Chapter 210
The Youngest Son of Eunhaesang Trading Company Chapter 210
Chapter 210. A Connection in Hangzhou (3)
It was time to return to Eunhaesang Trading Company.
He had to review the plans he had made for the new year and get started.
“Are you going home, Senior Brother?”
“When will you come back?”
The children clung to my clothes with sad faces and whined.
I guess they grew fond of me after playing with them so much.
“Are you really sad to see me go?”
“Yes.”
The children nodded in response to my question.
“I'm sad too. But Senior Brother has to work hard so he can buy you lots of delicious food.”
I smiled and promised them.
“I'll come back again.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
I wasn't just saying that.
I had work to do in Hangzhou, so I had to come back anyway.
Hmm, I should get them a present before I go.
To be honest, even with the support from Changin Escort Agency and Northern Sea Ice Palace, raising children costs a lot of money.
I had been entrusted with full authority by my Master, so I had both the duty and the right to check the finances of Yangyang Martial Arts Academy.
I looked through the books and couldn't help but admire them.
It was clear that the academy was being run very meticulously and efficiently.
It couldn't have been any other way.
The finances were really tight.
The best we could do was to make sure the children didn't go hungry, so they only got snacks once or twice a year at best.
That's why they worked so hard when I told them they would get dangho-ro as a reward for playing with me before.
So that's why Principal Yeom was chosen by the previous principal.
He's the kind of person who can run a household so efficiently.
If the forces that destroyed Seolpung Palace find out about Yangyang Martial Arts Academy, this place will be in danger.
It was a time to protect ourselves, so they appointed a talented person as principal.
“Is there anything you need? If I can buy it before I go, I'll bring it back for you.”
“Do I need anything?”
“Yes.”
“Can I ask for anything?”
“Tell me what you want. If it seems necessary, I'll buy it, but if not, I'll reject it.”
“Let me think about it.”
The children ran away and whispered among themselves.
They thought they were speaking in hushed tones, but I could hear them perfectly.
The martial arts academy wasn't that big.
But... there was something strange about what the children were discussing.
Normally, they would ask for toys or food, but why were they talking about that?
After a while, the meeting seemed to be over, and the child who seemed to be their representative came up to me.
“We've decided. Please buy us paper as a gift.”
“Paper?”
“Yes. We want to write letters to our senior brothers who work at the escort agency and to our mothers who are at the Northern Sea Ice Palace.”
Paper is not difficult to obtain, but paper suitable for writing letters is expensive.
The surface must be smooth for writing, and it must be thick so that the ink does not smudge.
Come to think of it, there were sometimes letters written in the courtyard, and that was why.
They had been practicing writing on the dirt floor because they didn't have paper.
Having been born into a wealthy family and lived a comfortable life, I hadn't thought of that.
I hadn't thought that they couldn't send letters because they didn't have paper and had to practice writing on the dirt floor.
As someone who had been asked by the investigator to rebuild Seolpung Palace, I felt a little embarrassed that I hadn't paid attention to such details.
“Okay. I'll buy you a lot.”
“Thank you!”
But that was something I should have thought of myself, so it couldn't be considered a gift.
“Is that all you have?”
“Um...”
It was an expression I hadn't expected.
“Then think about it again until tomorrow morning. I'm going to meet with the Principal for a moment.”
After saying that to the children, he headed for the Principal's office.
“Come in.”
When he entered, Principal Yeom was busy working.
With two hundred people to move, there was a lot to prepare.
There were also many administrative matters to take care of.
“You look busy.”
“Hahaha. Yes, I am. Would you mind waiting for a moment?”
“Should I come back later?”
“No, it will only be a moment.”
As I sat down in front of him, he quickly finished his paperwork and came over to me.
“What is it?”
“I am planning to return to Hubei the day after tomorrow.”
“Are you leaving already?”
“Yes, it's the New Year, so I have a lot to do.”
“I'm sure you have a lot of work to do.”
Principal Yeom nodded.
“So, I want to give gifts to my children and students here, but they said they need paper.”
“What?”
“They want to write letters.”
“Oh…”
Yeom Guan-ju nodded with a regretful look.
“I'm ashamed. As you know, paper is quite expensive...”
“That's why I want to buy some paper for the children before I leave. By the way, is there anything else you need?”
He had come to see Guan-ju because he wondered if there was anything else the children needed.
“I don't really know what they need. So, what can I do to help the children?”
Before I could finish, Yeom Kwan-ju quickly replied.
“Then please buy them a set of clothes!”
“Clothes?”
“Yes. The children don't have any decent clothes to wear in winter. It's not that they don't have any, but this winter is going to be very cold.”
He laughed awkwardly, realizing what he had said.
Clothes were quite expensive.
He added,
“I think I'm asking too much. Instead, could you help them keep warm?”
I smiled warmly at his words.
Yeom Kwan-joo was a good man.
“I understand.”
.
.
.
In the late afternoon, I visited the shopkeeper, Wi Joon-deok.
“Captain! What brings you here? You could have just sent for me.”
“I just wanted to take a walk.”
“I understand. I do that sometimes too.”
“I am planning to return to my hometown soon. I came to ask you for a favor.”
“Please tell me.”
I asked him to buy clothes for the children and wooden swords for them to practice martial arts.
“You can buy them with this money. I will come back in a few months, so if you need anything else, please let me know.”
He counted the money I gave him and shook his head.
“How can it not be enough? It's more than enough.”
“Please consult with the principal of the Yangyang Martial Arts Academy for details.”
“I understand.”
It was reassuring to know that I had someone I could trust to take care of things while I was away.
“Did you hear that?”
“What do you mean?”
“Remember the small sect building I showed you earlier?
”Yes, I remember.“
”They say they won't sell the building. They just want to stay there.“
”Really?"
Should I be glad?
Actually, when I was talking to the shopkeeper about the situation there, I heard someone behind the fence.
That's why I said that on purpose so they could hear me...
Anyway, I'm glad they changed their mind.
“By the way, what do you think is the reason for the weakening of that sect?”
“It's the name.”
“The name... You mean their reputation?”
“Yes. They haven't produced anyone famous for decades, so the sect's power has inevitably declined.”
The shopkeeper clicked his tongue.
“Actually, I know a little about that sect, so I feel sorry for them. Among the three disciples who remain, there is a promising child. He has the potential to stand out at the Dragon and Phoenix Duel, but it will be difficult for him to hold out until then.”
If the shopkeeper said so, he must be a very talented martial artist.
“If Jong-sam achieves outstanding results in the Dragon and Phoenix Duel...”
For a moment, I tilted my head.
Jong-sam? I've heard that name somewhere before.
“Is your name Jong-sam?”
“My name is Bo Jong-sam. In my sect, names are not assigned.”
Bo Jong-sam? Ah! I remember!
He was the leader of one of the organizations that opposed the Martial Alliance.
I remember him as a skilled martial artist who caused quite a bit of trouble for the Martial Alliance.
So he was from here.
“With such talent, why are you still in such a small sect?”
“Actually, the sect leader wanted to send Jong-sam to a larger sect. But Jong-sam refused. He said he would never leave the sect leader.”
“There must be some reason.”
“Yes, the sect leader is like a father to Jong-sam.”
According to his explanation, about ten years ago, the Sect Leader brought a young child here.
From what I heard, he was the only child left in a village that had been completely destroyed.
I see.
Now I understand why Bo Jong-sam became hostile toward the Martial Alliance.
As I expected, the Martial Alliance was just using them by offering them “help from the Martial Alliance.”
Bo Jong-sam realized this later and became hostile toward the Martial Alliance.
In that case, it is worth investing in.
It means doing a favor for a martial artist who will become famous in the future.
“Thank you for the information. That is a very unfortunate story. In that case, I would like to provide some support so that he can remain a martial arts academy.”
“Really?”
“Yes, isn't that why you brought up the story of that sect?”
“Hahaha. As expected, I cannot hide my skills in front of you, Captain.”
“I know you said that for my sake.”
The shopkeeper said that because he thought it would help me.
I don't have enough influence here yet to start working in earnest.
“Would you help me up?”
“Of course.”
I asked the shopkeeper to make arrangements for tomorrow, then headed for Seoho.
Before returning, I wanted to treat Pal-gap and my bodyguards to a nice meal.
I might not have time tomorrow when I meet with the sect leader.
I took my party to a tavern I had in mind.
Cheongpa-ru.
It was a very famous tavern and one of the few that had survived five years of famine.
It survived not only because the tavern owner had saved a lot of money, but also because it was of a high standard.
To be honest, many taverns are no different from brothels.
However, this place had talented courtesans who were skilled in entertainment, and the food and drink were delicious.
That is why it was able to survive even during the prohibition of alcohol, thanks to the talents of the courtesans and the delicious food.
In a way, it was similar to Yeonhwa-ru, which was owned by Eunhaesang Trading Company. However, Yeonhwa-ru was pursuing something more.
“Please come in.”
The waiter greeted us.
“Do you have a reservation? If you don't, it may be difficult to get a seat.”
As expected, it was so popular that there were no seats available without a reservation.
But there was a way to get in without a reservation.
“We would like to use the fifth floor.”
“Oh, is that so?”
“Is there no room on the fifth floor?”
“No, there is! Please follow me.”
Needless to say, the top floor of a tavern is expensive.
Not many people can afford it, so it is usually empty.
We followed the waiter's instructions and went up to the fifth floor.
“Wow!”
Pal-gap was impressed.
“It's so cool!”
“Really?”
“Yes! It's rewarding to serve a rich young master.”
I chuckled at his words.
“So take good care of him.”
“Of course I will.”
When I looked at the bodyguards with a satisfied smile, they also seemed to be admiring the spectacular view of Seoho.
It was worth bringing them here.
Some people might say that if you have enough money to come here, you should donate it to the martial arts academy or help others in need.
But if you think about it that way, there is no end to it.
And before taking care of others, shouldn't I take care of those around me first?
Of course, donations and charity are necessary.
But before that, it is important to take care of those close to you.
“What would you like to order?”
When the waiter asked, I took out my coin and replied cheerfully.
“Please prepare the special dish for six people.”
“Yes, sir. Would you like something to drink?”
“Just tea, please.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Oh, and...”
I slipped some money to the waiter and made a personal request, and he bowed his head and replied.
“Yes, sir.”
The junior brothers should eat well too.
A short while later, the food began to arrive.
It was a chilly day, but thanks to the braziers placed here and there, Pal-gap didn't feel too cold.
We enjoyed our meal while taking in the atmosphere of Seoho.
Being there reminded me of my parents and older brothers.
I should come here with my family next time. I'm not sure if I'll have time, though.
.
.
.
After eating and enjoying ourselves to our hearts' content, we left the tavern around sunset.
It was about time for the drunks to show up, and it would get very noisy.
As I was heading toward the Yangyang Martial Arts Academy, I suddenly noticed a familiar scent and tilted my head.
Huh? This fragrance... It's familiar.
I had smelled this fragrance recently. It was when I met Bing Hae-rin, the young palace head of the Northern Sea Ice Palace, at the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
Could it be?
I followed the scent.
The source of the scent was the place where the Yangyang Martial Arts Academy had been until a moment ago.
A woman was standing in front of the gate with a troubled look on her face.
Her face looked familiar.
“Are you by any chance the Palace Head Bing Hae-rin?”