. She exuded an ethereal grace so captivating it left Qing momentarily dazed. Wow, even her smile is perfect. Haryeon recounted tales of Yeon Sul's adventures, learning to craft floral rings and garlands, turning the palace into a floral chaos, and eventually adorning Yeon Sul's fingers, neck, and head with oversized garlands. However, Haryeon suffered a severe allergic reaction. During study sessions, she was forcibly dragged along while Yeon Sul quietly slipped out, leaving Haryon to face their tutors alone... Yeon Sul was an immensely active sister who sought out Haryeon whenever she was bored, dragging her out. The problem? Haryeon was a homebody. Stepping outside sapped her energy with each breath, and one outing per day was enough to deem venturing out again undesirable. For Haryeon, who loved reading and needlework, Yeon Sul was an unstoppable force. "Uh, sound like you two got along well?" "Honestly? She was a bothersome, infuriating sister. Yet, only after she fell ill and stopped coming did I realize how lonely it felt." Haryeon clasped Qing’s hand. With a look of sincerity, her long lashes fluttered delicately, she continued to speak as if just getting to the main point. "Sister, please don't harbor too much hatred towards the Emperor, our father."