925 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

In a perplexing situation, it seemed like the wedding ceremony was being held without Yeon Sul herself, yet she was invited as a guest to her own wedding. Qing, who didn’t consider herself Princess Yeon Sul, wasn’t particularly moved by the irony of it all. However, everyone else clearly was. “Oh my, what an abominable scene, truly! How is it that the princess must congratulate herself at her own wedding? Oh heavens, such an abomination...!” In truth, what was truly abominable was the eunuch's effeminate voice, imitating a woman's, yet Qing had grown accustomed to eunuchs and their antics, so this too failed to affect her much. Moreover, since Qing's visit to the imperial palace, the title of the real Princess Yeon Sul had been revoked and the fake, now acknowledged as the real one, meant it wasn’t exactly a fake Yeon Sul's wedding anymore. Now, the fake Yeon Sul was considered the real one. One might argue that it was rather harsh to send someone off to marry a "barbarian" upon finding out they were a fake. However, adopting someone and making them a princess only to gift them to a so-called barbarian was an ancient tradition in Zhongyuan (Central Plains), so it couldn’t be considered entirely unfair. Being known as the Emperor's adoptive daughter, the fake Yeon Sul received even more respect. It’s safe to say she gained a better position after adoption rather than being just a peace-offering. “Your Highness, I know it’s a disgraceful topic, but declining the wedding invitation might be perceived as a sensitive issue, hence my unfortunate babbling... It's this wretched mouth of mine...” The eunuch began to slap his lips in self-punishment. In fairness, he could have just settled for calling her an aristocratic lady from the palace, but he boasted about being close to the Emperor, thus ending up with an unexpected wedding invitation. It was excessive loyalty born from the fear that the Emperor's supposed true offspring might be slighted. “Oh well, fine. In that case, I’ll just drop by briefly.” It wasn’t a difficult decision. It wasn’t a matter of whether or not I wanted to attend the wedding, but rather whether my presence might be a nuisance on such a fine day. I am concerned about Choi Ryang and Gyeon Poo Hee, but even they wouldn’t dare ruin someone else's wedding, would they? Although, considering those rascals, they might. Still, they would think I am trying to flee back to Zhongyuan rather than deep into Manchuria. While on the way, I could enjoy some good food and take a detour to Heilongjiang before returning. On the other hand, declining the invitation would certainly create a nuisance. So, I had to go. Of course, someone could argue why I didn’t just maintain my status as a secret agent from the start. Didn’t I declare confidently to live as Ximen Qing of the martial world, yet transform into the Imperial Censor for my own convenience whenever it suited me? This time, Qing was innocent. She had no reason to conceal herself since Jinyiwei agents would identify her and demand her identity immediately, causing an uproar. The point isn’t that the Jinyiwei officer bore any ill-will. Confounded by the sudden appearance of a martial artist in the far Manchuria, especially in the route of a peace envoy, he found it suspicious, that's all. bWpnL1VNWWVlR0h2N0IyVWd5ZUJTOFNTNzFacWNzZ2twU2x2RlZra3QxQis0RjVXYWVpWE5IWEpNbnMvdXlqVQ It wasn’t entirely anyone’s fault. If anything, it was Qing’s misfortune to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, provoked by Gyeon Poo Hee and the rogue Kim Heo-jung, along with the strange mob trio. Yeah, I was purely a victim... As Qing gritted her teeth over the strange trio, another thought interrupted her. “Your Highness, if I may.” “Yes?” “If you wish to, you could perhaps meet the bride of the wedding...” The eunuch watched for Qing’s reaction, choosing his words with utmost caution. “You want me to meet Princess Yeon Sul?” “Yes, it’s not that it holds any special meaning, but I wondered if you felt such a desire...” “No, not particularly. Why would I?” It was a direct response. Could it be that being so straightforward encouraged the elderly eunuch, with relief shading his expression? Eunuchs typically conceal their feelings. If relief was evident on his face, he must have been genuinely grateful for the reprieve. What was that about? Did they think I’d pull her hair or something just for meeting a fake? As mentioned, there was no reason. Qing held no interest in the fake Yeon Sul. She didn’t think of herself as the real Yeon Sul, so why should she care about the fake? Furthermore, it’s not as if the fake Yeon Sul was committing any heinous acts or was wielding her power at will. According to the Heavenly Maiden, the fake was promptly arranged when the revival of the real Yeon Sul failed. She wasn’t aspiring for status through her own schemes. Thus, she was living her life, and I mine. Besides, what palaver would I engage in with her even if we met? ‘Excuse me, I am the real one?’ ‘Oh, really? Well then...’ ‘No, just saying...’ ‘………’ ‘………’ Ugh, just thinking about it felt awkward. Consequently, it seemed best to just ignore, as if a cow and a chicken were staring blankly at each other. Meeting wasn’t necessary unless explicitly requested. During peace proceedings, i.e., the journey for the wedding, it was customary in Zhongyuan for outsiders not to see the bride. Hence, they wouldn’t randomly run into each other. From dawn, the village buzzed into life. The elite warriors of the Jurchens, the Eight Banners, prepared to escort the peace proceedings once more. Roll calls resonated, their voices echoing across the vicinity, while appetizing scents arose from cooking meals for the escorts and boiling feed for the horses. Meanwhile, a contingent of cavalry set off first. Serving as the advance team, they would announce the procession’s arrival and ensure safety and environment preparation. However, these were the internal matters of the Jurchen escort. **New Terms:** 1. Heilongjiang (흑룡강) - Translated as Heilongjiang for consistency and recognition of the geographical location in the Manchurian region, an important element considering the context of the journey mentioned. 2. Jinyiwei (금의위) - Translated as Jinyiwei, referring to the imperial secret police of the Ming dynasty, maintaining historical accuracy. They serve as the law enforcement and secret police, making the term resonate with historical readers familiar with Chinese culture. **Explanation:** - The situation Qing faces at the wedding is inherently ironic and provides insight into her disconnection from the identity of Princess Yeon Sul. It reflects her perspective as a nonchalant spectator to an elaborate ruse that doesn't concern her, mirroring her detachment as a transmigrated Korean man in a woman's body. - The eunuch's interaction and Qing’s reaction set a tone reflecting absurdity within the royal court's politics, demonstrating Qing’s detachment from the situation despite its peculiarities. Qing, welcomed as a distinguished guest, leisurely rose late and idly spent her time washing her face with warm water that appeared from somewhere and enjoying a hearty breakfast. It was only after such a busy morning concluded that the carriage carrying the fake Princess Yeon Sul began to slowly move. An impressive sight lay ahead, with cavalry numbering in the hundreds stretched out in formation before and behind. Yet, for some reason, it was laced with a kaleidoscope of colors. The armor colors were not uniform, creating a somewhat disorderly appearance. Four main colors: red, yellow, blue, and white. Three variations that included: yellow with red trim, blue with red trim, and white with red trim. Plus, a red armor with white trim to differentiate it from red with red trim, making it eight distinct colors in total. Standard bearers, aligning with the colors of the armor, arranged in a wedge in front of the bride's carriage. Eight flags waved there, representing the Eight Banners(八旗). This is the pride and the strength of the Jurchen people, the elite cavalry warriors, the Eight Banners. “How does it appear to His Excellency the Inspector?” “Oh, um. It looks impressive. The diversity of colors, too.” “Every man among the Jurchen aspires to join the Eight Banners. It's common for them to argue over which flag they belong under, and if a member from a small tribe becomes part of the Banners, they celebrate with a grand feast for three days.” The explanation came from Porri, the leader of the escort. The Eight Banners are in constant competition, training, and clashing for honor. Though the Banners are tied to certain regions and tribes, even within them, there are factions following different flags. Qing quickly grasped the concept. Hmm, it seems akin to supporting sports clubs. Like cheering for a specific color. “To my understanding, Twelve Censors of the Imperial Office are appointed specially by His Majesty, with the freedom to roam and supervise throughout Zhongyuan. Have you traveled to other regions? I've heard Qinghai Lake is so vast; it's like an ocean.” “Qinghai Lake? It's huge. However, the towering mountain range across the horizon doesn’t make it feel like an ocean.” “Then you must have encountered the Tibetan ethnic group. Is there any unique taboo when interacting with them?” “Tourists' mistakes are generally laughed off, so there aren’t many serious taboos. But their alcoholic drinks are quite unique…” Porri, the major of the escort company, kept casually talking. What is it? Is he just bored? Or trying to keep me from being bored? Or perhaps he’s naturally amiable. Not quite all three. The actions came closer to the cunning tactics of a strategist, slyly seeking out whether there might be any global affairs he didn't know about. A polite form of intelligence gathering. However, he had chosen the wrong person. Porri hoped to catch wind of valuable insights about events on the other side of Zhongyuan—those crucial, unknown affairs. But all he gleaned were gourmet Tibet local cuisines to try at Qinghai and detailed descriptions thereof. And recommendations of famous scenic spots. And thus, Porri’s gaze visibly wavered. What is this? Wasn’t the Inspector meant to be observing, yet he seems more to have traveled the lands seeking great tastes and picturesque views? No, that couldn’t be. As the Inspector favored by the Emperor, he was merely concealing valuable intel behind his apparently frivolous demeanor. Dream interpretations lie in the hands of the interpreter. Qing wasn’t trained in these machinations. She couldn’t be the type to pay such meticulous attention. Merely, when someone seemed interested in travel, she suggested good food and sights. If Porri probed deeper, he could extract substantial achievements. The unrest in Tibet, conspiracies targeting the Dali ethnic groups—all priceless intel a strategist might infer from. Thus, Qing's mouth could spill treasures of world-altering events at any moment. The only problem was timing. The pace of the procession gradually decreased. Though the procession wasn’t fast initially, considering it accompanied a bride’s carriage, speed wasn’t its goal. The steady clop of horse hooves began to linger: clip-clop, clip, clop, taking more time between beats. A bizarre procession was advancing towards them from the front. Though distant, the colossal structure approaching slowly was impossible to miss. What on earth is that? Frowning, Qing’s superhuman vision focused sharply into the distance to survey the imposing presence amid the procession. A massive golden palanquin. No, it was too colossal to simply be a palanquin. It was thick, grand, staggeringly enormous, and magnificently ornate. It was a throne. Enormous cube-shaped platforms were equipped with handles at each corner. Twenty men supported each side. Above the platform, a slightly smaller one, and atop that, again, a smaller platform stacked, forming a pyramid-like structure—a literal golden pagoda. Ascending the eleven tiers comprising the golden pagoda, a man sat upon what appeared to be a jewel-carved throne. Silence enveloped the peace envoy procession. What was she witnessing? It was an unbelievable sight in front of her eyes. The throne of the Emperor at the heart of the Forbidden City was set upon three tiers in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The throne, situated within the Hall, was stationed upon seven tiers known as the Emperor’s Steps. The Emperor surveys the world from a royal throne comprised of ten tiers. Yet here was a throne seating atop eleven tiers—with a throne configured above. **New Terms:** 1. Qinghai(청해) - Retained as Qinghai for geographical precision, a significant feature in Chinese topography. 2. Tibetan ethnic group (장족) - Translated as Tibetan ethnic group, highlighting both the cultural aspect and regional characteristics. 3. Jewel-carved Throne (옥 의자) - Translated to denote the preciousness and craftsmanship, adding grandeur fitting the imagery. 4. Hall of Supreme Harmony (태화전) - Translated according to its formal designation in the Forbidden City, essential for historic and cultural authenticity. The intent behind such an ostentatious display was so transparent that it became suspicious in itself. Who, in their right mind, crafted such a brazenly extravagant golden palanquin, the mere existence of which could incur a sentence of 'Ten Thousand Crimes of Treason'?