Chapter 493
The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Trading Company Chapter 493
Chapter 493. Liquor Tasting (3)
My master's words made me realize something I hadn't been aware of before.
As you practice the Tae-eum Byeonghae technique, you will develop a sense of discernment.
This is proof that you are on the verge of reaching the highest level, as it is a rejection of anything that is not pure.
I heard that the person who helped build Seolpung Palace also had this ability, but nothing has been passed down about his descendants.
That feeling is a characteristic of the Tae-eum Byeonghae Shin-gong, and according to my Master, there seems to be no other mental technique that is as sensitive to the energy of the Black Tao as this one.
“Then why did my eyes turn red?”
“That is a characteristic of the martial arts practiced by the Blood Cult. When you reach a certain level, your eyes turn blood red.”
“But I heard that it only turned red occasionally. And as soon as he died, the blood-like aura disappeared.”
Master fell into deep thought, then shook his head and said.
“I'm not sure about that. I'll look into it.”
“Please do. But don't push yourself too hard. If anything happens to you, I'll be very sad.”
At my words, Master smiled warmly and patted me on the shoulder.
“I am happy just to hear you say that. And I feel reassured. Because you are the Palace Head's son.”
“I am not worthy.”
“You are not inadequate at all. And I will be careful, so don't worry. I know better than anyone that I must be cautious.”
“Yes.”
“Come to think of it, I heard that you will be going to Beijing soon.”
“That's right. Beijing is now my main place of work. Oh, and there's one more thing I want to tell you.”
I continued with an awkward expression.
“Please tell those who are protecting me not to push themselves too hard. I'm always running around everywhere, and recently I've been riding a Zhuangma, so it must be very tiring for them.”
The people my Master assigned to protect me.
But they never had to do anything.
Not only was I strong, but my bodyguards were also very powerful.
Moreover, since I acquired the Zhu Gangma, it must have been difficult for them just to follow us.
My master smiled and nodded at my words.
“...Yes, you're right.”
.
.
.
I saw my master off and returned to my thoughts.
The Blood Cult...
When I visited the Wudang Sect a while ago, the Blood Cult Leader who was imprisoned there died suddenly after eating poisonous herbs.
Come to think of it, I often smelled blood when I met the Black Dao associated with the Martial Alliance. Does that mean they are all members of the Blood Cult?
According to public information, the Blood Cult was destroyed.
But if that's the case, why do I keep seeing members of the Blood Cult?
No, more importantly, what is the Martial Alliance up to that they are using the Blood Cult?
However, I cannot reveal this to the world.
I have no clear evidence other than the smell of blood I can sense with my Taiyin Binghai Shinkong.
Not only can I not reveal the existence of the Taiyin Binghai Technique, but if I'm not careful, I could be accused of being a member of the Blood Cult or an enemy of the martial arts world.
The Martial Alliance has the power to do so.
Therefore, we must approach this with caution.
That is why I am training to become stronger for revenge. Only with strength can I protect myself.
That is why I told Master about my concerns earlier.
Master understood.
I'm sure we'll find out more as we clean up the bloody Daoists.
With that thought in mind, I washed up, changed my clothes, and headed to the dining hall.
It was time for breakfast.
* * *
Kwak Myung-hyun left the Eunhae Trading Company and was about to return to the escort agency when he turned around.
“The Blood Cult...”
He remembered what his father had said the other day.
He had to be careful of the Blood Cult.
He also remembered the martial arts technique, Cheonryu Byeonggeom, that the Northern Sea Ice Palace Lord had passed on to Eun Seo-ho.
The owner of that martial arts technique, Gyeokcheon Sword Gwak Hoon, was a hero who had made a great contribution in the war against the Blood Cult two hundred years ago.
He thought that perhaps it was not a coincidence that it had been passed down to Eun Seo-ho.
“Ilseol.”
At his call, a man appeared before him and bowed.
In fact, Il-Seol did not refer to just one person, but to an entire organization of which he was the leader.
There were five members, including him.
“You called?”
“Yes.”
Come to think of it, Il-Seol's face looked much thinner than when he first arrived. That meant he had been through a lot.
It had been about five years since he had ordered him to protect Eun Seo-ho.
As a result, it had turned into observation rather than protection, but that must have started to become difficult a few years ago.
“You've all been through a lot.”
“Don't mention it. He is the future of Seolpung Palace, isn't he?”
Unlike when Kwak Myeong-hyun first gave the order, he now sincerely recognized Eun Seo-ho as the next Palace Head.
“I'm not just saying that. I really think you'll have a hard time.”
“....
”The Palace Head said so. He said not to push yourself too hard.“
”...
Looking slightly surprised, he quickly nodded. Someone of Eun Seo-ho's caliber would have already noticed them.
“So let's change the order. Just protect him without pushing him too hard.”
“But...”
“Use your own judgment and act accordingly.”
“Yes, sir.”
“To be honest, you may be skeptical that you can help him, but even if there is only a one in a million chance, that one chance will determine the future of Seolpung Palace.”
“I will keep that in mind. By the way... Thanks to you, our movement arts have improved greatly. Because of the Palace Head, we often have to run for our lives...”
“....”
* *
It was the end of February, and the day for me and my companions to go to Beijing had arrived.
This winter had been eventful.
All of our family members came out to see us off.
“Be careful. Please take care of yourselves.”
“Yes.”
“Uncle. I will see you next time.”
“Please play with me again.”
“Yes, yes.”
After greeting the adults, I also greeted my two older brothers and their wives.
Finally, I said goodbye to Gun-hyeok and Bo-yeon.
Then I approached my father.
“Father, remember what I told you?”
“Of course.”
“Then I'll see you then.”
Then he headed toward Yong-min Musha.
He was one of those who had signed up to replace the Beijing Eunpungdae Musha this time.
“Please take good care of my son.”
“Don't worry. I'll take good care of him.”
“Hyung-nim, I'll take good care of him.”
“I'll take good care of you on this voyage.”
“That goes without saying.”
“It's only natural that I take care of Captain Yong's brother, so don't worry too much.”
The Clan Head of the Yoon Gang-man Clan also decided to accompany us on this voyage.
This was because he had decided to return to his ancestral home in Shandong Province.
His son, Gong Shin-man, decided to remain here and take charge of training the archery unit.
And so, we set off for Beijing.
Although we were traveling by horse, we had company, so we took our time and moved slowly.
Even while traveling, I took time every day to learn the language of Daewook from Yongmin.
We stopped in Shandong Province to pick up Clan Head Yoon Gang-man and then headed back to Beijing.
“Welcome.”
“We've been waiting for you.”
When we arrived at the Beijing branch, Branch Manager Eun and the other Beijing branch employees welcomed us.
“Did you have a pleasant journey?”
“There were some obstacles, but overall it was fine.”
The branch manager seemed taken aback by my answer and asked,
“What do you mean by obstacles?”
“We encountered a band of bandits.”
“Oh no! Were you unharmed?”
“There was no damage.”
Saying that, I glanced at the Eunpung warriors behind me.
The bandits were ruthless, so dealing with them was easy.
We just had to be ruthless in return.
My bodyguards did a great job, but the Eunpungdae warrior stood out in particular.
I was once again reminded that he could unleash his full potential when he had to kill someone with his sword.
And just as I had expected, his skill with a sword was comparable to that of a master warrior.
Seeing this, the Eunpungdae warriors also realized Yongmin's true abilities.
“You must be tired. Please go inside.”
“Yes.”
I headed for my quarters, but instead of resting, I washed up quickly and immediately headed for Hyungpung-guk.
The deputy governor of Yeochang welcomed me.
“Your Highness, you're here?”
“Yes. Thank you for all your hard work.”
“You're too kind. Shall we get started right away?”
“Yes.”
“I'll bring the documents for your approval to your office.”
I nodded and headed for the office.
When I entered, Gal Hyun, who was busily filling out documents at the desk next to me, quickly stood up.
“Huh! Captain, you're here?”
“Yes. Thank you for your hard work.”
With that, I sat down in front of the desk.
Soon, the deputy governor of Yeochang entered, pulling a cart loaded with documents.
“Is this all... for me to look at?”
“Yes.”
At that moment, Gal spoke up.
“Oh, Lord. There is something else you need to see.”
“This is serious.”
“What?”
“There are two more matters that I need to take care of myself.”
First, the poetry contest.
At least I've done that before, so it's not a big deal.
The problem is the new task I have to do.
I sent a letter to Master Jin-yeong's residence. It was a letter requesting an audience with His Majesty the Emperor.
Of course, I have a pass, so entering the imperial palace is not a problem.
But meeting the emperor is a different story.
Unless the emperor summons me, I cannot just go and see him whenever I want.
I sent a letter through Lee Pil-mu, and the next day.
“Welcome, Master Jin-yeong.”
“It's been a long time.”
Master Jin-yeong visited the Beijing branch.
However, his demeanor was a little different from when he visited the Eunhae Trading Company headquarters before.
Ah!
I clasped my hands together and congratulated him.
“Congratulations on your achievement.”
“As expected, you noticed right away! Hahaha, I'm embarrassed.”
Master Jin-yeong had become a warrior at the peak of his powers.
"It was entirely thanks to your advice that I was able to overcome the wall. Didn't you tell me that? Don't think about anything, just swing your sword at the ice.“
I did give him that advice.
Fortunately, my advice seems to have been timely.
”I asked the others for their understanding and took charge of one section, and as I concentrated on breaking the ice without thinking about anything, I fell into a state of trance and attained enlightenment."
Master Jin continued.
“I am truly grateful. When I think about it, I have so much to thank you for. You helped the Royal Guards achieve glory and raise our status, saved my life in Lanzhou, and even raised my level... I don't know how I can ever repay you.”
“You are too kind. I have also been indebted to you in many ways.”
Master Jin must continue to feel grateful to me.
That way, he will continue to help me out.
Honestly, it is very reassuring and comforting to have someone in the Royal Guards who supports me.
This is especially true for someone in such a high position.
Of course, I have the emperor behind me, but I'm a little scared.
“Never mind that. Let's go. His Majesty the Emperor is waiting.”
“Yes. Let's go.”
I headed for the imperial palace with Master Jin-yeong.
Upon entering the imperial palace, I was soon able to meet the emperor.
I paid my utmost respect to the emperor, and he spoke in a dignified voice.
“Raise your head.”
“Your Majesty, I am deeply honored.”
I quickly expressed my gratitude again.
“I am grateful for what you gave me through Master Jin-yeong the other day.”
“Yes, use it well.”
I made sure that the emperor recognized that I was the owner of the hidden weapon he had given me.
“So, why did you ask to see me? It doesn't seem like you just wanted to thank me for that.”
“Yes, that's right.”
I continued.
“Before you hold the poetry contest, I would like to hold another event.”
“What is it?”
“It is an alcohol tasting competition.”
“An alcohol tasting competition? Do you mean to evaluate the alcohol?”
“Yes.”
I continued.
“By imperial order, we have been allowed to brew alcohol for foreign trade. However, since we have been given this opportunity, shouldn't we sell it at a higher price?”
“You mean to hold a competition to select the best alcohol and increase its value.”
“Yes, sir.”
As expected of the emperor. He understands immediately.
“You want to give them the honor of being recognized by the emperor?”
“In this empire, what greater honor is there than being recognized by His Majesty the Emperor?”
“Then what's in it for me?”
“The participation fees and the people's support.”
“You want to collect the participation fees and use them for the imperial treasury?”
“You are truly the emperor.”
I continued.
“There are quite a lot of wines produced throughout the empire, so the participation fees alone will be quite substantial.”
“Hmm, that's not a bad idea.”
If the value of sake is raised through the sake tasting competition, we merchants will be able to sell it at a higher price, and the imperial court will receive the participation fees.
“But what about the people's support? Ah! You bastard...”
The emperor looked at me with a pleased expression.
“Very well. Let's do it.”
The emperor gave his permission.
“But you don't want to work alone, do you? Is there a suitable trading company?”
“Yes, there is.”
I answered immediately.
When it came to alcohol, there was a trading company that was the most famous.
It was the Cheongsu Trading Company in Giju.
Even the name of the company meant “clear water.”
However, they were in a very difficult situation due to the prohibition of alcohol.
That's why this job would be a godsend for them.
In my previous life, they were used to transport the Martial Alliance, but this time it would be different.
Now I could finally repay their kindness.