Chapter 540
Chapter 540
Chapter 540. Let Us Establish a Martial Arts Academy (6)
I said to him.
“Should I offer congratulations?” (Eun Seoho)
“I am not sure about that myself.” (Mae Jeong)
He raised himself up and said,
“I heard that my parents are still at that house.” (Mae Jeong)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
“Are they healthy?” (Mae Jeong)
At those words, I hesitated for a moment. At that, his eyes sank.
“Come to think of it, you only spoke of my father from the beginning.” (Mae Jeong)
“…….” (Eun Seoho)
“My mother has passed away, then.” (Mae Jeong)
In the end, tears flowed down from his eyes. I patted him and said,
“Even so, your father is still alive. Before it is any later, go and embrace your father.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. I will do that.” (Mae Jeong)
After finishing the visit like that, I left the place.
Because Manager Mae needed time to collect his heart.
“It really is a relief.” (Manager Cho)
Manager Cho, who had come out with me, said with an expression of relief.
“It certainly is.” (Eun Seoho)
While we were having this and that conversation for a moment, the physician entered the room where Manager Mae was.
Watching that, I asked Manager Cho,
“By the way, is the physician of the medical hall someone trustworthy?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, he nodded.
“Of course. He received a great favor from the Trading Company Head, so he is serving as the company’s physician.” (Manager Cho)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
Then I can entrust this to him.
After greeting Manager Cho, I waited until the physician finished examining Manager Mae and came out.
“Master Seonhyeop Mirang. What is the matter?” (Physician)
“Actually, I have obtained medicine for the Trading Company Head.” (Eun Seoho)
“Pardon?” (Physician)
I took the Thousand Spirit Root from my robes and held it out.
“Please check it.” (Eun Seoho)
Even after unwrapping the thing wrapped in cloth, he seemed not to recognize it and tilted his head.
Well, that is the normal reaction.
“It is the Thousand Spirit Root.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, I see. The Thousand Spi…… Thou…… Huh! Pardon?” (Physician)
He was startled and asked while stammering,
“Th, th, this is that Thousand Spirit Root?” (Physician)
“That is right. It is a spiritual medicine that cannot be obtained easily. With that, the Trading Company Head’s illness can be cured.” (Eun Seoho)
“H, how could you give something so precious…….” (Physician)
Soon, tears flowed from his eyes.
I do not know why there are so many people crying today.
“Thanks to the Trading Company Head saving and taking care of Manager Mae, the matter our Trading Company is pushing forward was able to proceed well.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“Hurry and make medicine with it, then give it to the Trading Company Head.” (Eun Seoho)
“Y, yes, I understand.” (Physician)
“Just in case, ask the martial artists to guard you while you decoct the medicine.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Physician)
Even though this was inside the Trading Company, one must not let one’s guard down.
After sending him off, I quietly ordered Martial Artist Jin Yu to keep watch over the matter.
The next day, Martial Artist Jin Yu came to report.
“There were no problems in the process of decocting the medicine. And the Trading Company Head also drank the medicine safely.” (Martial Artist Jin Yu)
“I see. You have worked hard.” (Eun Seoho)
I said to Palgap,
“Prepare to leave.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood, sir.” (Palgap)
---
Soman, the Trading Company Head of Yeocheong Trading Company, opened his eyes.
“Mm…….” (Soman)
Usually, his body felt heavy as if it weighed a thousand geun, but for some reason today, his body felt light, as if he had returned to his youth.
‘Strange.’ (Soman)
He rose from his seat.
Even moving one step had been difficult, but now, no matter how much he walked, it was not tiring.
He felt he might even be able to run.
‘What is going on?’ (Soman)
At that moment, the voice of a guard came from outside the door.
“Trading Company Head, the physician has come.” (Guard)
“Let him in.” (Soman)
Soon the door opened, and the moment the physician saw him standing, he was greatly astonished.
“T, Trading Company Head…….” (Physician)
“My body feels very light today. Haha! How mysterious!” (Soman)
“It truly was the Thousand Spirit Root…….” (Physician)
“Hm? What does that mean? The Thousand Spirit Root?” (Soman)
The physician lowered his head and answered.
“Actually, yesterday, Master Seonhyeop Mirang gave me the Thousand Spirit Root. Thus, the medicine you took yesterday was decocted from it.” (Physician)
“What? Is that true?” (Soman)
“Yes.” (Physician)
“Haha! Just how great a price is he intending to ask for it…….” (Soman)
At that sigh, the physician spoke cautiously.
“I also asked why he was giving such a precious thing. Then Master Seonhyeop Mirang said it was repayment for saving and caring for Manager Mae Jeong.” (Physician)
At that, Soman shook his head.
“Even so, it is far too much. To call it the price for that matter, I have received a reward far too great.” (Soman)
He shouted toward the outside.
“Bring Master Seonhyeop Mirang…… No. I should go myself.” (Soman)
He straightened his clothes and hat, then headed to Eun Seoho’s quarters.
---
I finished my breathing circulation and rose from my seat.
And I said to Palgap,
“A guest is coming.” (Eun Seoho)
“I was already preparing to brew tea, sir.” (Palgap)
These days, his ability to sense presences has been developing more and more.
Soon, Martial Artist Changun’s voice was heard outside.
“The Trading Company Head has arrived.” (Martial Artist Changun)
I opened the door myself.
“Welcome.” (Eun Seoho)
“Oh, I fear I may be disturbing your morning routine.” (Soman)
“Not at all. Please come in.” (Eun Seoho)
The Trading Company Head’s complexion was clearly different from before.
As expected of the Thousand Spirit Root.
I welcomed him with a faint smile and offered him a seat.
“You look well.” (Eun Seoho)
“It is thanks to the Thousand Spirit Root you gave me. I do not know how I can repay this grace.” (Soman)
“Please do not say such things.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking gently.
“Thanks to you, Trading Company Head, I was able to find Elder Mae’s son. And the matter of establishing a martial arts academy with the Imperial Family can also proceed without trouble. It is only repayment for that.” (Eun Seoho)
“No. It is true that I saved Manager Mae, but thanks to that, our Trading Company was able to grow further. I believe I already received sufficient payment for it.” (Soman)
Since I had expected him to come out like this, I brought out the answer I had prepared.
“Actually, that Thousand Spirit Root was found in the sugarcane field here.” (Eun Seoho)
“Such a precious thing was here?” (Soman)
“Yes. While coming out after saving Manager Mae and the child, I discovered a pit dug up by a wild animal. It was inside.” (Eun Seoho)
Kkui?
Inside my sleeve, Geumryeong made a dissatisfied sound.
Yes, yes, of course you are not a wild animal.
I am simply glossing it over that way, so stay still.
I patted Geumryeong inside my sleeve and continued speaking.
“It seems to be Heaven’s care. I believe Heaven also did not wish for you to leave this world early, Trading Company Head, and so bestowed such a miraculous encounter.” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course, I am grateful to Heaven. But I have received grace from you again and again, and if I do not repay it, I feel I will fall ill again.” (Soman)
He continued speaking.
“There is not much I can give you. Thus, for ten years, I will give you twenty percent of the profits produced from the sugarcane fields.” (Soman)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
I was startled.
“That is too much.” (Eun Seoho)
“If you do not accept this, I feel I will fall ill again. Aigoo…….” (Soman)
If you say it like that, does that not mean I cannot refuse?
I let out a sigh and gave a clasped-hands greeting.
“Understood. I will accept that proposal.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thank you.” (Soman)
I should be the one thanking you.
I end up gaining something here again like this.
“By the way, when do you intend to leave?” (Soman)
“I intend to leave as soon as Manager Mae’s preparations are complete.” (Eun Seoho)
Manager Mae collected himself faster than expected and decided to depart tomorrow.
Thus, he moved busily, appointing someone to handle his work in his absence and handing over his duties.
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.
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Morning came, and we gathered at the entrance of the Trading Company to depart.
“Thank you for everything.” (Eun Seoho)
“What thanks? We are the ones who are more grateful.” (Soman)
Then Manager Mae greeted the Trading Company Head.
“I will be back.” (Mae Jeong)
“Yes. Have a safe trip.” (Soman)
Like that, we set off toward Beijing. The problem was that Manager Mae, who was not a martial artist, could not endure the speed of the Crimson River Horses while fully conscious.
But we did not have enough time to go slowly out of consideration for him.
So I decided to press Manager Mae’s sleep acupoint, put him to sleep, and run.
And when we arrived near Beijing, I woke him up.
Because we had to go slowly from here.
And this was Beijing, where he was returning after a long time. He should see it with a clear mind.
Manager Mae looked deeply moved.
“Ah…… that is still there.” (Mae Jeong)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
“A new building has gone up there.” (Mae Jeong)
Manager Mae slowly took in the streets of Beijing, which had changed over the past fifteen years.
Like that, we passed through the bustling streets of Beijing and entered the outskirts.
“Actually, when I was young, a great fire of unknown cause broke out in the mountain behind our village. At that time, I was playing in the mountains with the other children. When we did not know what to do, my father and the village adults came to rescue us.” (Mae Jeong)
He continued speaking.
“In that sugarcane field this time, that memory came back to me, and it became the clue that allowed me to recover all my memories.” (Mae Jeong)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
Soon, a house appeared.
Seeing that house, Manager Mae’s face hardened.
“Why do you look like that?” (Eun Seoho)
“Because I am an unfilial son who has returned after fifteen years.” (Mae Jeong)
“Was that not something that happened against your will?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is true, but…….” (Mae Jeong)
His heart cannot be at ease.
An apology mixed within joy and gladness.
Since it was an emotion I had never experienced, I could not offer any further consolation.
But we could not just remain soaked in emotion.
“Elder!” (Eun Seoho)
I called the elder in a loud voice.
“Elder! Are you there? Elder!” (Eun Seoho)
When I called several times, Elder Mae came out from inside, grumbling as if annoyed.
“You come after so long and are making such a nuisance……” (Elder Mae)
In that instant, he could not finish his words.
He had seen Manager Mae standing beside me.
“Could it be…… Jeong? Is it Jeong?” (Elder Mae)
“Father…….” (Mae Jeong)
“Jeong!” (Elder Mae)
“Father!” (Mae Jeong)
The two of them ran toward each other and embraced.
“Aigoo, you brat! Why have you only come now?” (Elder Mae)
“I am sorry. Father. I am truly sorry.” (Mae Jeong)
“It is fine! Since you have returned now, it is fine. Since you have returned safely like this, it is fine.” (Elder Mae)
Seeing the father and son reunite after fifteen years, even my eyes reddened.
“It is truly moving, sir. Sniff.” (Palgap)
Palgap was already wiping away tears.
Unlike how he looks, he really is a delicate fellow.
Phew, I am starting to miss Father and Mother too.
Then should I go to the Beijing branch now?
I should reduce some of Brother Jeongho’s workload, since he is struggling in my place.
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Several days passed.
During that time, I spent busy days handling the work that had piled up.
Though Brother Jeongho had handled the work, there were also matters that were difficult to process by Brother Jeongho’s judgment.
After working frantically for about three days like that, I finally had a moment to rest.
“Phew…….” (Eun Seoho)
As I let out a sigh and briefly closed my eyes, Brother Jeongho said,
“You, just how do you handle all these matters?” (Jeongho)
“Just by working hard?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is certainly true that Hyeonpung Bureau lacks people. When I return to the main branch this time, I will suggest to Father that we increase the personnel of Hyeonpung Bureau.” (Jeongho)
“I would be grateful for that.” (Eun Seoho)
“You really are grateful, right? Somehow, I do not feel sincerity in your words.” (Jeongho)
At those words, I sprang to my feet and gave a clasped-hands greeting.
“How could that be? This younger brother is deeply moved by your heart, elder brother.” (Eun Seoho)
“Enough, you brat.” (Jeongho)
Brother continued speaking.
“So, was the matter you went to Guangxi Province for this time resolved well?” (Jeongho)
At that moment, Palgap’s voice came from outside the door.
“Young Master! Elder Mae has contacted us, sir.” (Palgap)
I grinned.
“It seems it will work out well, no?” (Eun Seoho)
A short while later.
I headed to Old Man Mae’s house. Old Man Mae was sitting on the wooden bench with his son.
“You have come?” (Old Man Mae)
“Yes, Elder. You look very well.” (Eun Seoho)
“This is all thanks to you. I heard from Jeong. You found my son and even saved his life! Truly…… I do not know how to repay this grace.” (Old Man Mae)
“For the rest of your life, you need only live happily with your son.” (Eun Seoho)
“I knew you would say that.” (Old Man Mae)
Old Man Mae nodded and said,
“This time, I have decided to go to Guangxi Province with my son.” (Old Man Mae)
“So that is what you decided.” (Eun Seoho)
In truth, it was something I had guessed.
The Trading Company Head of Yeocheong Trading Company had tried to entrust Manager Mae to me, but the Trading Company Head’s illness had been cured.
And thanks to Manager Mae stepping forward this time to save Manager Cho’s child, it seemed the other managers had accepted and acknowledged Manager Mae as well.
“When I said that if you wished to transfer to our Eunhae Trading Company, we would accept you, I meant it sincerely.” (Eun Seoho)
“I am grateful for those words, but that place is no different from a second hometown to me. I wish to serve my father comfortably there.” (Mae Jeong)
“In that case, I have no choice but to yield.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“Should you use an escort agency on your way back, I will introduce you to a good place.” (Eun Seoho)
“I would be grateful if you did so.” (Mae Jeong)
I turned my head and looked at Old Man Mae.
“Then we can now proceed with the contract for this plot of land. As I told you before, I will give you five hundred taels of silver.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is too much.” (Old Man Mae)
“No. I gave the same amount to the others as well, so if I give you less, it would not be fair.” (Eun Seoho)
“But you even found my son……” (Old Man Mae)
“I did that only for my own benefit.” (Eun Seoho)
After thinking for a moment, the old man said,
“In that case, I will invest three hundred taels out of the five hundred taels for the land into Eunhae Trading Company.” (Old Man Mae)
“Understood.” (Eun Seoho)
As expected, they say old ginger is spicy; he made a very wise choice.
Old Man Mae’s move proceeded quickly, and he used the Changin Escort Agency I introduced to him to head to Guangxi Province.
And my neighbors and I saw him off.
Changin Escort Agency is a place with good skills, so he should be able to go safely.
With this, the work of securing the site for establishing the martial arts academy was finished.
Phew, establishing a martial arts academy really is not easy.
I had only just secured the site now, after all.
There was still the matter of constructing the building and recruiting instructors left.
The building would not be difficult, and the problem was recruiting instructors…… but I have the imperial decree His Majesty the Emperor gave me.
An imperial decree sprinkled with silver powder and shining.
Then, where should I go first?