Chapter 2
Chapter 2
The one with the most power and influence in Yang Country, apart from the Imperial Family, is the Yutang Jin Family, who controls the sky-blue seas . [1]
“Jin” was originally “Jing”, and the two syllables “Yutang” were also later given by the emperor — twenty years ago, there was no Jin Family, no Yutang . During the fight for the throne, there was only Lan Jing, the King of the Seas . [2]
He was the king, the uncrowned King of the Seas, with countless warships . The whole of his territory could not be seen by only looking into the distance . It was to the point that all passing nations’ fleets had to pay tribute to Lan Jing so they could reach the shore safely .
At that time, however, Yang Country was in turmoil, still amidst replacing the seat of the throne . Prince Huang had little power while succeeding the throne, receiving neither internal nor external assistance . He had also heard that his concubine-born Brother Qing had formed a private alliance and prepared to borrow soldiers who would arrive at Yang Country by sea . Crown Prince Huang was terrified and had no choice but to turn to the Sea King, Lan Jing . Yet Lan Jing was one who sought the long term . He generously promised to do his utmost to aid the crown prince, however, the Sea King had his conditions—
Crown Prince Huang smoothly became the Emperor of Yang and in regards to what was said before, ousted the Crown Princess as a commoner and appointed the King of the Sea’s sister as his Empress, bestowing upon her the surname “Jin” .
The emperor gave the Sea King land and cast a golden horse with Yutang on it for the Sea King’s residence . [3]
Becoming accustomed to being King of the Sea, perhaps Lan Jing became tired of being adrift at sea . After obtaining a fortune comparable to the Imperial Palace’s treasury, he changed his name to “Jin Lan” and entrusted his maritime career to his four sons . His family settled in Yang Country’s capital, Zhen, and he took on the role of a high-ranking member of the imperial court .
Yet, he was not arrogant about his accomplishments and kept a low profile . It seemed as if he had always had more interest in the path of the merchants than that of the nation’s affairs . However, despite this, Yang Country’s national politics were still largely under his personal influence . Both the Imperial Court and the common people were all in awe of him and called him “Uncle Jin” . [4]
Uncle Jin’s only daughter is called Jin Bihui .
It was rare for women in Yang Country to still be unmarried in her twenties like Miss Jin who was exactly such a person . And yet she had five wealthy suitors waiting on her which made it more unfathomable — this woman’s innate nature was boorish . She was someone who had always been frustrated with life in the Imperial Capital since she was a child and would fool around in her father’s fleet until she was forced to return to the capital because she had reached marriageable age .
All ministers of the imperial court who saw that imperial woman were amazed: that woman had no manners whatsoever, with a pair of feet like a man’s, which revealed her less than honorable origins . She spoke frankly, her language crude, and what was even more surprising was that all the maidservants wore swords on their waists . Each and every one was as fierce as a yaksha . [5]
There were also rumors that Jin Family’s Miss, who had grown up among the pirates, was simply illiterate .
The rumors became distorted as it passed from mouth to mouth to the point where those eager sons of the aristocracy were discouraged — there were also some fallen nobles of Yang Country who all had the same thought and wanted to marry into her family, but eventually, all of them were frightened by Miss Jin’s unbearable character and stumbled to withdraw . [6]
On one occasion, the most popular person in the capital was treated as a laughing stock when Miss Jin herself took a vine and beat the prospective groom, who had been drinking tea in his residence, both hitting and cursing at him . News of her rude and violent conduct spread everywhere . When Emperor Chang heard about this, he looked at Empress Jingshui, who was also Jin Bihui’s aunt and laughed, “My niece is so brave . She resembles the Jinwu[7] at my palace . ”
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As a result, with no explanation, the nickname “Terrifying Tigress” spread and became what all parents in Yang Country used as a negative example to lecture their children: “Look at how you’re acting! Just like the ‘Terrifying Tigress’!”
Therefore, even while already extremely rich and powerful, Miss Jin Bihui, who was a pirate by nature, wasted time as she reached the age of twenty-five and had not yet married . Miss Jin herself was unconcerned and it didn’t bother her at all, but the surprising thing was that Uncle Jin also did not mind and there wasn’t a trace of urgency .
The small ship shook badly in the wind and rain, but the woman standing at the front did not sway at all, so it only took a glimpse to see how skilled she was .
“After all these years of composure, it seems that Uncle Jin ultimately picked a heavenly genius to be his daughter’s husband . ” Looking at the bitter smile on Prince Xueya’s face, the old boatman unexpectedly had a slight smile as well and sighed .
Before he finished speaking, the boat’s hull suddenly shook, only to see the famous red-clothed woman behind the boat had rolled up her sleeves and raised her hands . A glistening zipline akin to lightning streaked across the rainy night . The ghostly hand made of cast iron stealthily grasped the side of their boat .
“Yan Bai, what do you think you’re doing? Having the ceremony, not entering the bridal chamber, and even taking my dowry and escaping without a trace — do you think I, Jin Bihui, am easy to bully?” She firmly straightened the zipline, pointing and loudly berating the white-clothed mister, “Originally, I thought that this time, because Dad treated you so well, maybe you really were a capable person — tch, to think you’re also a money-grubbing gigolo! Don’t think that just because Dad made the decision that I’d be afraid of you after the ceremony! If I don’t like you, I can send you home as I’ve done with others!”[8]
Prince Xueya’s expression faintly changed . He was the seventh prince of Li Country, with his talent in military strategy, his name was known among all the nations . Perhaps because his expectations were too high, he never had a wife after coming of age — but now, because of a pressing matter, he was forced to join the Jin Family with little options left .
As he listened to his newly-married wife’s cursing, he harbored complicated feelings and was unable to stop his expression from changing .
Putting away the flute, he inwardly sighed . Having no choice, he went through the motions and said in a clear voice, “Madam, don’t be angry — I and father-in-law had an agreement since my country is in a dangerous situation . Once the ceremony was over, I’d first take the dowry and go back to Ye City to assist with the emergency . How could I let this matter be hindered because of a woman? Madam is from a general’s family, so you are naturally a sensible person . I hope…”
However, before he could continue speaking, he heard a charming but cold laugh, “It’s obvious you’re a swindling gigolo who even speaks in such a pretentious way . Whenever I see men like that, I beat them up!”
The boatman and Prince Xueya were both startled . They were only able to see that, in an instant, a red shadow flickered, and Jin Bihui had stepped on the rope . Surprisingly, like the imperial wind[9], she moved down the river and swept onto the boat . Without even saying a word, as soon as she landed, she slapped her groom in the face .
Even though he had heard of his wife’s reputation for being fierce, Miss Jin’s demeanor at the moment was far from what the prince of Li Country had anticipated . Though lost in thought, Yan Bai hurriedly dodged and extended his right hand and quickly brought it toward his wife’s wrist — although the fight had already started, his background and self-restraint really made him unable to “do it”[10] toward his wife .
“Oh, good agility—” Jin Bihui blurted out when the white-clothed man precisely grabbed her wrist, but she could also move quickly . She lowered her wrist and retracted it, but then slammed her elbow toward Yan Bai’s right ribcage . The force this time was vicious, completely different from the force of the slap earlier . And if that hit were solid, then it would have really broken his sternum .
The old boatman was involuntarily moved seeing her ruthless show of skill .
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As if he had been provoked by his wife’s brutality and harshness, the refined and elegant prince of Li Country wrinkled his brows and coldly snorted, not noticing that his fingers reached out to his long sleeves . Between the flicking of the white robe, Jin Bihui only felt that her wrist had sunk . Something cold and hard pressed against her right wrist’s vein, making her body feel somewhat weak .
The Sea King’s daughter suddenly smiled, “I guess you have some ability . Turns out you’re not a gigolo either—” Her voice trailed off, and the sound was very pleasant and contained a kind of fiery charm . She looked up at her newly-married husband without even a hint of shyness, “Looks like Father hasn’t gone senile yet . He has somewhat good eyes . Good, you’re able to beat me . You’ve passed the first test!”
She was actually very beautiful . A slightly tanned complexion . Large and lively eyes . Eyelashes that fluttered like small fans . As well as long and abundant jet-black hair put up into a high bridal bun .
However, when he saw his newlywed wife looking up, Prince Xueya unconsciously averted his gaze and only withdrew the flute that was pressing against the other’s wrist . Nevertheless, he stood sideways and spoke calmly, “Madam’s behavior goes against common sense, so you should go back quickly, lest your father becomes worried . ”
Within the dark night, the rain still keeps falling . And within the night rain, the Seventh Prince’s light robe lifted . The side of his face was as handsome as a god’s, but the look in the eyes was that of a noble’s as well as apathetic . His distant friendliness was fake .
This marriage, which was supposed to be a stopgap measure as a political bargaining chip, got him what he wanted to save the crumbling Crown Prince’s army . Like that, he also paid the price of a lifelong marriage to get it — he was a man of his word . The glory of being Prince Xueya’s Imperial Concubine would always enshroud this pirate woman .
As for the substance of the marriage — in an age where the change of power can overthrow everything, would anyone genuinely care about it?
Raising her head to look at her husband, she didn’t detect any coldness or displeasure from Prince Xueya . She felt her husband was handsome . And the more she looked, the happier she became and the more the corners of her lips rose, “Tch, I’m not afraid of Dad! I’m with my married husband now . What’s he got to worry about?”
While talking, she cheerfully reached out to tug at Yan Bai . However, her husband faintly frowned and did not seem to lift a step but had already moved a foot in an instant . He avoided her and coldly said, “As your husband, I hereby order you to return!”
Jin Bihui’s smile suddenly froze along with the gleam in her eyes . She momentarily looked up at her own husband—
The old boatman next to them didn’t utter a sound and watched the pair of husband and wife for a long time . When he saw the bride of the Jin Family’s gaze, his heart also jumped a little: Terrifying Tigress . At that moment, the old boatman suddenly knew the true meaning of this nickname . He helplessly shook his head and laughed wryly .
“Ha…given an inch you’ll take a mile?” The red-clothed bride, who just had the ceremony this evening, sneered . She raised her long eyebrows and laughed sarcastically, “I should obey you? Why should I obey you? Have you ever done anything worthy of giving my ‘obedience’ to you? Ha, don’t bother lecturing me about those principles — whoever agrees to those principles can abide by them since I, Jin Bihui, won’t accept them anyway!”
The old boatman took a sharp breath . The groom next to him was stunned for a moment . Before he could figure out how to retort, Jin Bihui glanced at the chest in the boat’s cabin, “Are you planning on going back to Zhencheng now with all of those riches?”
“En,” Yan Bai answered without realizing, only to hear his wife had replied faster, “Good, then I’ll go with you!” There was a great deal of excitement in her words .
“Nonsense . ” The Snow Cliff Prince finally couldn’t bear it any longer and shouted, “Woman, going to the battlefield to stir up what? You’re the precious jewel of Yang Country’s Yutang Jin family and the Imperial Concubine of Li Country . How can you show your face in public?”
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“Hmph, why not? What precious Imperial Concubine? I am the daughter of the Sea King, Lan Jing!” The newlywed woman raised her head proudly at her husband, “At twelve, I could command a warship, and at fifteen I could lead a fleet in a naval battle — I hear you’re a genius when it comes to war . Tch, but at sea, you’re no match for me!”
Yan Bai finally turned his head somewhat incredulously and glimpsed at his wife for the first time: that twenty-five-year-old woman with her pearl crown thrown off and her long sleeves rolled up looked at him with provocation . Her eyes shined and the corners of her lips rose .
It turns out…the woman he married himself was this kind of person . She and Wuchen are two completely different kinds of people…
The seventh prince of Li Country sighed inwardly, not knowing what he felt . However, the reply was still indifferent: “Ye City is in danger, and there is a lot of chaos . Madame, you must not go . ”
“If I say I can go, then I can go!” Suddenly, seemingly also running out of patience, Jin Bihui arched her eyebrows and said angrily, “Why are you dragging your feet like this — I still haven’t seen what a battlefield is like yet . I won’t bring you any trouble when I go, and I can also guard you a little . To prevent me from becoming a widow just after getting married!”
“Pfft . ” Finally, the old boatman couldn’t help but laugh when he saw the awkward expression on Prince Xueya’s face .
Yan Bai and Jin Bihui looked at the back of the boat simultaneously . Yan Bai had an inquisitive look in his eyes, but Jin Bihui just glanced at the old boatman in the straw raincoat and bamboo hat and said, “Why are you laughing? Never seen a married couple fight?”
“So what if I don’t let you go?” Seeing that the old boatman didn’t say anything, Yan Bai frowned and asked .
“So what?” Jin Bihui bit her lip slightly and her eyes displayed arrogance . Suddenly, she stepped on the side of the boat and it shook sharply . Yan Bai became unsteady, so he hastened to stand still and put force into his feet . Immediately, he re-stabilized the boat . Slightly furious, he spoke, “What are you trying to do?”
Jin Bihui took one look at the chest in the cabin and unhurriedly drew a small dagger from her waist and smiled, “I know you’re good at martial arts, but I don’t believe you can still float on water while carrying that chest — if you don’t let me follow, I’ll sink this boat and see how you explain when you go back empty-handed!”
As soon as those sharp words fell, the atmosphere on the boat abruptly froze .
So it turns out…she really isn’t a stubbornly unreasonable person who doesn’t use her head . Her thinking is already thorough enough . Yan Bai looked fixedly at his wife, and Jin Bihui also stared back at him arrogantly . The small dagger, which wasn’t more than three inches long, rolled nimbly between her fingers .
If he didn’t agree, perhaps this Terrifying Tigress would really throw her robe to the side and dive into the water to cut a hole in his boat? Of course, he could stop her before she went into the water, but if he did, he would have really lost face . How would he ever be able to contact Yang Country again? Yet, if she entered the water, there would be no way to restrain this Sea King’s daughter .
“Cough, cough…Miss, don’t joke about this . This boat is but this little old man’s life . ” In the silence, suddenly, the old man who had been quiet at the stern of the boat coughed a few times, opened his mouth, and looked at the seventh prince of Li Country, “I say, mister, the other side is your wife . Bringing along your wife to help you is a good idea . ”
“Who wanted you, old man, to shoot off your mouth!” Somewhat annoyed, Jin Bihui glared at the old boatman . However, the old boatman didn’t seem to be afraid of her at all and scanned her . For some reason, Jin Bihui’s heart tightened for a second, as if overwhelmed by some kind of aura in the other party’s eyes and actually did not dare continue speaking .
Hearing the old man’s languid voice, Prince Xueya’s expression was respectful . After a moment’s silence, he bowed deeply to the white-haired boatman, “I sincerely obey senior’s instructions . ”
“Wow! Old man, you really are a good person!” The Terrifying Tigress did not expect that her husband would listen to an old boatman’s words and she beamed with happiness, but the boatman stopped paying attention to her and just turned his head and continued to rock the boat by himself .
Phew, was able to get this chapter out . Hopefully, I’ll be able to get the next one out in about a week（‐＾▽＾‐）
Footnotes:
[1] This should either be the name of the coast or the author’s just describing it . Don’t think it should matter too much when reading for now, but if more info is given it may be changed
[2] “Jing” means “whale” while “Jin” means “gold” . This change is significant since the surname was given to them by the emperor, and only the emperor and those of very high status were allowed to wear gold or the color . It’s pretty much a symbol of high status
[3] Wow lol
[4] “金国舅” (Jin1, Guo2, Jiu4): The “Guo Jiu” part means emperor’s uncle or brother-in-law . They’re saying that with his power and influence he’s pretty much like the emperor’s uncle or brother-in-law
[5] “Imperial woman”: Originally an idiom meaning nobility or beautiful woman; Yakshas can be used to describe someone as hideous and malevolant though they are also known to be benevolent spirits wiki
[6] lmao (￣∇￣)
[7] This should be why she got the nickname “Nv Jinwu” or “Terrifying Tigress” . “Jinwu” should actually be referencing the three-legged bird or the dragon . For translation purposes it will be kept as “Terrifying Tigress”, but if there are any suggestions I’m open to changes
[8] Means breaking off the marriage
[9] Saying it’s like she was flying
[10] Implies hitting