Beginning with the Ubume Bird

Chapter 49: Chapter 3 General Translation

Editor: Larbre Studio

Li Yan remained expressionless, his finger silently moving from the man’s eyelid to the spot above his philtrum, before he heavily sighed and turned around.

“What’s the matter, Brother Deng.”

Deng Tianxiong, a stout man like an iron tower, still exuded a strong sense of oppression despite his injuries, standing like a javelin.

“We’ve caught a spy, possibly one of the Japanese pirates.”

“If he’s a Japanese pirate, just kill him. There’s no need to tell me.”

Li Yan smiled faintly.

“Spare him! Spare him beneath your sword!”

Li Yan shifted his gaze; the speaker was a man in a light blue cloth shirt and a round-bottomed silk hat, about thirty years old, so frail he looked like he could be blown over by a gust of wind.

He was brought over stumbling, supported by two Ming soldiers.

Li Yan had previously used the Yellow Turban Talisman on six people, three of whom, like Deng Tianxiong, had regained their ability to move, and the other two were also stabilizing from their injuries. After a few days of rest, they would no longer be in critical condition.

“This man was hiding inside a barrel. When I lifted the lid, he began to speak in Japanese,” Deng Tianxiong pointed at the man.

“Heavenly soldiers guide us, heavenly soldiers guide us.”

The man, weak and dripping with cold sweat, pleaded: “I am a translator from Hanyang Prefecture. I accompanied Deputy General Cha all the way to Pyongyang.”

Li Yan glanced over him.

“You understand Japanese?”

When his profession was mentioned, the man seemed to calm down somewhat. He looked over at the young man who had asked the question.

Slim and with high cheekbones, his eyes shone like stars, clad in a grey, half-sleeved shirt, his blood-stained leg skirt fraying.

Gathering his wits, the pale-faced man displayed a hint of scholarly grace: “Since childhood, I’ve traveled the seas with my father. Not only do I understand Japanese, I also know a little of the language of red-bearded foreigners.”

Li Yan’s face blossomed into a smile, waving the Ming soldiers to release his shoulders.

“May I know how to address you, brother?”

“Since childhood, I’ve greatly admired Han culture. My family name is Song, and my given name is Zhongji. As the second eldest in my family, inspired by the order of elder and younger brothers, hence my name is Song Zhongji.”

“A fine name.”

Li Yan patted the man’s shoulder.

“Translator Song, within enemy territory, my brothers and I are seeking a way to survive. We intend to head south back to our camp. On this journey, we shall need your assistance.”

“Of course, of course,” Song Zhongji bowed deeply, though inwardly he grumbled bitterly.

At that moment when the lid was opened, he thought he had been discovered by the Japanese pirates. That’s why he called for help in Japanese. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be the Ming Army.

Although the Ming Army was an ally, most of them were arrogant towards the people of Joseon. These men were particularly bold, thinking they could force their way back to camp even though the Japanese pirates had nearly conquered the whole territory of Joseon. It’s as if they assume Konishi Yukinaga, currently in control of Pyongyang City, is dead.

Now in such dire straits, Translator Song harbored resentment towards the Ming Army. He had mocked the fragility of the Joseon troops all along the way, and now, weren’t they easily crushed at the slightest touch? And yet, they were dragging him along to face death.

While cursing in his heart, the face of this translator official showed no sign of discontent.

It was clear at first glance that this man was ruthless. Now still maintaining a semblance of respect, if Song showed any sign of indiscretion, this man would likely turn on him and kill him as easily as slaughtering a chicken.

Li Yan moved closer to Deng Tianxiong, whispering, “Tianxiong, keep an eye on him. We are strangers in a strange land, and to survive we need this man. If he dares to run, kill him without mercy.”

The problem was he didn’t let Translator Song get away, glancing at him now and then. Phrases like “keep an eye on him” and “kill him without mercy” carried on the wind to Song’s ears. He felt a chill all over, yet he maintained a smile and composure on his face.

About the duration of an incense stick, in the vast battlefield, Li Yan and his group had found over twenty survivors, but only nine could be brought together. Others were either too seriously wounded or unable to move and had to be left behind.

Some of those people were still defiant, while others wept bitterly, begging for mercy. Li Yan’s face was stern, but Deng Tianxiong was gritting his teeth.

Including Li Yan himself, out of the ten, seven could walk. They took turns supporting the three injured. These people, exhausted and battle-weary, couldn’t withstand a fight. An encounter with the Japanese pirates would make Li Yan’s efforts in vain. However, once they recovered from their injuries, their combat capability would be unmatched by any individual fighter.

Ten people in a line, they set out toward the foothills as the early morning sun melted the snow.

…

“Bang bang bang…”

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A face appeared behind the wooden door, a man in his forties, his face weather-beaten.

Song Zhongji swallowed, speaking in a Pyongyang-accented Joseon language:

“Old man, we are soldiers of the Great Ming, here to fight the Japanese pirates, you…”

As soon as the man heard the two words “Great Ming,” he was already forcefully pressing the door board, his tone filled with panic:

“Go somewhere else, don’t harm me…”

Li Yan might not understand the language, but he was no fool. He pushed up forcefully with his elbow, a cold sneer appearing on his face.

“I’m afraid it’s not up to you.”

How could a village man struggle against the seasoned Li Yan, enhanced by the Gu Huo Bird? The door board was pushed open with a violent shove, and the villager stumbled and fell. A woman’s startled cry came from inside the house.

One by one, the soldiers clad in military attire streamed in, most bearing weapons, their bodies exuding a thick scent of blood. Initially, the villager picked up a kitchen knife from the chopping board, but the fierce-looking Deng Tianxiong glared at him, scaring him into dropping the knife.

There were two women in the inner room, likely the man’s wife and daughter.

The girl, just reaching puberty, shrank into the corner of the kang, trembling uncontrollably, while the older woman knocked her head on the ground repeatedly, pleading for mercy.

“Tell him we’re the official army, not Japanese pirates; our brother has been injured and we just want to ask for a bowl of hot water,” Li Yan said to Song Translator with an impassive face, “No tricks, no harming lives.”

Song Zhongji helped the woman up, jabbering away for quite a while before the family calmed down.

“Which one of you brothers has some broken silver on you?”

The soldiers looked at one another, until a short-statured private spoke up.

“My mother made me a longevity lock, it’s pure silver.”

This man, Wang Sheng, though not as proficient in Military Skill with only 70% of Deng Tianxiong’s capability, possessed a skill called the Heavenly Sight and Earthly Listening Skill, making him a great hand for reconnaissance.

“Hand it over.”

Wang Sheng obediently passed the item forward. Ever since Li Yan had demonstrated his miraculous Qi Healing Technique and saved their lives, several soldiers started to look up to this Chief Banner as their leader.

Li Yan weighed the longevity lock in his hand, feeling its substantial heft.

He placed the longevity lock in the woman’s hand, then turned to Deng Tianxiong.

“Search around, grab whatever food or useful items you can find,” he instructed.

Continuing, he motioned for Deng Tianxiong to bend down.

“If you find any broken silver, take some too—your own judgment on the amount. Wang Sheng’s longevity lock is worth a fair bit, let’s not shortchange ourselves.”

Deng Tianxiong nodded and set about rummaging through the house.

The rest of the soldiers entered the room, sitting around by the door board, appearing somewhat restrained.

The elderly woman inspected the silver lock in her hand, biting it with her teeth. She then glanced over at the soldiers who, ever since entering the house, had obediently squatted aside; her gaze flickered for a moment before she turned to enter the kitchen.

Li Yan watched his battle-weary companions, feeling as if a tense string was tightly wound within his heart.

Breaking out of this encirclement was a formidable challenge.

“Song Translator, ask this old man to find us a few sets of clothes; include it in the silver lock I just gave,” Li Yan said.

Song Zhongji spoke in a flurry once more, and after a while, he brought forward two sets of coarse clothes.

“The family isn’t well-off, this is all they have,” Song Translator said, trying to smile.

Li Yan was about to speak when a sergeant peeking through the crack of the door suddenly whispered urgently.

“Lord, there are Japanese pirates!”

Song Translator’s palms trembled in fright, the clothes almost falling to the ground, but they were caught by Li Yan.

“Wang Sheng, help the badly injured brother into the back kitchen; the rest of you get down to the cellar. Tianxiong, come with me to change clothes,” Li Yan quickly ordered, still maintaining order within his rapid speech. After a few words, the nine soldiers moved swiftly as if they were gears lubricated with oil.

Soon, only the old man and his daughter, Song Translator, Deng Tianxiong, and Li Yan remained in the room.

A brash bout of laughter and conversation grew steadily closer.

“Bang!”

The wooden board was heavily slammed.

“%#@#￥#”

“`

The people at the door started cursing angrily.

The old man’s face was covered in layer upon layer of sweat. Suddenly, the door was kicked open.

Two ronin walked in, one after the other.

“A Fleeting Glimpse, activate.”

Japanese pirates (Hidetada Masasuke’s troops)

Specialty: Military Skill 70%

Ability: Shinin-ryu Swordsmanship!

Japanese pirates (Hidetada Masasuke’s troops)

Specialty: Military Skill 70%

Ability: Firearm Shooting

Just two ordinary Japanese pirates, yet they possessed as high as 70% proficiency.

Li Yan’s brow imperceptibly furrowed.

“Hey, you!”

One of the bald-headed ronin with a shiny forehead and holding a sword pointed at Song Zhongji.

Song Translator looked somewhat bewildered.

“You, come here!”

The ronin beckoned with his finger. Even if one couldn’t understand, the meaning was clear.

Song Zhongji swallowed hard, and Deng Tianxiong subtly nudged his waist.

“If you try any tricks, you’ll be the first to die!”

Song Translator walked over with an apologetic smile, greeting them in Japanese.

Li Yan leaned against the water jar, with the Ring Dragon Sword just behind it, and his hand holding a firearm buried in a pile of firewood beside him. Should there be the slightest oddity in the two Japanese pirates’ demeanor, he was ready to strike immediately.

Hearing Song Translator speak Japanese, the two men looked at each other in surprise, then burst out laughing. The pirate carrying the firearm patted Song Translator on the cheek.

“What, you speak Japanese?”

“A little, a little.”

The pirate with the firearm looked around.

“Why are there so many people in your house?”

“Guests, they are guests.”

Song Translator reacted quickly.

The pirate with the sword took two steps forward: “Guests, you say?”

He grabbed some dried sweet potatoes off the table, recently found by Deng Tianxiong, and stuffed them into his mouth, chewing loudly. Without invitation, he walked up to Li Yan, his black teeth nearly touching Li Yan’s neck.

“Hey, can you speak Japanese?”

Li Yan had a dumbfounded look. The ronin, feeling his short stature wasn’t imposing enough, grabbed Li Yan by the collar and shook him vigorously: “Oh mah ha i kou ga? (Are you an idiot?)”

Li Yan remained unresponsive.

The pirate spit out disdainfully: “Baka (Idiot.)”

He swept everything on the table into his clothing, rifled through the cupboard, and muttered, “Knew I was coming, so you took everything out in advance, huh? Very thoughtful.”

His vulture-like eyes swept around the room and suddenly locked onto a young girl curled up at the head of the kang bed.

Deng Tianxiong’s fists tightened, while Song Translator stepped in front of the pirate’s gaze and said with a bow and a grin,

“Sir, I know where there’s food.”

The pirate with the sword drew his blade, which was extremely long with a black edge, and pressed it against Song Translator’s belly.

“Move.”

Song Translator’s face twitched, and after a moment of hesitation, he silently moved aside.

“`

Deng Tianxiong had just lifted his foot when it was kicked from behind by Li Yan, who had approached unnoticed. Then, he heard Li Yan’s whispers near his ear, “He’s not your daughter. What’s the rush? Do you think escaping death was so easy that you can afford to play the hero?”

…

The two ronins’ faces were filled with mirth as they pointed at the girl on the kang. They muttered to each other for quite a while, until at last, the one with the firearm on his back licked his lips and approached. The one holding the knife stood to one side, swallowing saliva.

Li Yan seemed oblivious, his eyes cold and indifferent as he stared at the old man.

The old man, kicked to the ground, knelt and beseeched pitifully, babbling in words Li Yan couldn’t understand. Deng Tianxiong watched the old man’s bowing head with an internal chill.

Song Translator’s face trembled, glancing at the impassive, wooden-faced Li Yan, then to the knife-wielding ronin who was now pressing down on the girl. His hands and feet shivered.

The girl’s screams mingled with the sound of cloth tearing, exposing her pale flesh to the air.

“Clang~”

A clatter came from the kitchen suddenly, followed by a woman’s desperate shriek as she rushed out wielding a kitchen knife.

“Fuck your ancestors!”

Song Translator yelled, his hands fluttering like chicken claws as they lunged towards the ronin.

The black blade glinted like a gaping maw, aiming for Song Translator’s neck. The salty tang of the sea filled the air. A cold smile crept over the ronin’s lips.

“Ting~”

“Tss~”

The sword light was like a stream of autumn water. A parry! A wrist flip! A horizontal slash!

Blood spurted from the ronin’s throat. His eyes bulged unbelievingly as he gazed up at the gaunt face before his nose.

Li Yan’s lips moved slightly: “おまえはあほうか?(Are you an idiot?)”

Thud!

The ronin on the kang jolted awake and reached for his firearm, only to have his wrist seized by Deng Tianxiong. He cried out, facing the fiercely bared teeth of Deng Tianxiong.

The ronin tried kicking at Deng Tianxiong while a continuous, high-pitched ringing of a sword filled his ears.

…

“Bang!”

Li Yan pressed Song Zhongji’s head down onto the table.

“Song Translator, did I not say to avoid tricks? Or do you admire Han culture so deeply that even your angry curses before facing death have to be in our Han language?”

Right before Song Zhongji had lunged, he had spoken in fluent Great Ming Mandarin. If he were truly indignant and acting on instinct, his mother tongue would naturally come out.

Song Translator’s head was held down, but he was far from the compliant man they first met. His eyes were bloodshot as he cursed loudly in Mandarin:

“What kind of heavenly soldiers are you? Bullshit heavenly soldiers! What has the yearly tribute to the court brought us? Your three-thousand-strong defeat! Usually, you act so high and mighty, yet when our wives and daughters are humiliated, you dare not make a peep. When the people of Great Ming are oppressed, do you also stay silent? Are citizens from Ming Country people, while those from Joseon are not?”

His spit flew as his teeth gnashed loudly.

Li Yan grabbed the man by the collar, tossed him onto a chair, then kicked the edge of the chair, tipping it and the man over to the ground.

Song Translator’s back slammed against the chair, causing him to gasp in pain, unable to speak for a long time.

These broken soldiers were painstakingly gathered by him, and even out of sheer principle, Li Yan couldn’t allow a mere translator to deflate their already low morale.

“It’s not for a low-life like me to say whether the people from Ming Country are worth more than those from Joseon.”

Li Yan held a teacup in his hand, “But I would like to ask you, are the lives of Joseon’s people valuable, while those of Great Ming’s soldiers are not?”

He pointed to the old man nearby.

“We risk our lives in battle to protect your Joseon land and people. If he won’t let us in, if the townspeople are afraid of death and ignorance, I don’t mind.”

Li Yan grabbed Song Translator’s neck, still groaning, and stared intently into his eyes.

“But what I want to ask you is, how come this bastard dares raise a kitchen knife against our soldiers of Great Ming, but when faced with Japanese pirates breaking into his house and dishonoring his daughter, all he knows is to bow and beg for mercy?!”

He threw the man in his hand to the ground, his eyes fierce.

“I fucking ask you, why doesn’t he dare to lift a knife against the Japanese pirates?”

Song Translator’s lips bled, but he couldn’t utter a word, lying on the ground, scanning the circle of Ming Army soldiers who looked at him coldly.

“If you want others to respect you and value your life as much as theirs, then show them why your life is worth something.”