Chapter 534
Chapter 534
Chapter 534. Carelessness Is Forbidden (5)
Lord Gak Sa-oe-rang readily granted my request.
And he told people, with a little more embellishment, about our exploits in retrieving So Byeong-ju from the Blood Claw Group and smashing them to pieces.
These were the words of Lord Gak Sa-oe-rang, an official of the imperial palace, not someone from our Eunhae Trading Company.
That made our story all the more credible, and it began spreading widely around Nanjing in an instant.
Meanwhile, at my request, we arranged a vivid storytelling session from the former pirates.
It was training I had already conducted once for the officers of the Eunhae Trading Company’s merchant ships in Hubei.
Because the former pirates had experienced it once before as well, they told the stories far more interestingly than before.
And that brought about another result.
Young Master Song of the Changhai Trading Company came to see me.
“You must be busy since there are only a few days left before departure, so what brings you here?” (MC)
“I heard. They say you punished the pirates who stole So Byeong-ju this time.” (Young Master Song)
“Ah, yes. That is correct.” (MC)
I spoke as if embarrassed.
“Has that matter already reached your ears, Young Master Song?” (MC)
“Of course. The rumors are already widespread nearby.” (Young Master Song)
Young Master Song continued with a bright face.
“You have truly done something great. There are more than a few who have suffered because of those Blood Claw Group bastards.” (Young Master Song)
“Has the Changhai Trading Company also suffered damage from them?” (MC)
“Of course. I cannot tell you how frustrating it was, with no way to do anything about it...” (Young Master Song)
“I am glad I was able to resolve that problem for you.” (MC)
So I have gained Young Master Song’s favor yet again.
“Thank you. Um...” (Young Master Song)
Young Master Song trailed off as if he had something to say.
“Please speak freely.” (MC)
“I came to find Young Master Eun because I have some worries. It is just that our martial strength is not all that impressive.” (Young Master Song)
“What do you mean by that? If the Changhai Trading Company’s martial strength were not impressive, how could you have traversed those rough seas until now?” (MC)
At my words, he shook his head.
“We have somehow endured until now because our trade has not been on such a large scale. But from now on, many will covet us, and if that happens, it will become very dangerous.” (Young Master Song)
He continued.
“So, I was wondering, could you protect the Changhai Trading Company a bit during this trade journey?” (Young Master Song)
“You mean our Eunhae Trading Company?” (MC)
“Yes.” (Young Master Song)
“Then you have come to the wrong person. The person in charge of the merchant ships is my eldest brother.” (MC)
Of course I also have authority, but the hierarchy should still be clear.
For Hyung Jeongho to become the Trading Company Leader securely as well.
At my words, Young Master Song smiled and said,
“Of course, I went to Young Master Eun Jeongho first. But he told me, ‘Go see my younger brother.’” (Young Master Song)
“I, I see.” (MC)
Hyung...
He hurriedly continued.
“Ah! Of course I am not asking you to do this without any compensation. We will give you a portion of our trading company’s profits.” (Young Master Song)
In truth, since the Eunhae Trading Company was moving together with the other trading companies, if pirates appeared, we would have no choice but to fight together.
Young Master Song was not unaware of that either.
What he wanted was probably for us to pay a little more attention to them and help them first when danger came.
“How much are you thinking of giving us?” (MC)
“We will give you twenty percent.” (Young Master Song)
As much as twenty percent?
He is more desperate than I thought.
We would have to pay a little more attention, but if we could receive twenty percent of the profits, it would by no means be a losing deal.
“Very well. I will discuss this with the people of the trading company and inform you of the final result.” (MC)
I immediately gathered Hyung Jeongho, Captain Yong, Navigator Song, and the other working staff and discussed it with them.
“That much will not be difficult.” (Captain Yong)
“An additional allowance will also be paid accordingly.” (MC)
“Then we should do it.” (Navigator Song)
At the words that an additional allowance would be paid, their eyes sparkled.
The allowance paid to them during the first trade last time had been quite considerable.
In Navigator Song’s case, I heard he bought a house with it.
The other sailors had also been able to properly make their share.
And so we drew up a contract stating that the Eunhae Trading Company would also protect the Changhai Trading Company.
That day, I went to see Hyung Jeongho.
Because there was something I had to make clear.
“Hyung Jeongho.” (MC)
“What?” (Jeongho)
“You could have just handled it on your own, so why send him to me?” (MC)
At my grumbling, Hyung Jeongho gave a faint laugh.
“The Eun Wind Palace Unit is your work, isn’t it? And you were also the one who handled the Blood Claw Group this time. I cannot steal your achievement.” (Jeongho)
“It is fine. Do not think about things like that and just proceed with it yourself. I moved for the interests of the Eunhae Trading Company, not for myself personally.” (MC)
I continued.
“And if you do this, it gives others some kind of room. I want you to become the Trading Company Leader without any such room.” (MC)
At my words, Hyung Jeongho stared at me.
“Wh, what? Why are you looking at me with those eyes?” (MC)
“You little...” (Jeongho)
Hyung Jeongho reached out and tousled my hair.
“Ah, Hyung! It is hard to fix my hair again!” (MC)
.
.
.
The Changhai Trading Company was not the only trading company that came to our Eunhae Trading Company.
The people in charge of other trading companies also came and requested protection for their merchant ships.
I asked them to give us twenty percent of their profits as well, and they gladly accepted my proposal.
“If pirates catch us, our goods will all be taken as goods, and the sailors will either be killed or fall into slavery.” (Trading Company Representative)
“If it is to prevent that, twenty percent is nothing.” (Trading Company Representative)
“Indeed. Absolutely.” (Trading Company Representative)
Because of that, the merchant ships of our Eunhae Trading Company came to sail at the very front.
When I asked Captain Yong whether that was all right, he grinned and answered.
“It is good. We get recognition and earn money too, killing two birds with one stone, is it not?” (Captain Yong)
As expected, he really is someone of caliber.
At last, the day of departure arrived.
Each ship was loaded full of goods for trade.
And Lord Gak Sa-oe-rang offered the ritual as the representative, burned the written prayer, and sent it up to the sky.
At the sight of it rising high into the sky, everyone smiled brightly.
“It is an auspicious sign!” (Someone)
“We will return safely from this trade journey as well!” (Someone)
The sailors exchanged farewells with the people and boarded their respective ships.
“Then, we will be off.” (Captain Yong)
“Please take care of yourselves.” (Someone)
“Have a safe journey. I wish you all good fortune in trade.” (MC)
At my words, Captain Yong nodded and looked at Lord Gak Sa-oe-rang.
Lord Gak Sa-oe-rang was aboard the same ship as Captain Yong.
“Shall we depart?” (Captain Yong)
“Do so.” (Lord Gak Sa-oe-rang)
Captain Yong shouted.
“Departure!” (Captain Yong)
At that, someone with a good voice repeated it several times.
“Set sail! Set sail! Set sail!” (Sailor)
Bwooooo!
Dum dum dum dum!
The sounds of the horn trumpet and drums rang out noisily, and the ships began to move.
They will safely bring back a good haul this time too, won’t they?
Because we prepared thoroughly for that very purpose.
* Kkui!
Judging by Geumryeong’s reaction, this is something to look forward to.
“Hyung.” (MC)
I turned my head to look at Hyung Jeongho and said,
“You said you were going to Beijing too, right?” (MC)
“Yes. I have to inspect the silk delivery situation and such.” (Jeongho)
“That works out well.” (MC)
I grinned.
Just when I already had something that would make me busy the moment I returned to Beijing, here is someone who can take care of my work for me.
Seeing me like that, Hyung Jeongho hesitated and stepped back.
“What is it? Why are you smiling like that?” (Jeongho)
“Ahem, what did I do?” (MC)
“Is it because of the matter of establishing the martial arts academy?” (Jeongho)
“...!” (MC)
I felt a prick of guilt.
How did he know?
“You brat, I am not going to Beijing just because of the silk. Father told me to help you.” (Jeongho)
“Huh?” (MC)
“The existing work of the Beijing branch must already be busy, and if you try to run around busily to establish a martial arts academy, it will certainly be hectic.” (Jeongho)
“...” (MC)
As expected of Father.
No matter how I proceed with work through flashes of inspiration, I cannot beat Father’s years of experience.
Then a thought suddenly occurred to me.
The illness Father had suffered in my previous life.
After Father handed the position of Trading Company Leader over to Hyung Jeongho, his condition worsened rapidly.
Somehow, we found the Black-Robed Divine Physician and asked him to treat Father, but it was already too late.
Looking back now, it seemed the illness had already begun before he handed the position of Trading Company Leader over to Hyung Jeongho.
It is not urgent yet, but I must not let my guard down.
We sent people to the inn to make preparations and headed to the Provincial Military Commission.
Because before leaving for Beijing, we had to pay our respects to Lord Ak, the Provincial Military Commissioner.
And I had to meet Lord Ak for the establishment of the martial arts academy as well.
We were guided to the reception room of the Provincial Military Commission, and after waiting there for a while, Lord Ak came.
“We greet you, my lord.” (MC)
“We greet you, my lord.” (Jeongho)
He accepted our greetings and sat down.
“Sit comfortably.” (Lord Ak)
“Thank you.” (MC)
“So, did the fleet depart safely?” (Lord Ak)
“Yes. It is thanks to your careful attention to everything, my lord.” (Jeongho)
At Hyung Jeongho’s reply, he laughed heartily.
“Are they not people who came bearing His Majesty the Emperor’s command? As such, I merely looked after them with all sincerity.” (Lord Ak)
A way of thinking befitting an upright official.
As expected, he is someone the Emperor would have reason to feel pleased with every time he sees him.
Then, he looked at me and said,
“And the fact that the fleet departed safely is due more to you than to me, is it not?” (Lord Ak)
“Pardon?” (MC)
“I heard. They say the Eunhae Trading Company stepped forward and annihilated the Blood Claw Group.” (Lord Ak)
“We tend to avoid showing needless mercy to those who lay hands on our trading company... and unintentionally ended up running wild with some insolence.” (MC)
First, I answered modestly.
Lord Ak did not seem displeased, but still, one never knew.
If he thought my power was a threat to the Emperor, he was someone who would step forward at any time.
“Hahahaha!” (Lord Ak)
Lord Ak laughed boldly.
“It is just as His Majesty said.” (Lord Ak)
“Pardon?” (MC)
“There is no need to worry. I know well that you intend to use that power to become strength for His Majesty the Emperor.” (Lord Ak)
Just what did the Emperor say...
For now, I showed humility.
“I am only grateful that you understand my heart so well.” (MC)
“Since you also solved a headache of mine, I should be the one thanking you.” (Lord Ak)
It was not because Lord Ak lacked martial might that he had been unable to deal with those pirates.
It was only because they were pirates.
Because one never knew when or where they would appear, and because they ran away here and there on ships.
That was why, this time, I and the escort warriors had even made a meticulous plan and infiltrated their ship.
“Since I have received something, it would only be proper calculation to give you the corresponding payment. Is there anything you want?” (Lord Ak)
It was the question I had hoped for.
Still, should I politely decline first?
“What do you mean by that? We merely dealt with those who laid hands on our trading company because they were also obstructing His Majesty the Emperor’s command.” (MC)
“Of course, I know your loyalty well. Even so, what must be calculated must be calculated.” (Lord Ak)
The reason Lord Ak was trusted by His Majesty the Emperor and had risen steadily as an official for a long time.
His background was good and his personal martial might was also outstanding, but it was because his calculations were thorough.
“In that case, please grant me one request.” (MC)
“Speak.” (Lord Ak)
“Please recommend someone from the Shandong Ak Clan who can teach spear arts.” (MC)
“Spear arts? I heard you use a sword.” (Lord Ak)
“I am not the one who will learn.” (MC)
I shook my head.
“In truth, I am thinking of establishing a martial arts academy in Beijing.” (MC)
“A martial arts academy...” (Lord Ak)
“Yes. In Beijing, there is a place operated by our Eunhae Trading Company called the Haenghwa Academy. But that place is only for studying letters. I think that alone does not create balance.” (MC)
“What is the purpose of that martial arts academy?” (Lord Ak)
“Like the Haenghwa Academy, it is to rise in the world and make one’s name known.” (MC)
“If you say to rise in the world and make one’s name known?” (Lord Ak)
“Yes. Its purpose is to cultivate those with outstanding aptitude in martial arts and produce excellent military officers.” (MC)
At my words, Lord Ak smiled.
“This will raise the competition rate of the military examination. If outstanding talents pass the military examination to that extent, it will mean the nation’s defense becomes that much stronger.” (Lord Ak)
He continued.
“Good. However, I have a condition.” (Lord Ak)
“What is it?” (MC)
“Receive His Majesty the Emperor’s approval. You know that in any case, to establish a martial arts academy in Beijing, you will need His Majesty the Emperor’s approval, do you not?” (Lord Ak)
“Of course.” (MC)
A martial arts academy, too, is an organization where martial artists gather, though not as much as a clan or sect.
That is why, in Beijing, one can establish a martial arts academy only after receiving His Majesty the Emperor’s approval.
“If you receive His Majesty the Emperor’s approval, I will have my main family support you with about two excellent instructors.” (Lord Ak)
“Thank you.” (MC)
This resolves the matter of the spear arts instructors.
The next morning.
I and the people of the Eunhae Trading Company headed for Beijing.
On the way, we passed by the side of Mount Myodun, which had collapsed in the landslide last time, and since it was an official road, it had been quickly restored.
Thanks to that, we were able to come comfortably to Beijing as scheduled.
“Welcome back.” (Beijing Branch Member)
“You have worked hard.” (Beijing Branch Member)
The people of the Beijing branch welcomed Hyung Jeongho and me.
We each headed to our quarters.
After washing clean, I flopped down on the bed.
Ugh! This is nice.
As expected, a bed really is the best.
But I do not have time to be doing this. There is work that has piled up all this time...
And I have to handle the matter of establishing the martial arts academy too...
But my eyelids began to grow heavier and heavier.
Still, I have a little time, so perhaps I can sleep for a short while? Should I sleep for just about one shichen and then wake up?
It was then.
“Young Master!” (Servant)
At that moment, the door flew open.
“Huh? Uh? What is it?” (MC)
“Master Jinyoung has come, sir.” (Servant)
“...” (MC)
My sleep fled in shock.
Sigh, where in my fate would there ever be rest...
A moment later.
I headed to the reception room and faced Master Jinyoung.
“I greet you, Master.” (MC)
“It has been a long time.” (Jinyoung)
“Yes, it has been too long.” (MC)
“Last time, His Majesty the Emperor sent a eunuch to summon you, but they said you had left for the North Sea in the meantime.” (Jinyoung)
Ah...
That must have been when I went to the Northern Sea Ice Palace because of the Iceflame talks.
It was good that I listened to Miss Seohyang.
“I apologize. I had an urgent matter...” (MC)
“I am not trying to blame you. I know well that you are a busy person.” (Jinyoung)
“Thank you.” (MC)
“You must go to the imperial palace at once. His Majesty the Emperor is summoning you.” (Jinyoung)
This time, the Emperor’s summons was welcome.
Because there is something I need to rip out... no, receive as payment for this matter.