Chapter 512
Chapter 512
Chapter 512. Heir (6)
The winner of this poetry and prose contest was decided.
The winner’s name was Mun Jin.
He was one of the five disciples who had commissioned the murder this time.
And the other four disciples also achieved excellent results.
I inwardly offered them my condolences.
Because it was obvious that before long, they would be dragged off by the Emperor and worked until just before they died of overwork.
The Emperor really is amazing.
To think he would use my petition for leniency to secure his own benefit.
Of course, that benefit was not purely for private gain, but private gain for the public good.
Because the more diligent or clever people there were in public office, the more comfortably the people would live.
Moreover, those men had leashes fastened tightly around their necks, so they would not dare harbor any ulterior motives.
If they harbored even the slightest ulterior motive, then it would be execution.
“So, why are you refusing the position of successor?” (Bang Hyomyeong)
Whenever Lord Bang Hyomyeong had time, he came to find me and persuaded me to become his successor.
Each time, I politely refused, and I was refusing now too.
“I am grateful that you think of me as your successor, but no matter how I think about it, I believe that name is not one I should take.” (Eun Seoho)
“So I am asking what the reason is.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“I am busy.” (Eun Seoho)
“Busy?” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“Yes. I am too busy, so I do not have time to polish and brighten that name. I have taken on all sorts of work, but as you know, I am a merchant.” (Eun Seoho)
I explained my work to him.
“On top of that, there is also the work His Majesty the Emperor has entrusted to me.” (Eun Seoho)
“Mm, that is true.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
Because I was an inspector and he kept making me do this and that.
“In such a situation, how could I possibly make more time? Since I have only one body...” (Eun Seoho)
“You were busier than I thought.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I carefully asked him,
“But why are you not passing that name down to your children, my lord?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah... those fellows?” (Bang Hyomyeong)
Lord Bang Hyomyeong explained as if it were nothing important.
“First of all, they are not the sort of people for it.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“When I met them before, they seemed rather intelligent.” (Eun Seoho)
“Not as much as you.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“Even so, it seems better for your descendants to inherit it.” (Eun Seoho)
“I too have familial affection, so I once asked them directly. Whether they would inherit my name. Then they said they disliked the idea.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“Why do they say they dislike it?” (Eun Seoho)
“They said it was burdensome.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“......”
I was dumbfounded.
“Why do you think I would not find it burdensome?” (Eun Seoho)
“Because you are a brazen fellow.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
It went beyond being dumbfounded and was almost absurd.
At that moment, Geumryeong, who was inside my sleeve, sent a telepathy.
* Kkui!
Geumryeong. Be quiet.
I stroked Geumryeong’s back, and at that, Geumryeong shivered.
Good, now he is finally quiet.
“I also find it burdensome.” (Eun Seoho)
“It is not burdensome, you simply find it troublesome.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
Kek!
How did he know?
“In any case, if it is you, I believe that even if you inherit my name, you will not sully it.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“No.” (Eun Seoho)
I shook my head.
“If I receive that name, I will use it to my heart’s content until it is worn down and dried up. I am very brazen, am I not?” (Eun Seoho)
“You hold grudges.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“Did you not know?” (Eun Seoho)
“No, I know very well. Even so, among the fellows who say they hold grudges, I have never seen one stab someone in the back.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
That is true.
If a person had emotions, there was no way they could not hold grudges.
But someone says with their own mouth that they do not hold grudges?
That would be a lie.
“I have nothing to say. What if I keep refusing?” (Eun Seoho)
“......”
Lord Bang hesitated awkwardly.
Naturally so, because methods like kidnapping, confinement, or threats could not be used on me.
“You have no method, do you?” (Eun Seoho)
“I do have one.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“Then why are you hesitating?” (Eun Seoho)
Lord Bang let out a light sigh and said,
“I would earnestly petition His Majesty the Emperor, saying that Young Captain Eun Seoho’s ability is so outstanding that leaving him as a mere merchant as he is now would be a loss to the nation.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“......”
Cold sweat ran down my back.
Lord Bang was the Minister of Justice and an official favored by the Emperor.
If he earnestly petitioned, the Emperor would pretend he had no choice and accept that petition, then issue an imperial decree to me.
“The reason I hesitated was only because if I used that method, you would resent me.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
He knows well.
“In truth, the reason I want to make you my successor is because there does not seem to be anyone who would use this better than you. No matter how excellent a tool is, if it is shoved into a closet, it will rust. An excellent tool must be used.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“......”
“So use the name of being my successor to your heart’s content. I will not say anything about it. No, rather, that is what I want!” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“......”
Since he went that far, I could no longer refuse.
And honestly, Lord Bang Hyomyeong’s name value was also extremely useful.
Yuksikgong was quite famous, after all.
“Understood.” (Eun Seoho)
“So with my name as Yuksikgong, there will be no place you cannot pass...” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“I said I understand. I will become your successor.” (Eun Seoho)
“What? Truly?” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“Yes. Truly.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hahaha! Thank you!” (Bang Hyomyeong)
No, is this really something to be so grateful for?
“Honestly, if one is born into this world, one naturally ought to leave one’s name behind! And the best way to leave that name behind is to leave a successor who will carry on that name.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
So Lord Bang was someone who cared about such things too.
“Look forward to it! I will make you a very splendid plaque!” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“What need is there for a plaque?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ehem! What are you saying? Would people believe you are my successor if you merely said so without a plausible identity plaque?” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“But people will not know that the plaque indicates your successor, my lord.” (Eun Seoho)
“Do not worry. I will send notice everywhere related to the Ministry of Justice.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“......”
He is thorough.
In truth, among the places where the name Yuksikgong was needed, almost none could be said to have no relation to the Ministry of Justice.
In other words, my name would spread widely throughout the entire empire...
This is all right, isn’t it?
“Let me see... What shape would make it look splendid?” (Bang Hyomyeong)
It seemed he was rather excited that I had accepted being his successor.
“I shall go now.” (Bang Hyomyeong)
“Yes, please take care on your way back.” (Eun Seoho)
After seeing Lord Bang off, I returned to the Beijing branch again. Palgap looked at me pitifully and said,
“Just how many things do you possess, young master?” (Palgap)
“I don’t know. I just won’t count them.” (Eun Seoho)
By the way, the poetry and prose contest had ended like that, but Miss Seohyang and His Excellency the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Guizhou had still not been able to meet since they met once before.
He says he is leaving tomorrow.
Hoo, this will not do.
I must create a way.
After thinking for a moment, one clever idea came to mind.
The Provincial Administration Commissioner of Guizhou, Dong Hwi, looked up at the sky.
A sky with the moon floating in it.
By tomorrow, he had to return to Guizhou.
Since he held the position of Provincial Administration Commissioner of Guizhou, he could not leave his post empty for long.
Since major events like the liquor tasting competition and the poetry and prose contest had ended, there was now no longer any pretext for him to remain in Beijing.
He looked outside and let out a sigh.
“Sigh, that brat...” (Dong Hwi)
Before returning to Guizhou, he wanted to see his daughter’s face even one more time, but there was an obstacle.
It was his eldest son, Dong Hyuksu.
Because he avoided his son’s eyes, he had unintentionally been unable to meet his daughter until now.
Perhaps having noticed something, whenever he stepped outside, Dong Hyuksu followed along.
Though he looked hot-tempered, he had sharper points than expected, so one had to be careful.
He could not say to him, “Actually, your younger sister is alive.”
It was not because he did not trust his son, but because his sons treasured their younger sister so much that he feared the truth that his daughter was alive might be discovered by their enemies.
It was then.
“My lord. A letter has arrived.” (Attendant)
At the same time as those words, the door opened, and an attendant held out a letter to him.
“Yes. Young Captain Eun Seoho sent the letter.” (Attendant)
Dong Hwi quickly received the letter and unfolded it. Soon, a faint smile rose to his lips.
“Tell the person who brought this letter that I understand.” (Dong Hwi)
“Yes. Understood.” (Attendant)
“And prepare for me to go out.” (Dong Hwi)
“Yes.” (Attendant)
A little while later.
When Dong Hwi was about to leave the mansion, Dong Hyuksu followed him out.
“Where are you going?” (Dong Hyuksu)
“Do you intend to guard me again today?” (Dong Hwi)
“Of course.” (Dong Hyuksu)
“I said it is unnecessary.” (Dong Hwi)
“Please do not coldly refuse this son’s filial devotion.” (Dong Hyuksu)
“......”
“Hoo, very well.” (Dong Hwi)
Dong Hwi shook his head from side to side, then left the mansion, and Dong Hyuksu followed after him.
And a little while later.
“......!” (Dong Hyuksu)
Dong Hyuksu could not hide his bewilderment.
“F-F-F-Father. Where on earth is this?” (Dong Hyuksu)
“Where? You can tell by looking, can you not?” (Dong Hwi)
“......”
The signboard attached to the splendid building before him read [Chunmong Pavilion].
That was right. The place they went to was a courtesan house.
“Why have you come to a courtesan house?” (Dong Hyuksu)
“Why, am I not allowed to come?” (Dong Hwi)
“Mother will be saddened if she finds out.” (Dong Hyuksu)
“You are misunderstanding something. This place is famous for its courtesans as well, but the food is extraordinary.” (Dong Hwi)
“Pardon?” (Dong Hyuksu)
“Let us go.” (Dong Hwi)
The place they headed to was Chunmong Pavilion’s detached house.
There, one man was waiting for them.
“Welcome.” (Jinyoung)
“Have you waited long?” (Dong Hwi)
“No.” (Jinyoung)
Seeing Jinyoung, Dong Hyuksu quickly clasped his hands and greeted him.
“I greet you, Master. I did not know that today’s meeting was a meeting with you.” (Dong Hyuksu)
“In truth, it is a secret meeting, so I told them not to inform you.” (Jinyoung)
“I see.” (Dong Hyuksu)
At those words, Dong Hyuksu misunderstood this as a meeting arranged by the Emperor.
Naturally so, because when a Master of the Royal Guards spoke of a secret meeting, that was the only thing it could mean.
“So keep this meeting secret.” (Jinyoung)
“Of course.” (Dong Hyuksu)
“Still, I too am glad to see you. Then we must prepare one more seat.” (Jinyoung)
Jinyoung pulled the bell cord to call the waiter and had them prepare one more seat.
“I apologize for troubling you.” (Dong Hyuksu)
“No. It is not difficult just because one more person has been added.” (Jinyoung)
Jinyoung waved his hand at the apologizing Dong Hyuksu and offered them seats.
And they tilted their teacups while talking about this and that.
‘Mmm?’ (Dong Hyuksu)
But Dong Hyuksu felt something strange.
Drowsiness kept pouring over him, and his eyes were trying to close.
And at last.
Thud!
He hit his head on the table and fell asleep.
Koo...
Watching that, Jinyoung grinned broadly.
“As expected, this sleeping drug works very well. You may come out now.” (Jinyoung)
At those words, Eun Seoho revealed himself.
There was one special thing in Chunmong Pavilion’s detached house.
It was a hidden closet.
It was large enough for around two people to enter, and it was used for various purposes.
Knowing this, I had hidden inside it together with Miss Seohyang, and in the meantime, Master Jinyoung had fed Young Master Dong Hyuksu tea laced with sleeping medicine and put him soundly to sleep.
I clasped my hands to him and expressed my gratitude.
“Thank you for your cooperation, Master.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thanks to you, I was able to avoid losing face before His Majesty the Emperor. Could I not give you this one bit of help?” (Jinyoung)
“Hahaha.” (Eun Seoho)
“Moreover, it is not as if you have helped me only once or twice.” (Jinyoung)
“As I told you before, this is a secret.” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course.” (Jinyoung)
Having said that, Master Jinyoung patted my shoulder and left the detached hall.
Now I had to accomplish the purpose of bringing His Excellency the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Guizhou here.
I spoke toward the closet behind me.
“Please come out.” (Eun Seoho)
Soon, Miss Seohyang, dressed as a man, came out.
His Excellency the Provincial Administration Commissioner and Miss Seohyang held each other’s hands without saying a word.
How could that tenderness be explained?
After looking at each other like that for a long while, the Provincial Administration Commissioner looked at me and said,
“Thank you truly for being so considerate.” (Dong Hwi)
“Please do not mention it. Rather, I can only feel more apologetic.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“Next time, we will go to Guizhou.” (Eun Seoho)
“If you do, I would be the one grateful. But the problem is my sons.” (Dong Hwi)
“I will try to resolve that well. Then please have your meal.” (Eun Seoho)
Like that, His Excellency the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Guizhou and Miss Seohyang sat facing each other and ate.
It was a cozy meal between father and daughter, truly after a long time.
I came out of the detached house, closed the door, and looked up at the sky.
Somehow, I felt proud.
.
.
.
As the end of the third month approached, the energy of spring slowly began to spread.
And thanks to consistent practice, my speech in the language of the Daeyue Kingdom had reached a level where some communication was possible.
At that, Warrior Yongmin was extremely surprised.
“You are incredibly fast. Are you a genius?” (Warrior Yongmin)
At those words, I laughed softly.
“Warrior Yongmin, you are also learning the empire’s language at a remarkably fast pace.” (Eun Seoho)
“I worked hard.” (Warrior Yongmin)
He truly lived each day very diligently.
His 모습 also stimulated me.
I looked at the kiln set up on one side of the Beijing branch.
There, we were making liquor bottles to be exported this time to foreign countries including the Daeyue Kingdom and the Malaeseo Kingdom.
Trading Company Leader Go and the Young Captain of the Mudong Trading Company joined forces and worked hard to make bottles, and thanks to that, they were able to create splendid porcelain bottles.
As expected, it was a good decision to entrust the work to Trading Company Leader Go.
It felt as though a favorable wind were blowing from somewhere.
“Young Captain.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“Yes?” (Eun Seoho)
At that moment, Miss Seohyang called me from behind.
She smiled and politely expressed her gratitude to me.
“Thank you very much.” (Gwak Seohyang)
It was thanks for making it possible for her to have a cozy meal with His Excellency the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Guizhou this time.
“Was it good?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. Very.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“I am glad you liked it.” (Eun Seoho)
“In truth, I had not expected at all that I would be able to eat with Father.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“Next time, I will try to make it so that all your family members can gather and eat together.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thank you.” (Gwak Seohyang)
At her smile, something made my heart pound.
“Young Captain.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
“Then you should work now. There are many approval documents piled up.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“......”
But at her following words, my heart sank again.
Miss Seohyang really is firm when it comes to work.
Had I worked like that for around one or two hours?
Suddenly, I felt a familiar energy.
Huh? Why is this energy... What is going on?
A little while later, the door burst open and Palgap entered.
“Young master! A guest has come, sir.” (Palgap)