Chapter 291
The Youngest Son of Eunhae Trading Company Chapter 291
Chapter 291. The Poem Thief (4)
The next day came.
After eating breakfast, I asked Yeo-eung-am while drinking tea.
“How are those warriors?”
He smiled wryly and replied.
“They are trying very hard to die.”
I ordered the five warriors who had skipped duty to go drink alcohol to perform the three basic training exercises.
The three basic training exercises refer to the daily training that the warriors of Eunpungdae must perform.
Running, push-ups, and holding a horse stance for a long time.
These exercises are for building stamina and strength.
The three exercises must be done every day, and the total time spent on them is one hour, after which the warriors are free to do as they please.
However, none of the warriors under my command spend only that amount of time on training.
Even though they have reached the peak of their abilities and should only need to do the basics, they spend at least two hours on basic training.
In any case, I ordered the five warriors to do basic training, but simply doing the exercises is not enough.
So, I had them train with 130 kilograms of iron weights attached to their arms, legs, and waist.
130 kilograms is roughly the weight of a sack of rice.
For ordinary people, it would be too heavy to hold for even half an hour, but it's different for warriors who have mastered martial arts.
Isn't that too much?
When I was training, I carried nearly 200 kilograms, so I know that 130 kilograms won't kill you.
“The training time for each of you is...”
But they looked at me as if I were an evil spirit.
So I ordered them to do all three types of training for two hours each.
Actually, I wanted to order them to do one and a half hours each, but I was hurt by their expressions.
I am a more sensitive person than I appear, so I am easily hurt by such things.
In any case, they ended up training for six hours (12 hours), and they were able to live the ideal life of a warrior, eating and training all day long.
“Still, after a few days, they will get used to it and it will become easier.”
“That's true, but I don't understand.”
“What is it?”
“Why did you give those warriors a chance to grow?”
At first glance, what I ordered the warriors to do seemed like corporal punishment, but as Yeon-eung-am said, it was also an opportunity for growth.
It takes about a month for the new warriors to arrive after I send the letter.
If they train as I ordered during that time, they will grow even more than they are now.
That's why Yeo Eung-am asked that question.
“What will they think as they carry out my orders? Obviously, they will curse me at first.”
That's obvious.
They are being punished for their mistakes, but when people are in trouble, they tend to look for someone to blame, and that someone is usually someone else.
So, it's obvious that they will curse me.
“But it doesn't matter. It's unrealistic to expect that you won't be cursed when you hire people.”
No matter how well I treat my employees, it's impossible for them to have no complaints.
Many will be grateful for my kindness, but there will always be those who complain and want more.
Still, if those warriors are sane, they will realize my intentions later and be grateful.
If they don't realize it later, I can force them to realize it.
“But didn't you increase the training hours of the warriors because you were hurt?”
“...
Pal-gap's words made me cough. In response, the warrior Yeo-eung-am said to Pal-gap.
”Pal-gap.“
”Yes?“
”You need to be more observant in situations like this.“
”Yes, of course. I'll be more observant."
Pal-gap was very quick to pick up on things, but when he was teasing me, he pretended not to notice.
“Anyway, when you undergo such rigorous training, you gradually stop thinking about anything and eventually become contemplative about yourself.”
“That's right.”
“Then you become an elite warrior with strong discipline and loyalty to the Trading Company.”
I continued.
“Furthermore, if you achieve results through that training, you will work even harder. The value of a warrior who strives to become stronger and is loyal to the Trading Company is high.”
“I can't help but admire your liege's insight.”
“And the sight of them rolling around will serve as a warning to others.”
“It will also increase your reputation, young master.”
“...”
Pal-gap...
Just as I was about to say something, Pal-gap smiled and said.
“It's time for you to go.”
Ugh...
I shook my head and got up from my seat, leaving the temporary quarters.
My destination was the annex of the Seobin Trading Company, where Mister In-gyeong, the grandson of the head of the Seobin Trading Company, was staying.
The Seobin Trading Company is based in Beijing, but like the Peng Family, it is located about a day's journey from the imperial palace.
However, as there were often matters that required close communication with the imperial palace, they built a separate annex near the palace.
I heard that the emperor had brought in the Seobin Trading Company for the imperial poetry contest, but as the head of the company and his deputy were busy, Young Master In-gyeong was put in charge of the task.
As it was a major event hosted by the imperial court, the head of the Trading Company should have come in person, but thanks to the emperor's consideration, outstanding members of the Trading Company were selected.
It must have been a decision made with me in mind.
As I approached the Trading Company's annex, a servant rushed over as if he had been waiting for me.
“Are you the junior captain of the Seobin Trading Company?”
“Yes.”
“Young Master asked you to come right in. Please follow me.”
The attendant's attitude was extremely courteous.
We followed him into the annex.
Although it was called an annex, it was quite large. Was this really the world's best trading company?
The reception room was prepared with fine tea and high-quality sweets.
As we enjoyed the refreshments and waited for a while, Mister In-gyeong entered the reception room.
“I apologize for keeping you waiting.”
“Not at all! The sweets were so delicious that I lost track of time.”
“I'm glad you like them. I'll pack some for you to take with you.”
We exchanged pleasantries.
The reason for today's meeting was to discuss preparations for the imperial poetry contest.
Of course, the final decision would be made after discussions with the Ministry of Revenue, but it was better to coordinate among ourselves beforehand.
There was nothing more unsightly than merchants raising their voices or blushing in front of officials from the Ministry of Revenue.
“It is an honor to work with the hero of the dragon and phoenix duel.”
I waved my hand at his words.
“Why are you saying that, Young Master? I was just lucky to save some people's lives. I'm embarrassed by your praise.”
“You have every right to be proud. I recognized your character when you saved my grandfather's life. I knew that one day you would become a hero.”
He was referring to the time when In disguised himself as Captain Bok-Yoon and attempted to take the life of In-Gangs Trading Company.
At that time, the culprit was Young Sang-Bang.
Did he commit the crime because of a conflict over the location of an inkstone quarry?
In-Gae continued.
“My grandfather and father also told me to cooperate with Captain In as much as possible. I, too, am grateful to the captain.”
“I only did that because my friend was involved in that incident.”
Mister In smiled at my words and said,
“We'll end up just praising and being modest toward each other. Hahaha. So, I'll stop first.”
That was a wise choice.
“First, let's talk about the competition venue...”
With that, we began to discuss and make detailed plans one by one.
“The biggest problem is, of course, the judges. Since it is hosted by the imperial family, all the famous poets in the Beijing area will gather there.”
This was the most sensitive issue.
They could give higher scores to their own disciples or lower scores to the disciples of people they dislike.
“I think we need to focus on the fairness of the judging.”
“But we can't ignore their reputation.”
As we were discussing this, a brilliant idea came to mind.
“Ah! How about this?”
“I'm all ears.”
“We turn the chairs of the judges so that they have their backs to the poets reciting their poems.”
“But won't they be able to recognize who is who by their voices?”
“I've thought of a way to prevent that. Have someone else read the poems aloud.”
“That's a good idea.”
After coordinating our opinions, we visited the Ho-bu the next day.
Since the incident when I was called to the Ministry of Personnel and subjected to “merchant training,” the officials there had not carried out any more “merchant training.”
Thanks to my classmate, I am still grateful to them even now.
Moreover, this matter was related to a competition ordered by the emperor, so even if it hadn't been me, anyone who did such a thing would have been beheaded immediately.
We were guided by the Ho-bu officials to the conference room. Various discussions ensued.
The day of the poetry contest was fast approaching.
.
.
.
The day of the poetry contest hosted by the royal family dawned.
As I had expected, thanks to the poetry contest, money was flowing freely in Beijing.
In particular, inns, restaurants, and shops selling writing implements were booming.
This was because people from other regions had to stay in Beijing and eat meals.
In addition, many people were buying high-quality writing implements for the contest.
Unfortunately, due to the sudden announcement of the contest, participation was limited to poets from Beijing and its vicinity.
Still, given the purpose of this poetry contest, we must be satisfied with this much.
If this poetry contest ends successfully, the next one will be a large event that will bring together poets from all over the empire.
When that happens, our trading company and Master's escort agency will also reap the benefits...
Just thinking about it makes me happy.
However, there was a place that enjoyed an unexpected boom due to this poetry contest.
It was taverns and taverns.
I don't know if it's because I need a drink to feel like reciting poetry, or if reciting poetry makes me want to drink, but...
Well, let's drink to our hearts' content while we can.
It's going to be prohibited soon anyway.
The famine is already severe, and by spring it will be unbearable.
I looked at the competition venue.
A huge crowd had gathered there.
Four people came out at a time to compete, separated by a ten-foot partition.
Therefore, the contestants did not know who the others were, but the audience around them could see them.
The judges' chairs were turned away from the contestants.
Then the emcee came out and said,
“First, let us honor His Majesty the Emperor, who has graced us with his presence...”
Yes.
Not only the emperor and empress, but also many members of the imperial family were present.
Thanks to them, it was sure to be a very enjoyable event.
“Now, let me introduce the judges for today's poetry contest.”
The judges we selected were people who were recognized by everyone.
They were either renowned university professors or famous poets.
We also invited the head of the Jaegal Clan to be a judge. He was very pleased with my request.
He came all the way from Boryong Mountain.
They bowed to His Majesty the Emperor and took their seats as judges.
“Your Majesty, everything is ready.”
“Then begin.”
At the emperor's command, the emcee announced,
“The first imperial poetry contest is now open.”
The first round of the poetry contest began.
The emperor took two pieces of paper from the box next to him. He was picking the poetry themes at random.
“The theme for the first group is ‘tree’ and ‘moon.’”
“Begin!”
The bell rang, and at the same time, incense was lit. The time was measured by the burning of the incense.
A moment later, the time was up.
Dang!
With the sound of the bell, the participants took their hands off the paper and submitted it to the assistant conductor.
The assistant conductor glanced at the requests written on the paper.
This was because the participants could choose who would read their poems.
They could not choose a specific person, but they could choose the gender and age group.
This is because the atmosphere of a poem can change depending on who reads it, and it is quite important.
After the poetry reading, the judges began their evaluation.
The emperor and other members of the imperial family were seated in the audience.
Therefore, the judges did not dare to give their scores based on their personal opinions.
Even if they wanted to give their personal scores, it was impossible because they did not know who the participants were.
As the poetry contest continued, it was finally Chul-gong's turn.
He climbed onto the stage with the feeling of an ox being led to the slaughterhouse and stood in his designated place.
The audience recognized him and began to murmur.
“Oh! The beautiful poet is participating too?”
“We get to hear the poet's poetry in person! What an honor!”
Chu Il-gong was given the title of poet because he wrote beautiful poetry, and he was becoming increasingly famous.
Therefore, people's interest grew even more, and they eagerly anticipated hearing his beautiful poetry.
Chu Il-gong looked at the audience.
His mouth was dry.
His friend, who had submitted the application form for the competition on his behalf, waved from afar to cheer him on.
“You can do it! Make your name known throughout the land! Hahaha!”
Chu Il-gong bit his lip tightly.
“Please shut up!”
He wanted to punch his friend.