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Translator: uly
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: The Murong Family's Scoundrel Fiancé - 2
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There is a term, (Beauty that Topples Nations).
It means a beauty so captivating she could cause a nation to fall. How beautiful must one be to make an emperor want to grant her every wish, regardless of the consequences for his country?
When you get used to seeing pretty characters in comics, novels, and games, you often become desensitized. However, the two heroines of this martial arts dating sim elicited gasps of admiration from the very first moment they appeared.
The golden-haired Princess, whose bright personality and charming looks made players overlook her troublesome nature.
Murong Sang-ah with her chestnut hair, possessing a bewitching beauty so profound you could get lost just by looking at her melancholic face.
If the Princess heroine was the sun, Murong Sang-ah was the moon.
Both were heroines of incomparably charming beauty.
It was clearly a problematic game, but if released, the heroines' looks alone would have been enough to make countless men open their wallets without hesitation.
If paid DLC like additional costumes were introduced, players might truly want to buy them all, even if it meant emptying their bank accounts.
Heroines with beauty that could not only enchant an emperor and topple a nation but also drain gamers' wallets dry.
That was precisely the Murong Sang-ah standing before me.
"You called for me?"
The appearance of Murong Sang-ah as she entered the study was nothing short of shocking.
A top that slightly revealed her cleavage and a skirt so short its hem didn't reach her knees. She hadn't yet worn a hairpin as she was unmarried, but she appeared with floral decorations in her chestnut hair.
This is insane.
Wow, this is really insane.
I'm supposed to marry this woman?
Even if I were dead drunk, if a woman like this approached me, I'd sober up instantly. And I, as Kang Yun-ho, had hurled such insults at her that I earned her hatred in one go.
Kang Yun-ho, you scoundrel bastard.
When game characters are adapted into realistic appearances, their beauty often diminishes. But Murong Sang-ah was not like that at all. No, she surpassed it.
While this world is a martial arts realm, its essence is a martial arts dating sim, so there are indeed many varied costumes.
Pretty outfits would certainly serve to highlight one's beauty, but for Murong Sang-ah, such attire would likely only barely support her own stunning looks.
If a woman like this stabbed her husband and then appeared on broadcast shedding a single tear, everyone would probably think, "She must have had a good reason," and accept it.
Damn lookism.
"Your husband has arrived, and you didn't even come out to greet him! Where have you been hiding until now?!"
As expected of a sibling relationship born to antagonize each other. Murong Bi shouted at Murong Sang-ah the moment he saw her.
"I do not yet have a husband."
Murong Sang-ah recited calmly.
"What?"
Wow. Their relationship is clearly the worst. Almost on par with Kang Yun-ho and Murong Sang-ah's level. Well, the Young Master who became a Demonic Cultist did sell her out, after all.
Anyway, for the third stage, I need to get into character now.
I am the scoundrel Kang Yun-ho. Scoundrel Kang Yun-ho.
I become that famous, utter bastard.
"How dare a woman talk back to her heaven-like older brother? Brother, are all women in the Central Plains like this?"
"No! Only that wench is like that!"
Nice toss! Murong Bi! Just for this time, we're temporary allies!
"When the man who is to be your husband has come from afar, it wouldn't be enough to greet him barefoot! Where have you been hiding, appearing only now to talk back?!"
I scolded Murong Sang-ah in a loud voice.
Honestly, it would be best if she didn't show up at the wedding venue at all and just hid, but she wouldn't do that, would she?
"If he had come to welcome a wife, he would have done so. However, there is no need for such courtesy toward a man who has come to buy a woman."
Wow. It seems she's been holding onto Kang Yun-ho's words about buying her.
"Hah, a person who should become the wife of the Kang Family with a heart as vast as the sea and sky—are you telling me you've been holding onto a single joke, harboring petty revenge?"
"A joke... you called it a joke?"
Murong Sang-ah's eyelids trembled slightly. Wow, she's not a completely expressionless character after all.
Well, when would the daughter of the most prominent family in Liaodong Fortress ever have received such treatment?
She was eliminated from the Family Head race. Her brother sold her to barbarians. Her family is exposed to the threat of the Demonic Cult. The barbarian bastard treats her like some courtesan.
It must have been the worst experience of her life.
"Why? If it wasn't a joke, are you going to draw that cold sword at your side?"
I hadn't noticed immediately due to her striking outfit, but Murong Sang-ah was wearing a sword.
Wait, does this girl think she's Sun Shangxiang? Why is she wearing a sword to the Young Master's study?
"If that is what you wish."
Murong Sang-ah made a motion as if to move her hand to her waist.
Sorry! I got too immersed in my acting and crossed the line!
I don't want that!
I prepared so much because I didn't want that!
It's just an act! Please, don't do that!
"You wench!"
At that moment, Murong Bi quickly approached Murong Sang-ah. As Murong Bi raised his right hand, Murong Sang-ah swiftly moved to block it.
But perhaps there was a gap in their skills. Murong Bi quickly grabbed and subdued Murong Sang-ah's hand with his left, then—
*Smack!*
—slapped her.
"You rotten wench! When Brother-in-law said you needed education, I felt a bit insulted as a member of the Murong Family. But now, seeing this, I'm ashamed of having thought that! Father pampered you too much!"
Oho.
Murong Bi, you're no longer a temporary colleague; from now on, you're my best friend!
"Brother-in-law, give me that book."
Murong Bi released Murong Sang-ah and gestured.
"Here it is."
I handed over the books I had prepared on the way to Murong Bi.
"Take this and read it!"
"What is this?"
"Father-in-law said you lack character education and have no manners! So he said you must learn the customs of Joseon."
No, he never said that. He's subtly dissing his own sister because he doesn't like her.
"A book containing Joseon customs, is it?"
"... Presumably."
Having never read the contents, Murong Bi glanced at me subtly, seeking agreement.
"It's a book on Joseon customs that I personally compiled and brought. You will take a test on it tomorrow."
"... What happens if I fail the test? Could it lead to an annulment?"
A faint hint of expectation could be heard in Murong Sang-ah's voice.
My prediction seems correct.
I only know a little of Murong Sang-ah's storyline, but I've thought a lot based on that knowledge.
Murong Sang-ah kills her husband on their wedding night. But was that really according to her own plan?
In this era, the moment you marry and have your name entered into the husband's family register, you become an 'outsider married out'. If things went wrong, Murong Sang-ah could also have been taken as a slave of the Kang Family.
Taking such a risk and getting involved in treason on her wedding day is a gamble with more loss than gain.
Murong Sang-ah probably thought that just sending evidence would implicate the Kang Family and lead to an annulment.
But in the Joseon era, false accusations of treason happened all the time.
'Your Majesty, so-and-so is plotting treason.'
'Again? Where did you hear that nonsense?'
'No, Your Majesty. He's my enemy, but anyway, he's plotting treason.'
Who would easily believe that?
Therefore, even in Joseon, it would have taken considerable time to examine the evidence. Thus, Murong Sang-ah likely never anticipated Kang Yun-ho reappearing before her eyes.
So, what does Murong Sang-ah need now?
Time.
"Originally, the family would not permit the marriage until you pass the test. You will take the test tomorrow. If you fail, the next day. If you fail again the day after, the wedding will be postponed."
"What? You never said that!"
Murong Bi exclaimed in surprise.
"Do not worry. There will be no annulment. If you fail, it will merely be postponed."
So, the first move I prepared was wedding postponement.
If Murong Sang-ah's goal was annulment, and killing Kang Yun-ho to swallow the Kang Family's assets was just a coincidental opportunity, then she would want the wedding postponed.
Just one day's delay would be enough.
In this era, a wedding is something where a date is set, and relatives and guests from afar are all invited. It can't be easily postponed.
Especially since it's not being held in Joseon but at the bride's family home, where their influence is strongest. It couldn't be that easy to postpone.
That's why I acted the scoundrel to emphasize my bad relationship with Murong Sang-ah.
Just what kind of education did you give your prospective bride that she turned out like this? I bring up the topic in a place where it can be spread to as many people as possible. And then naturally bring up the story of the test for Murong Sang-ah.
Of course, the Murong Family will object.
Then I just lie down. Scoundrel Kang Yun-ho gets drunk and lies down.
'I'm not getting married! I want to go hooome!'
Who would dare stop scoundrel Kang Yun-ho? And on top of that, who would be happiest to learn of a way to postpone the wedding?
Obviously, Murong Sang-ah. Even if she accepts the test proposal, she'll try to fail.
"If I fail the test, the wedding is postponed..."
Murong Sang-ah quickly snatched the books from Murong Bi's hand. Yes, that's right. You got it, right?
"You wench! What are you plotting in that head of yours?!"
Murong Bi urgently pressed her.
"I merely thought that a girl who hasn't been educated in manners might not be able to learn this in just one day."
Murong Sang-ah sarcastically threw Murong Bi's own words about her lack of education back at him.
"A wench born after killing her mother, how cunning you are. However! There will be no postponement."
"But, Brother..."
If we can't postpone for even a day, then I'll diiiie—no, I'll be killed!
"This is the great Murong Family's wedding ceremony. It cannot be delayed over some trivial test. However, we cannot ignore the words of our future in-laws, the Kang Family, with whom we will have continued relations. Therefore, I shall make a proposal."
"A proposal, you say?"
"The first day, you will take the test with her. But if this wench fails, then she will take the test before the bloodline members and guests. The family members would surely enjoy seeing the Murong Family's prodigy fail a simple test."
Incredible. So, he's saying he'll broadcast the test grading in this era? With a chat window for roasting? And not just any viewers, but doing that in front of family relatives and guests?
I don't need such a vicious friend. You're demoted from best friend again!
"Brother, you intend... to humiliate me after all."
"The humiliation is what you've done to me all along. If you don't like it, pass in one day!"
"... I understand. I will surely pass the test tomorrow."
"Hmph! It will be difficult for one who hasn't been educated in manners. If you don't want to become a laughingstock, you'll have to work hard."
Murong Bi raised one corner of his mouth, sneering at Murong Sang-ah.
As expected of the Murong Family. Even their verbal counterattacks go back and forth for several rounds.
"Then I shall take my leave."
As Murong Sang-ah turned to leave with the books, I quickly threw out one last remark.
"Shameless wench. Still arrogant and unaware of your place."
Murong Sang-ah left as if she hadn't heard a thing, showing no reaction.
So, the first secret plan was too much, huh.
But with this, Murong Sang-ah will study the books I wrote.
The real plan can be used then.
Now, all that's left is to wait for the next stage.