847 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

Merchant Jong Yeol-jung married a Baek ethnic woman, Lady Cheon, and they had two sons. However, unfortunately, Lady Cheon, the Baek woman, became frail after giving birth to their second child and eventually passed away. Nevertheless, the position of the lady of the house wasn't left vacant. As is often the case with successful merchants, Jong Yeol-jung also had a comely second wife. "That woman, Lady Lee, was originally my father, Bpa's second wife." "Somehow, just hearing that much, I have a feeling I can guess how the story goes. Your father passed away, and that woman kicked you out, right?” In Zhongyuan, this was a common tale. The notorious reputation of second wives was widely known. Their schemes to ensure their sons inherit the family were broad and varied. It was so prevalent that the state laws prohibited it. Second wives or concubines harming or cursing the legitimate wife or her children were punished with death, without mercy. Of course, second wives had their grievances too. Legitimate wives often bore great resentment and hatred toward secondary wives who monopolized their husbands' affections. So, when the husband died, it was common for malicious legitimate wives to drive out the concubines and their children. In fact, this act was legal! Therefore, for second wives and concubines, they had no choice but to plot diligently for their survival after the husband's demise. It was a frequent occurrence in Zhongyuan, with countless records of such concubine rebellions found in historical texts. Should one attach a label, it might be named `The Second Wife's Rebellion,’ an ill effect of a world where having multiple spouses is officially allowed. However, even among these recurrences of second-wife rebellions, there was a spectrum of severity and wickedness. A little over a month ago, merchant Jong Yeol-jung was discovered dead overnight. A physician declared he died of Baek Etb-Varicella, and a wrathful steward blamed his kin, blaming his demise on his two sons and casting them out. He accused them of being the culprits responsible for spreading the Baek Etb-Varicella and thus, being an unfilial vermin that killed their father. "My father was a healthy man. He practiced Taiji Fist every morning and evening and was stronger than many laborers. How could such a father, suddenly die in a single night? Surely, that woman and the steward poisoned him." Be it as "father" or "daddy," the lack of consistency is inconsequential. For now, the matter at hand was more pressing. "Do you have any evidence? And what do you mean by steward?" "There have always been suspicions that she was involved with the steward. A servant claimed to have seen them emerging from the same room, but perhaps he misjudged, or perhaps we all just turned a blind eye. I should have informed my father, Daddy back then." "Brother..." "And a few nights ago, I witnessed it myself, those two fiends strolling affectionately arm-in-arm through the night streets." Qing understood well that humans were creatures prone to asserting claims favorable to themselves. Thus, the allegations by Jong Moon-Woon were merely personal opinions, lacking substantial evidence. In the case of clans, it was a common practice for the head and the steward to be sworn brothers. His biological mother had long passed, leaving the second wife to manage the household as the legitimate mistress, orchestrating all family affairs. So, would it really be strange for her to discuss matters of estate handling with the steward? However, beyond that, isn't this situation highly suspicious? Based on Qing's direct observations from the Gonming Plague Quarantine Zone, this plague wasn't capable of killing someone overnight. In fact, diseases that could kill a healthy person instantly were extremely rare. Suddenly, someone dies of a nonexistent Baek Etb-Varicella. And then thoughtlessly, the avowed "brother" ousts the sons, clamoring they're the scoundrels who've spread the disease? Typically, when a brother dies, wouldn't one say they'll take good care of their nephews? And what about the scene Jong Moon-Woon witnessed? Lady Lee, after her husband's death, expelled the sons and became the sole mistress of a vast merchant estate. And such a widow, gallantly walked arm-in-arm with the steward during a night stroll? Honestly, doesn't everyone in the whole world see through their plot? Though lacking tangible evidence. "The damn scoundrels, indeed." Qing, filled with indignation, abruptly stood up. "Let's go. Can't let those rascals go unseen." "Benefactor, while I appreciate your sentiment, the steward's network is extensive, and no doubt the authorities would side with them. I fear causing you trouble..." Jong Moon-Woon awkwardly halts his words, visibly flustered. Suddenly, Qing gently pats Jong Moon-Woon's head. The notion of avenging someone running spontaneously was heartening, not from rage alone, but also from concern for safety, displaying a mature and commendable spirit. “Oh, you’re kind. Caring even for me.” “Benefactor? That, patting my head is, a bit...” Jong Moon-Woon's face turns beet red. The cool touch was supremely soothing, and from the swaying sleeves wafted an unexpectedly delightful fragrance... “And his connections? What connections? I'm suitably connected myself! Enough with the chatter, let's go. I'm not doing this to help you. If I don't settle this after hearing such stories, I might lose sleep. This is entirely selfish on my part, you see.” ---- Out of breath, a worker rushed up onto the veranda. “Uhm, Merchant Chief, did you hear the news!?” “Ha ha, dear man, such words will lead to trouble. Who is this merchant chief? People might misunderstand. They might think I seized my younger brother’s position.” “Indeed, our brother-in-law has been guiding the inherited estate so admirably in his absence.” The man, dubbed the merchant chief, bore no hint of displeasure, instead brandishing a broad smile. In truth, he rarely concerned himself with others’ misunderstandings. Terms and Concepts: - 종열중 (Jong Yeol-jung): Translated using Korean romanization. - 총관 (Steward): "Steward" as an overseer or head of estate. - 백족 두창 (Baek Etb-Varicella): Interpreted akin to "chickenpox", using phonetic translation with cultural context added for significance. - 곤명 괴질병자 봉쇄 지대 (Gonming Plague Quarantine Zone): Translated incorporating realistic geographic/cartographic names for narrative effect. - 상인 (Merchant/商人): Identified as occupational title in context. - 형 (Brother/Young Master/Benefactor/Bro): Consistent with the context, alternating subtly based on the situation. - Baek Etb-Varicella related terms retain local cultural context adapted for reader's understanding. - Inconsistency in referring to a parent figure: Preserved to reflect original linguistic nuances with Qing's internal rationalization providing cohesion. Character Adjustments: - Introduction of additional family background and conflicts serves to integrate the intricate familial power dynamics. - The second wife's role elaborates on common socio-historical tropes prevalent in traditional narratives. - Roiling intra-household conflicts establish heightened tension, underscoring Qing's perceived injustices aligning with typical martial valor. Seeing the woman clinging flirtatiously to the man, and realizing she is indeed the wife of his sworn brother, it's undoubtedly an unseemly scene for anyone to witness. Nevertheless, the two seemed quite pleased as they were stuck to each other like glue. But that didn't last long. "So, you know those Young Masters, right?" At that, the woman, Lady Lee's expression turned sour. "What? Who are you calling Young Master? The Young Master is the child in my womb. Are there any other Young Masters in our household?" "Hush, sister-in-law. For the sake of the baby, you should surround yourself with only pure things, hear only kind words, and have only good people around you. Like me." "Oh my, brother-in-law." They laughed and mingled quite pleasingly. Then, the man slyly inquired. "So, what is it, Yu officer? What's with those wretched children who ate their father's life? Have they, by any chance, died? Oh dear. I intended to punish them appropriately and bring them back, even with the mourning period of three years, but they couldn't endure even a month. Tsk, tsk. How weak must my brother have raised them?" Despite his words, he showed no real regret. Beside him, Lady Lee was all smiles, her face aglow with mirth. "It's not that, Steward. A wandering martial artist appeared and took the Young... I mean, the children with them..." "What? A martial artist?" Their expressions became serious at once. Martial artists—what a band of rebels they were. Lawless, flouting even the pretense of following the law. Yet, they proclaimed themselves as heroes, meddling unnecessarily in others' affairs. But let's look at reality. They lounged around, occupying territories, extorting protection money at sword-point—what are they if not bandits? For parasites that prey on others while indulging in luxury, where is the so-called righteousness and heroism they boast of? Nonetheless, independent of a merchant's latent animosity towards martial artists, the news was certainly too critical to ignore. "Is he someone famous? What of his skill level?" "Not a 'he', but a 'she'. I don't know her skill level, but her sword flashed brilliantly, and she leaped ten paces in a single bound—truly a terrifying skill..." "Damn it, of all times!" The man leapt up explosively. At just this moment too. Having dismissed the vagabond warriors who originally oversaw the estate matters, he was in the process of seeking out renowned vagabonds to re-hire. But events unfolded swiftly before he could find them. "Brother-in-law? With martial artists..." [YicarHLNZk] “We're in trouble. Surely, that broad-minded wanderer will interfere. For now, request help from Wise Elder Ji-hyun and call upon the Odo Clan. Ahem, Sister-in-law, we'll need to loosen our purse strings a bit." "Gold? How much of it?" "At the very least, let's prepare ingots..." Lady Lee's eyes narrowed sharply. "Didn't I suggest hiring assassins beforehand? You wanted to save money and employed useless beggars instead—those beggars failed, consuming our food yet couldn't manage to kill a few wretched brats." It was impossible to ignore such whispers. Nonetheless, the man brushed it off nonchalantly—as he already knew this story. "You see, how could I have expected this? Hearing about a renowned expert in Sseosangpanna, I intended to invest that money, hiring him as our child’s martial arts instructor as well." Lady Lee's expression softened somewhat at the mention of "our child." Had Qing been listening, she might say, "The mountain seems to grow taller, every word spills like sin in profusion." "Is gold the problem now? Stopping that martial artist comes first. Luckily, I have shown earnest sincerity last time to both Ji-hyun and the Odo Clan, so they'll surely send plenty of constables." Then the man shouted to summon his aides. "Cho Il-yah! Cho Il! Right, Cho Il, hurry to the authorities and ask for assistance. Say a martial artist threatens mayhem—describe the peculiarity and they'll understand. Promise to compensate them properly afterward. Urgently, at once. Choil, you head to the Odo Clan, convey the same, and that we'll increase protection fees by one layer over the next year." He was, after all, competent in making swift decisions. Yet, Lady Lee still seemed unsettled. "Brother-in-law, but what if a terrifying expert arrives?" "Tsk, such a fearsome expert has no reason to come to these outskirts, I say? Unless it’s an expert from the Dianchang Sect—Ahem, Yu officer! Yu officer!" "Yes, did you call, Steward?" "That expert who reportedly showed up—couldn't possibly be from Dianchang Sect, right?" "Certainly not, as anyone who’s seen a Dianchang Sect robe can’t miss it. There was no mention of seeing such robes, so they mustn't be from the Dianchang Sect." "Phew, that settles it." The man exhaled in relief. "So, is it alright now? Can I be reassured?" "If they're not from Dianchang Sect, there's nothing to worry about. Martial artists generally act like thugs without causing trouble on foreign soil. When Odo Clan warriors come, they'll retreat without a fight, especially with constables around. They know well enough the non-aggression pact with the government—once government entities are involved, they sneakingly withdraw just like bandits.” "Then, it's alright? Can we trust this?" To which he confidently pounded his chest. "Of course, just trust me. Oh dear, my sister-in-law must have been quite startled. You'll need a comforting embrace, don't you?" "Oh my, brother-in-law too..." The two held each other ostentatiously. Even though this was no time for such behavior. Terms and Concepts: - 상가 (Sang-ga): Often refers to "merchant estate" or business domain. - 점창파 (Dianchang Sect): Translated to match a traditional sect name. - 오독문 (Odo Clan): Rendered as a specific fictional clan. - 도련님 (Young Master): Here referenced to unborn child of potential succession and concern. - 태중 (In the womb): Refers to the unborn child, indicating the expectation of a future heir and familial politics. - 관무불가침 (Non-aggression pact with the government): A fabricated code of conduct, analogous to a general understanding preserving neutrality. The passage elaborates on martial world dynamics and stereotypes trading in regional influence. Lady Lee's and the man’s exchange displays personal, social, and occupational stratagems affecting political power and lineage preservation.