862 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

Ji Hyun-daenin was startled. Cannons? Who would rent a cannon? What on earth are they planning to use a cannon for? Well, the obvious answer is to fire it if you've rented one. The real issue, however, isn't what you do with a cannon, but rather, who are you planning to shoot it at? A cannon's function is destruction; thus, if rented, the purpose is surely to fire it. However, utilizing a cannon isn't a trivial matter. Even the authorities employ cannons. But their purpose is for defense against potential foreign invasions, to hold the line until military reinforcements arrive. The government tightly controls the stocks of cannonballs and gunpowder, so even an official like Ji Hyun-daenin cannot simply take one out and fire at will. Of course, the request from the Inspector Aide was far from ordinary. This plunged Ji Hyun-daenin into deep thought. But time wasn't on her side. Had not the high-ranking official opened the conversation to make a 'request'? To be seen hesitating for too long would be to undermine the esteemed personage's honor. “Well, our office is equipped with four General Cannons(將軍砲), thirty cannonballs, and about ten geun of gunpowder.” “Huh? General Cannons? Not Long Cannons?” General Cannons, if categorized, would be considered direct artillery by Qing standards back in her homeland. They’re essentially primitive ancient cannons that fire scatters forward. An evil weapon that literally grinds humans down to flesh with countless shards of metal spreading out in a fan shape. They are weapons designed for defense, in preparation for unknown foreign threats. These were positioned behind castle gates, behind the main gates of government offices, between walls, and other narrow passageways to wipe out approaching enemies. Qing’s idea of cannons was those used within military camps. Artillery that hurled primitive ancient bombs, chemical shells, and fire shells far using the power of gunpowder, primarily as offensive weaponry. However, there would be no reason for an office to manage such offensive weaponry. Still, Ji Hyun-daenin felt relieved. It seemed they had meant to borrow Long Cannons, not these, meaning they would need to go to the Provincial Military Command stationed nearby. The Provincial Military Command was entirely separate from Ji Hyun-daenin's command; in other words, they operated on separate tracks, so whether the command lent cannons or not wasn't Ji Hyun-daenin's concern. “Long Cannons belong to the Provincial Military Command; I find it challenging to assist with that. However, I could at least send a message for you.” “Is there a nearby military camp?” “Hehe, if you head slightly west, there’s the Western Military Command outpost. Fortunately, with the Southern Barbarians nearby, they double as a supply depot for the Right Military Command, and they have Long Cannons in ample supply.” Within Ji Hyun-daenin’s heart, suspicion began to arise. Isn’t something amiss? The Inspector Aide, knowing neither the difference between General Cannons and Long Cannons, came to the office seeking the latter. Moreover, not even knowing the disposition of the troops and asking about the military camp's location? Furthermore, due to the regime’s strict separation of civil and military authority, the Inspector Aide does not have surveillance rights over the Provincial Military Command. Because there’s a separate role termed the Military Inspector to oversee the military. Due to distinct divisions and factions, even the Inspector Aide, who could bring birds down from the sky, would need significant connections to gain cooperation from the rigid Provincial Military Command. “Hmm, we should visit the command outpost then.” Regardless, Ji Hyun-daenin was relieved. It was soothing to push this doubtful Inspector Aide onto the Provincial Military Command, and since suspicion lingered, concealing the gesture until later would only doubly increase the favor later. Curiosity then sprung up unexpectedly. “By the way, why are you seeking Long Cannons...?” “Ah, it appears the Blood Cult has set up a nest in the city. They’re rather vile, so I thought we could unleash the cannons on them and then just handle whoever jumps out.” Ji Hyun-daenin tilted her head. The Blood Cult? That Blood Cult? The treacherous Blood Cult? Why suddenly now? “Are you referring to the Blood Cult? Are you saying those rebels are hiding in the city...?” “Oh, the Five Poisons Group has allied with them. It seemed too risky to storm in directly.” Suddenly, Ji Hyun-daenin felt her heart plummet. After all, wasn’t the Five Poisons Group the most prominent local elite in Gumpyeong County? The tokens of appreciation from them weren’t insignificant. To think that she had accepted gifts from traitors! The Blood Cult is an atrocious rebel faction. They are genuine rebels who brazenly proclaim their intentions to kill the Emperor and overthrow the country; even mentioning them is horrifying. To have received gifts from such a Blood Cult? That would indeed be enough to accuse someone of treason. “Are you certain about this? The Blood Cult, those... what grievances would the well-established Five Poisons Group have to make such a pact...?” “The Five Poisons Group's leader confessed, and we’ve even captured the Blood Cult’s vile breed and monsters.” With that, Ji Hyun-daenin shot up from her seat and shouted urgently. “The Blood Cult? As a county official, I cannot tolerate this! Let us proceed to the Provincial Military Command! I shall escort you at once!” --- Though Ji Hyun-daenin urged the coachman, she couldn't quite shake her concerns. Understandably so, for her relationship with the Command Chief wasn't particularly amiable. For the Command Outpost to be established at a location, two conditions must be met: First, it must be a spot where troops can swiftly deploy when national troubles arise. Second, there must be ample land suitable for farming. If one had to choose the more important factor between these, the latter, fertile land for farming, took precedence. For this reason, it was fundamentally difficult for civil officers and the military to maintain a friendly relationship. Officials would seek supplementary income from the yield of the land, but when a military camp is set up, it claims all surrounding territories, effectively seizing that income. And that’s not all. The military, under the pretext of national defense, continuously siphons off resources. Thus, from a civil officer's perspective, being on good terms only results in losses. The friendlier the relationship, the more resources they would extract. --- #### Translated Terms and Context: - **Ji Hyun-daenin (지현대인)**: A title likely referring to a local authority or individual with significant responsibility. - **General Cannons(將軍砲) and Long Cannons(長砲)**: Translating the specific types of cannons mentioned, differentiating between defensive direct shot artillery and more offensive long-range artillery. - **Inspector Aide and Provincial Military Command**: The formal titles of authority figures and military units, indicating the organizational hierarchy and distinct separations between civic and military responsibilities. - **Blood Cult (혈교)** and **Five Poisons Group (오독문)**: Names of factions or groups, representing antagonist factions within the narrative. - **Gumpyeong County (금평현)**: A geographical location indicating a setting within the story. #### Contextual and Narrative Elements: - The narrative captures a moment of political and military intrigue, where Ji Hyun-daenin is caught in a potential crisis involving high-level conspiracies. - The presence of cannons symbolizes tension and the potential for conflict, while the political maneuvering highlights the intricate hierarchical relationships within this fictional world. Therefore, it was only natural that the military harbored no good feelings toward the civil offices. The moment the military was stationed, bandits and thieves in the surrounding area would vanish, contributing greatly to local security and acting as heroes. Nevertheless, they were often treated as beggars and were stingy when it came to giving away resources. Of course, the root of the problem lay further up; it was due to the high officials in the imperial palace in Beijing fighting over power between the civil sector and the military command. Even for an Inspector Aide, especially one like her, the military command was likely to be more obstinate and refuse her requests. The stern voice of the Command Chief already echoed in her mind, even before reaching: "You're a Twelve Inspector Aide (十二都監察御史)?" But it's a matter that the Military Inspector must handle, and also, the affairs of the military fall under the jurisdiction of the War Department. Especially regarding the operation of cannons, there's no reason to interfere. Matters of the military operate on orders from above, and using cannons for personal reasons is not permitted. It requires permission from the command chief, not just anybody’s word; bring the orders. And as expected: "You're a Twelve Inspector Aide?" The Command Chief, seemingly in the middle of a workout, glared at Qing, looking her up and down, without a top on. Already taking a hostile stance was the Command Chief. Despite the arrival of the esteemed Inspector Aide, one ought to tidy oneself and greet her respectfully, even more so as she wasn't just any official but a highly regarded Inspector Aide who happened to be a woman. "What is this nonsense show in front of her?" "Ahem. Chief, though the lines of command differ, she is executing affairs on behalf of the Emperor..." "Hmph. The military also operates under the Emperor’s command, thus must be even more rigorous. Let me be clear, military personnel cannot be mobilized without proper orders. So, what brings you here?" "Well, I came to request some support with artillery." "Ha, artillery? Do you think cannons are like some festive fireworks for the new year? Gunpowder and cannonballs are state-controlled munitions, and without orders, they cannot be distributed, not even to someone like you, dear Inspector." The Command Chief's words were resolute. After all, the Command Chief had nothing to be afraid of. Thanks to the fact that the Empress was the offspring of the War Department Minister, the military's influence was sky-high. A mere Inspector Aide couldn’t say much against the military with such backing. Qing’s shoulders slumped. It was clear they had no intention of lending any artillery. Ugh. Even for a sect like Dianchang, storming the Blood Cult’s lair bare-handed would result in heavy casualties... “You see, this is no time for negotiations--” Just as Ji Hyun-daenin was about to intervene to persuade. Suddenly, something flickered in the Command Chief’s eyes. A thought crossed his mind. "Could it be, are you not Dame Seomun Cheonhwa?” “Oh, I suppose I should introduce myself.” In truth, she hadn’t introduced herself on purpose. Having decided to live as a martial artist, it would have been cowardly to only bring up her titles when it was convenient. There were many points she was sensitive about, so she hadn't revealed her name. But, well, what can you do? If it was a matter of facing a bit of embarrassment to prevent unnecessary bloodshed for the martial artists of Dianchang Sect, so be it. Selfish as it may be, sometimes selfishness is the only way to go. But how did he know without me saying anything? Hmm, how would he know... Mom must have mentioned it... “Yes, I'm indeed Seomun Cheonhwa. I left my badge with someone due to unavoidable circumstances, but I can bring it later.” “Gasp. Loyalty! Forgive my rudeness!” The Command Chief immediately snapped to attention and saluted. And as if nothing happened, he stood rigidly straight. His military discipline was impeccable, a sight rare even among fresh recruits to the military. That’s because an order from above had come down to him. If Inspector Aide Dame Seomun Cheonhwa asks for cooperation, adhere with the highest priority. The directive was specially issued by the War Department Minister, so cooperation with Dame Seomun Cheonhwa was to be regarded as equivalent to an order from the Minister himself. The current Empress was the War Department Minister’s child. The Minister, having learned the truth about his granddaughter from the Empress, had secretly sent down the order. Of course, words from the princess were tantamount to an imperial order, so there was nothing incorrect about that. “We’ll prepare at once! We have a total of fifty Ho Jun Cannons, forty-nine available, with one under repair due to training damage! Fifty Kong-yong Cannons, no issues! Thirty Grand General Cannons, no issues! Two thousand five hundred Iron Scatter Ammunitions, twelve hundred Fire Ammunitions, and three hundred Toxic Fire Ammunitions are currently available! If more is needed, I'll request support from the Provincial Military Command immediately!” These were the types of cannons and ammunition from Zhongyuan. If one were to categorize them using Qing’s homeland terminology? Ho Jun Cannons are mortars, portable artillery troops can carry. Kong-yong Cannons refer to large towable cannons that require beasts to draw the cannon carts. Iron Scatter Ammunitions explode upon impact, sweeping the vicinity with a storm of steel. Fire Ammunitions are incendiary shells that ignite well with sticky oil, hard to extinguish. Toxic Fire Ammunitions are chemical munitions, belching out toxic smoke as a secret weapon. “Eh, earlier you said the supply is tightly managed...” “Upon reflection, it seems I was quite foolish and narrow-minded! Following your guidance aligns with serving the country; I shall support you without limitations! Please just provide the command!” Ji Hyun-daenin stood wide-eyed beside them. Oddly, to witness the stern Command Chief becoming such a paragon of discipline meant Dame Seomun Cheonhwa had immense prestige. Indeed! I trusted in this! From the moment I laid eyes on her, I recognized her brilliance, thinking I couldn't keep my eyes open from the glaring aura. There was never a moment I doubted her, even without any official badge! I better prepare a gesture of appreciation when we return! It’s a mandatory skill among high-ranking officials in Zhongyuan to subtly manipulate perceptions. High officials in Zhongyuan ought to master subtly altering the recollections of themselves and their subordinates. In any case. Qing obtained artillery! --- #### Translated Terms and Context: - **Twelve Inspector Aide (十二都監察御史)**: A designation reflecting an official title or position tasked with oversight and assigned to different regions or responsibilities. - **Ho Jun Cannons** and **Kong-yong Cannons**: Reflect specific types of cannons, notably mortars and heavy artillery, as described within the context of military categories. - **Iron Scatter Ammunitions(철비탄)** and **Toxic Fire Ammunitions(독화비탄)**: Specific types of ammunition reflecting explosive and chemical warfare capabilities. - **Seomun Cheonhwa (서문천화)**: A previously unknown title referring to Qing as an influential figure within the narrative. - **Dianchang Sect (점창파)**: Refers to a sect involved in martial endeavors, indicative of significant martial arts factions within the narrative. - **War Department Minister (병부상서)**: Indicates an influential role akin to a high-ranking military overseer responsible for strategic decisions and orders. #### Contextual and Narrative Elements: - This passage illustrates Qing's complex navigation of bureaucracy and military structures to gain necessary support. - It highlights the balance of power and influence within the fictional world, where names, titles, and connections hold substantial weight. - Qing's humility and hesitation to flaunt her background signify a nuanced character grappling with moral and strategic choices while impacting broader sect affairs.