Chapter 530
Chapter 530
Chapter 530. Carelessness Is Forbidden (1)
I was standing atop the deck of the ship.
“We should reach Nanjing soon.” (Navigator Songjuk)
When I turned around, it was Navigator Songjuk.
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
Once the ship docked at Nanjing, we would load the liquor sent from Beijing and depart for Dai Viet.
Then Miss Seohyang’s voice came from beside me.
“Oh my, is that bird a seagull?” (Miss Seohyang)
She asked while looking at the white bird visible in the distance.
Come to think of it, she must never have seen a seagull before.
“Yes. That is correct.” (Navigator Song)
Navigator Song said.
“Seagulls tell us that land is close. That is why, to sailors like us, seagulls are an auspicious sign. Ah, of course, since we are currently traveling down a river, that does not apply to us.” (Navigator Song)
“Still, it means the seaside is nearby, so it is an auspicious sign.” (Miss Seohyang)
“Hahaha. That is true.” (Navigator Song)
She looked at the seagull with a happy expression.
Since we were not going to move in any particularly dangerous or urgent way this time, Miss Seohyang had accompanied us as well.
She was also my adjutant, and in any case, she would ultimately have to go to Beijing.
“By the way, living aboard a ship must be uncomfortable. Are you all right?” (Eun Seoho)
“Everyone has been very considerate, so I have been staying comfortably.” (Miss Seohyang)
“I am glad, but if there is anything uncomfortable at all, please tell me at any time.” (Eun Seoho)
One double-hour later.
At last, we arrived in Nanjing.
We disembarked from the ship, and I immediately began arranging an inn.
It was so the sailors who had worked hard to come all the way here could rest comfortably.
Fortunately, I was able to rent out an entire inn near the harbor.
I gave double compensation to the few guests who had already been staying there, and they expressed their gratitude and readily moved to another inn.
After having everyone rest at the inn, excluding those guarding the ships, Jeongho hyung and I headed to Nanjing’s Regional Military Commission.
That was because it was the official gathering place for those participating in this trade.
“I am Eun Jeongho of the Eunhae Trading Company.” (Eun Jeongho)
“I am Eun Seoho of the Eunhae Trading Company.” (Eun Seoho)
When we revealed our identities, the gatekeepers withdrew their crossed spears and said,
“We beg your pardon. You may enter.” (Gatekeeper)
Jeongho hyung and I went inside and headed to the place that had served as the gathering point during the previous trade.
When we arrived there, we saw some familiar faces.
“It is good to see you.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes, it is good to see you. Young Master Song.” (Eun Seoho)
“Seeing that your complexion is good, it seems you have been well.” (Eun Seoho)
“It is all thanks to Young Master Eun. Hahaha.” (Young Master Songun)
The one exchanging warm greetings with us was Young Master Songun of the Changhai Trading Company.
Previously, because of the Baekcheon Trading Company’s scheme, his Trading Company had been in danger of being taken from him, but with my help, he had been able to recover it.
Perhaps because of that, he was very favorable toward me.
“I saw Changhai Trading Company ships at the pier, so I knew you had arrived. When did you arrive?” (Eun Seoho)
“We arrived about three days ago.” (Young Master Songun)
“You came early.” (Eun Seoho)
“There were goods we had to load here, you see.” (Young Master Songun)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
I turned my head and also exchanged greetings with Young Master Ji Seokmun of the Baekbuik Trading Company.
“It has been a long time.” (Eun Seoho)
“How is it that you are so busy even when there is no trade?” (Young Master Ji Seokmun)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
“I heard you were active in one way or another in Beijing all this time. They say you solved that critic murder case at the poetry and prose competition?” (Young Master Ji Seokmun)
“Has that rumor spread even there?” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course. I also heard that the particular Lord Yuksik took you as his successor. Congratulations.” (Young Master Ji Seokmun)
“Haha, thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
I smiled while scratching the back of my neck.
As expected of the Baekbuik Trading Company, which had connections to the imperial palace.
They were the largest among the trading companies that traded with the Maraeseo Kingdom, so when the empire sent envoys to the Maraeseo Kingdom, it used them.
That was why Princess Sinaa of the Maraeseo Kingdom had also come to the empire aboard a Baekbuik Trading Company ship.
Now she had become the wife of Seonil hyung-nim.
They said that during the first trade, they had conveyed news of her marriage and her letter to the Maraeseo Kingdom.
And the king of the Maraeseo Kingdom had formally approved the marriage.
In truth, there had been many things during that time that others did not know, but most of them were not things that could be spoken of in public……
“Even though you have been so busy, your complexion is very good.” (Young Master Ji Seokmun)
“Is that so? It is all thanks to the grace bestowed by His Majesty the Emperor.” (Eun Seoho)
Are you watching, Your Majesty the Emperor?
I am this loyal.
Other trading companies arrived in twos and threes, and all of them arrived on time.
.
.
.
It was night.
I lay down on the bed.
The moment when I lie down on the bed to sleep is the best.
In any case, now we can depart once we load only the goods sent from Beijing.
At that moment, I sensed a presence approaching in a hurry.
Soon, Warrior Seowoo’s voice came.
“My liege, Adjutant Gwak requests an audience.” (Warrior Seowoo)
“Hm? At this hour?” (Eun Seoho)
I rose from the bed and answered while putting on the outer robe I had hung beside it.
“Come in.” (Eun Seoho)
Miss Seohyang entered.
She was someone who lived so neatly that she was almost perfect at all times.
But seeing not only her hair hanging loose, but also that she had merely thrown on an outer robe over her sleeping clothes, it seemed to be an urgent matter.
“What happened?” (Eun Seoho)
“You must move right now. It is a landslide.” (Miss Seohyang)
“Pardon? A landslide all of a sudden? This place is a harbor, though.” (Eun Seoho)
“Not here. The people bringing the liquor here must be detoured right now.” (Miss Seohyang)
“When is the timing?” (Eun Seoho)
“……From the point in the future that I saw, they said it was three days away.” (Miss Seohyang)
Three days away?
“Yes, because as soon as they leave Okmyeong Inn, they encounter a landslide at Mount Myodun. And the landslide happens on the fifth day after the rain begins.” (Miss Seohyang)
I turned my mind over.
Three days away from here.
And the fifth day after the rain begins……
It was then.
Patter, patter.
Shoaaaaa!
Rain began to fall. So…… that means we only have about a single day to spare.
I felt I understood why Miss Seohyang had rushed to me in such a state.
I immediately called Palgap.
“Palgap!” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes! Did you call, Young Master?” (Palgap)
“Go tell Jeongho hyung right now that I went out and will return. Say I went to meet the people coming from Beijing.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood, sir.” (Palgap)
“And Warrior Seowoo.” (Eun Seoho)
“Command me, my liege.” (Warrior Seowoo)
“Tell the other warriors. We depart in half a double-hour.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Warrior Seowoo)
“Warrior Changun will remain behind and protect Miss Seohyang.” (Eun Seoho)
“I receive your command.” (Warrior Seowoo)
“And I will entrust Warrior Myeongjong with the role of watching over this entire inn. Then move immediately.” (Eun Seoho)
The escort warriors immediately left, and I clasped my hands to Miss Seohyang.
“Thank you truly for telling me. Had it not been for you, Miss, we might have suffered truly great losses.” (Eun Seoho)
The work we had prepared for the past few months, no, over several years, could have been ruined all at once.
Suddenly, that thought came to me.
The thought of what might have happened if I had not saved Miss Seohyang.
“Hoo…….” (Miss Seohyang)
In that instant, she staggered, and I quickly supported her.
“Are you all right?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, yes. I am sorry. Since I told you what I saw, Young Master, I think the tension left me.” (Miss Seohyang)
At those words, I smiled faintly.
“Am I that reliable?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Miss Seohyang)
It had been a light joke, but I was flustered by her knife-like answer.
“Ahem, ahem. I am not such a reliable fellow.” (Eun Seoho)
“No, to me, you are the person I can trust most.” (Miss Seohyang)
At those words, I somehow became embarrassed and lowered my head, only for my face to turn red.
She was wearing thin sleeping clothes underneath, and because I had supported her just now, her clothing had become disheveled.
“The night is deep. Please leave the rest to me and return to sleep. I will see you off.” (Eun Seoho)
Her room was right next door, after all.
I personally opened the door and sent her in.
Hm……
I have to say this.
“I am truly glad that you are alive, Miss, and also that you are by my side.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, her face reddened slightly.
“Please return safely.” (Miss Seohyang)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I closed the door and said to Warrior Changun.
“Please protect Miss Seohyang.” (Eun Seoho)
“I will protect her with my life.” (Warrior Changun)
Warrior Changun’s expression as he said so was quite solemn.
I put on light gear. The clothes I normally wore would be cumbersome with a landslide ahead.
And half a double-hour later.
We rode jugang horses through the rain.
Soon, we drew near Okmyeong Inn.
That place was exactly three days’ distance from Nanjing.
It was closer in a straight line, but the actual distance was farther than that.
Because there was a rather large mountain between the two areas.
Mount Myodun.
A mountain named so because it resembled a rabbit’s rump.
Now it was the end of April.
It was also the time when winter’s severe cold had fully begun to ease and the ground weakened.
Thus, sudden heavy rain at this time could become the cause of a landslide.
It was probably the same this time.
“Whoa, whoa!” (Eun Seoho)
We stopped our horses, and a waiter came out from the inn and welcomed us.
“Welcome. How many are in your party?” (Waiter)
“Six.” (Eun Seoho)
Because Warrior Myeongjong and Warrior Changun were currently at the inn.
“You will be staying the night, yes?” (Waiter)
“That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
“Please come in first.” (Waiter)
Okmyeong Inn was a fairly large inn. That was likely why the people coming from the imperial palace had used this inn.
We decided that two people would use one room.
As soon as I unpacked my luggage in the room, I took out the Hyeonro Map and spread it open.
“To Nanjing’s Regional Military Commission.” (Eun Seoho)
I stated the destination, and soon the Hyeonro Map showed the route.
The route the Hyeonro Map showed was not the fastest route, but the safest one.
And right now, the Hyeonro Map was showing a detour, leaving the original route.
It meant the original route passing beneath Mount Myodun was dangerous.
“…….” (Eun Seoho)
It was as Miss Seohyang said.
The reason I took out the Hyeonro Map to check was not because I did not believe Miss Seohyang’s words.
Had I not believed her, I would not have come all the way here through the rain that night.
It was only a double-check, and it was also to learn the exact detour.
Then do we simply wait for them now?
That evening.
A group of people arrived at Okmyeong Inn.
They were the ones I had been waiting for.
I watched as they booked rooms, and at an appropriate time, I appeared before them.
“No! Young Master!” (Vice Chief Yeochang)
The first to notice me was Vice Chief Yeochang.
“I thought I would see you in Nanjing, so why are you here?” (Vice Chief Yeochang)
Not only him, but everyone looked puzzled.
“I came to meet you.” (Eun Seoho)
“To meet us?” (Vice Chief Yeochang)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
Then I headed toward the officials in the back.
I saw Gaksawoerang, a fifth-rank official of the Ministry of Rites whom I had also seen during the previous trade.
There seem to be more people drafted than last time as well.
I immediately went toward Gaksawoerang. He would likely be the highest person in charge here.
“You have worked hard coming here, sir.” (Eun Seoho)
“Heoheo, it was not that difficult. But were you not already in Nanjing after taking a ship from Hubei?” (Gaksawoerang)
“Yes. That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
I nodded and continued speaking.
“The reason I came here is for the safety of you and your party, sir.” (Eun Seoho)
“For safety?” (Gaksawoerang)
I worked my mind hard over how I should explain this landslide.
Simply saying, “An immortal appeared in my dream and told me to beware of a landslide,” would not be a wise choice.
In this sort of situation, an objective and reasonable answer was needed.
“In truth, because I arrived early in Nanjing, I was looking for some diversion and toured Nanjing’s marketplace. While doing so, I overheard a conversation between herb gatherers.” (Eun Seoho)
“Herb gatherers?” (Gaksawoerang)
“Yes. As you know, herb gatherers live almost as if they dwell in the mountains, so they are outstanding when it comes to mountain terrain and weather. During their conversation, they said Mount Myodun seemed dangerous.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued.
“Out of worry, I asked them for the details, and they said that if the rain poured down, there was a high possibility that a landslide would occur on Mount Myodun. And that place lies on your party’s route.” (Eun Seoho)
“So you came all the way here on this rainy road?” (Gaksawoerang)
“That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
I bowed my head and said,
“I am not a bold merchant, so if there is even the slightest thing that makes me uneasy, I cannot easily pass it by. Thus, even though it may be a route that goes far around, I earnestly ask that you detour without passing by that mountain.” (Eun Seoho)
Gaksawoerang looked at me, then placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Raise your head. We will detour as you say.” (Gaksawoerang)
“Truly?” (Eun Seoho)
“You ran all this way for our sake, so how could I ignore your sincerity?” (Gaksawoerang)
He continued.
“And among this party are many people of the Eunhae Trading Company and many goods they prepared. I trust the greed and eyes of you, a merchant.” (Gaksawoerang)
At those words, I smiled inwardly.
He is quite a wise person.
That must be why the Emperor appointed him as the person in charge of the trade.
I bowed my head deeply once more.
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
Having decided to detour, we immediately discussed the detour route.
Because we also had to discuss it with the Head Escort of the escort agency hired by the imperial palace.
At my words, the Head Escort expressed agreement.
“Certainly, landslides do often happen during this season. If we can know in advance and avoid them, then we should.” (Head Escort)
“How would it be if we took this detour route?” (Eun Seoho)
I suggested the route shown by the Hyeonro Map, and the Head Escort nodded.
“That would be good.” (Head Escort)
The next day, we left Okmyeong Inn.
Since we were detouring, naturally, it would take more time.
Because of that, grumbling voices came from behind.
“Sigh, Mount Myodun has never had a landslide until now, though.” (Unidentified Person)
“We are the only ones suffering because of needless worry.” (Unidentified Person)
Warrior Seowoo looked at me and asked carefully,
“Are you all right?” (Warrior Seowoo)
“Yes. I do not mind. There are always bound to be one or two people dissatisfied with any matter.” (Eun Seoho)
After traveling for about half a day like that, we were taking a rest midway.
This damned rain will not stop.
Rumble, rumble, rumble.
There was a sound as if something was shaking the earth.
The startled horses ran wild, and we quickly calmed them.
Then someone pointed somewhere and shouted.
“O-over there……!” (Unidentified Person)
We looked in the direction he pointed. I felt chills run down my spine.
A landslide was occurring on the mountain far away.
I let out a sigh of relief and thought.
If it had not been for Miss Seohyang, this really could have been disastrous.