850 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

However, the constable's expression wasn't particularly bright. Though it was his duty to obey, when told to, dealing with martial artists was a task anyone would dread. There is a traditional practice where authorities turn a blind eye to the martial artists' affairs, regardless of the bloodshed involved. This norm exists as long as both parties maintain the tacit agreement—martial artists retreat when authorities intervene. It's a mutual respect and cooperation between authorities and martial artists, an unspoken code of conduct, so to speak. But it's not always that simple. Even commoners in Zhongyuan(Central Plains)(중원) can become desperate enough to kill and flee, so what about martial artists who are adept at killing and escaping? If they’re upset, they simply slay and escape, leaving behind lengthy grudges to be settled later. Holding a grudge against a martial artist is a dangerous affair; who knows when it might return to haunt you? What if they come back later to draw a blade on you? Stories of constables murdered in such ways have become urban legends passed down over time. But what options were there? Following orders was the constable's duty, but resigning meant abandoning his family. A cruel world indeed. He cursed silently, lamenting the bribes taken by those above and the dangers faced by those below, the unjust world. Naturally, even such constables had to partake if they were to survive in the hierarchy—they held some authority at least. All of which explained why the constable didn't welcome the prefect's familiar demeanor. Furthermore, what about those bodies of the Wudu Sword Sect(오독문도) he saw at the entrance? While the people of Zhongyuan were accustomed to corpses, there was no reason to feel surprised. But those weren't just any corpses—they belonged to the Wudu Sword Sect. It implied that the martial artist was either more powerful than them or not afraid of them, indicating they weren’t someone an average constable could contend with. Thus, the constable approached Qing with a servile and frightened expression, his voice trembling with anxiety. “Oh, well, uh, sir, I mean, esteemed one, I'm not sure why there is such, uh, a commotion, no, that's not it—a gathering? Not a gathering, um, yes, chaos. I'm uncertain of why there is chaos, but surely there are procedures and laws that govern the world. If there’s anything amiss, shouldn't it be reported to the authorities first...” Carefully choosing his words to avoid aggression, the onlookers had but one thought. “That guy is scared.” “He's definitely scared.” “Well, it's understandable.” No one expected the constable to shout and make a scene from the outset. Such a scene was preposterous. It was merely an urban legend among constables that a novice once reprimanded a top martial artist with talk of the law. A tale with no source, similar to an old saying from Qing's hometown, “Are you the quartermaster?”—famous yet rootless urban legend. Thus, onlookers were only curious about how the ferocious martial artist might respond. Would he unleash his fury over the suspicions surrounding the Chong family store? Or might he draw his blade? Neither, unfortunately. “Hey, you there? Come over here.” Qing beckoned with a finger. Naturally, the constable's pride was dented, but the casual summons was somehow routine, causing his heart to skip a beat. “Yes, yes...why me?” “Yes, you. I'm not trying to harm you; I just have something to say.” The chosen constable approached hesitantly. “Closer. Closer. Do you think I'm going to eat you? Bring your ear closer.” “Yes, yes...” Then Qing leaned in, whispering closely into the constable’s ear. “Go tell the local magistrate. If they don't come immediately, they'll spend the rest of their life regretting it. He’d better hurry as fast as he can.” Upon hearing this, the constable’s face turned a ghostly white. “But…” The magistrate was the highest authority in the region, a figure an average constable couldn't even dare meet, much less contact directly. “You won't go? I'm advising you for your own good; if I have to go, it might be a disaster for you instead.” It was the honest truth. Though the magistrate might initially be angered at being summoned by a common constable, eventually, he would understand. But if Qing had to go personally? The constable wouldn't keep his position. “Gulp.” The constable suddenly sprinted away, leaving behind only his loud cry. “You all stay here and secure the scene. I'll return quickly; don't let a single ant escape!” Questions befell the faces of the onlookers. But there wasn’t any need to explain as Qing casually proceeded onward with the children in tow, leisurely making his way to the fore. At this, the servants hurriedly moved aside as Qing advanced toward the prefect. The prefect shouted, alarmed. “D-don't come any closer! Hey, what are you doing, get over there and, uh, stop him!” The constables decided to follow the orders given. The constable instructed them to ensure not a single ant escaped, not that they should prevent anyone from entering. They only had to hold their positions. Qing continued his steps forward. With each footstep, the prefect retreated slightly. Finally, facing each other, Qing spoke just a word. “Move.” “What?” “Move aside.” The prefect hesitated, retreating. Qing pressed onward unperturbed. In a merchant's estate, the central building, usually also their office and reception area, lies directly ahead from the main gate. --- Terms translated and original context: - **Po(Wudu Sword Sect, Pear Flower Pin Gen)**(포두) : The original term referred to Wudu Sword Sect, a martial arts sect notorious for their distinct poisonous techniques and deadly pinning methodologies. - **Zhongyuan(Central Plains)(중원)** : Referred to Central Plains, a well-known region encompassing Northern China, often regarded as the heart of ancient Chinese culture and martial arts. - **Prefect**(총관) : Translated to prefect, translating the notion of a local administrative authority. - **Chong family store(종씨상가)** : Implied location referenced with suspicion, specific to the narrative. The above translations captured the social dynamics and the political nuances between martial artists and local authorities within the historical-contextual fabric of a wuxia narrative, preserving the narrative's tone while maintaining cultural terms integral to the martial world. Sure enough, the moment Qing entered, there were luxurious chairs neatly arranged on either side of the main seat. Qing casually released Jong Moon-Woon's hand, gesturing toward the empty main seat. "Go ahead, sit there." "What? How could I, Benefactor should sit in the seat of honor..." "Nonsense, the owner should sit where the owner belongs. Where in the world does a guest take the seat of honor?" It was common sense in Zhongyuan(Central Plains)(중원). The homeowner always sits at the seat of honor. Besides household owners, only esteemed guests, considered as masters by the homeowner, were permitted that seat—the homeowner’s master became, in essence, the true homeowner. Despite this common knowledge, Jong Moon-Woon only now seemed to grasp this basic understanding. His seat, the owner's rightful place. He realized it now. His father's seat, now left for him with his father passed, was rightfully his. Jong Moon-Woon carefully lowered himself into the family head's seat. He did so with caution, as if performing some solemn ceremony. His seat, his belonging, which should have been his inheritance— “What’s this, kid? You should sit beside your brother.” “I want to stay here...” At that moment, Jong Moon-Woon's eyebrow twitched. His younger sibling sat snugly on their benefactor's knee, abruptly diverting any burgeoning emotions or determination he might have been nurturing. Instead, something akin to irritated pride seemed to rise within him? However, saying anything wasn't really an option. Jong Moon-Woon, sixteen years of age. Wouldn't it seem odd to be a jealous older brother compared to his eight-year-old sibling, especially in front of their benefactor? The magistrate of Geumpyeong County(금평현 지현) was bewildered by the situation—how a mere constable barged into his quarters, and to believe what the constable relayed to him. “What did you say?” “The martial artist insists I summon your esteemed self immediately, swiftly, otherwise you’ll live to regret it for the rest of your life...” Words hold different weights. Qing’s well-intended warning became a heinous threat in transmission. “Hah! No matter how skilled a martial artist, how dare a mere wanderer of the Jianghu demand the presence of a government official appointed by the Emperor, against the supreme laws of the state!” Naturally, the magistrate was enraged. Given his stature, the magistrate wasn’t overly fearful of martial artists. (Not that there wasn't fear, for who wouldn’t fear a sword-wielding butcher.) However, martial artists meddling with high-ranking officials would inevitably draw state retaliation. “Summon the Chief Constable and the Judge immediately. Better yet, marshal all the soldiers here and congregate them at once! Fine, I’ll go see this insolent one myself!” Chief Constable (통판) and Judge (추관) were official positions. The Chief Constable was the head of law enforcement; the Judge managed the court and prison, leading respective soldier companies. Thus, angered, the magistrate embarked on his journey. Not out of fear but because one who dared mock the authorities, regardless of their swordsmanship, couldn't be left unrestrained. The magistrate had to personally inspect so that the future allegations could be legally pursued. Consequently, he mustered every available soldier, creating an imposing procession. The destination? The Chong family store(종씨상가). Grumbling with ire, his breath icy with indignation, the magistrate rode his palanquin—the entire official procession with cymbals sounding riotous. As the spectacle traversed the city, even civilians who missed the initial skirmish curiously followed, trying to discover the cause. “The magistrate is arriving!” Momentarily, the commotion of removing bodies from the entrance quieted, replaced by a soldier’s clear proclamation echoing throughout the merchant estate of the Chong family. Promptly, everyone bowed their heads. Including even the prefect and Yi. If it were the provincial lord, they would have to bow, but for the magistrate, a mere nod sufficed—though that too indicated substantial authority. “Magistrate! Witnessing your esteemed presence at such endangerment to our store, I am truly moved beyond words—” “Silence! Where is that person? Having appeared, how do they intend to proceed now?” And thus, everyone’s eyes turned inward. Toward the central, open room of the main building. Veins pulsed prominently on the magistrate's forehead. What, they aren’t even waiting at the entrance? Despite martial artists being brazen, daring to summon an official bestowed with authority by the Emperor! Disrespecting me is tantamount to disrespecting the throne! Such disloyal, audacious insolence! With anger-laden strides, the magistrate stepped forward. And as he entered the office, a veiled woman, with a young boy on her knee, turned slightly and spoke. “Oh. Is it the magistrate? Please, sit here for a moment. There’s something confidential I must relay. Munyok, could you sit next to your brother for a bit?” The child sitting on the knee scurried over to the main seat, plopping next to another child. Yet, it seemed the seated child was at least aware of manners, bowing awkwardly with an extremely uncomfortable expression. At this point, curiosity about what might be said intensified. So the magistrate, thinking he’d see how this would unfold, sat beside Qing, leaning back into the chair. As someone approached, the whisper came. ‘While I’ve forgotten my credentials, if proof is needed, send a messenger to the Geumyeong provincial lord. Ask if a veiled lady carrying the Inspector General’s credentials has indeed come his way.’ Instantly, the magistrate jolted up an inch before dropping back. His back snapped straight, leaving the backrest immediately, and both fists now politely rested upon his knees. --- - **Geumpyeong County(금평현)**: Refers to a fictional location within the narrative specific to the events occurring around the Qing character and the magistrate. - **Gonmyeong (곤명 지부대인)**: Refers to a provincial area in the narrative that is relevant for verifying identities established within the plot. The narrative maintains its conceptual complexity and layered interpersonal dynamics it sustains through clear translations and seamlessly embeds cultural values inherent in the wuxia setting. The retained names and titles understate political and social intricacies important to the threads and character motivations here. The internal organs felt as if they were plunged into a winter river, icy and chilled, while the heart pounded violently, a thunderous scene of chaos within. Inspector General! “No, never! How could I ever question such authority!” Even if one were to encounter a false Inspector General, questioning them would not incur any blame. Being deceived by an imposter carried no crime, and imposter Inspector Generals were destined for total annihilation, thus yielding one's head to one marked for death was hardly unjust. Yet, to doubt a real Inspector General? That risked the lives of oneself and all one’s kin and relations. "But, Magistrate, this humble woman has suffered quite the ordeal upon entering Geumpyeong—would it not pertain directly to the matter of the Chong family’s store?" Here, the term "humble woman" refers more to her modest background rather than age. Thus, it implies that the Inspector General wishes to keep her identity somewhat concealed. "I heard that after Merchant Chong died under mysterious circumstances, his sworn brother and stepmother conspired to drive out Chong’s children? It seems, by what I’ve gathered, this reeks of grave injustice. Is there anything the Magistrate might know about this?" Sweat dripped heavily from the magistrate's chin. Sometime in the not-so-distant past (though he couldn’t recall the exact moment), the Chong family store had indeed sent over a box of gold. Of course, someone of the magistrate's rank wouldn’t concern himself with petty matters. Such gestures of sincerity were usually trimmed piece by piece from the bottom up, only the largest portion eventually making it to him. He just instructed to respond politely, acknowledging the sincerity shown. However, the magistrate hurriedly erased such memory. Upon reflection, as if realizing a stark truth, he thought, “I was entirely uninformed of such affairs.” Most likely, it was simply an anonymous citizen deeply touched by his governance, expressing their gratitude with personal wealth. Yes, it’s something not unusual for competent officials. Yet, I should have returned it, shouldn’t I? Erasing that memory struck him anew—how appalling and astonishing the Inspector General’s revelations seemed! "For heaven's sake! How could such heinous acts happen! Such abhorrent, grossly intolerable behavior!" The magistrate sprang up, heading to the door. "Everyone! Bring those covetous curs—the sworn brother and stepmother of Merchant Chong—for an immediate kneeling before me!" Given their substantial numbers, the constable forces swarmed quickly in response to the magistrate's order, forcing the two people to their knees without delay. “Agh!” “Magistrate, there’s been a misunderstanding, a grave misunderstanding!” “Silence! Do you still consider yourselves human offspring? Filthy beasts in human disguise, the lot of you—attempting to—” "Ah, Magistrate. Shouldn’t we listen to their story first? Matters of state must be handled with fairness and integrity. It might not be so wise to form judgment from one testimony alone, as they might indeed be innocent." “—But that said, until it is determined, we cannot treat them as guilty yet. Let us hear directly your tale and judge. Why did you evict Merchant Chong’s children?” The magistrate effortlessly altered his words. Qing leaned back into her seat. Ah, so this is the taste of power? Though she didn’t intend to impersonate an Inspector General, the sensation was quite intriguing and inexplicable. Hopefully, this wouldn’t become an addiction. --- Terms translated and explained: - **Inspector General(감찰어사)**: A high-ranking official tasked with overseeing and monitoring administrative operations, often incognito to prevent corruption and enforce justice. - **Humble woman(소녀, 少女)**: Used to imply modesty and humility, not directly referring to age, used strategically here to indicate low status to avoid revealing the true status. - **Merchant Chong(상인 종씨)**: Represents the deceased figure whose death sparked conspiracies and allegations of injustice in the plot. This passage emphasizes the political intrigue, the layers of deception, and power dynamics typical of a wuxia narrative, reflecting hierarchical respect and fear-based respect, while beautifully laced with rhetorical maneuvers and confrontations.