Chapter 549
Chapter 549
Chapter 549. The Oddball of the Jegal Family (2)
I asked the Grand Clan Head.
“Were they perhaps kidnapped or missing?” (Eun Seoho)
“No. That fellow simply did not return to the main family of his own will.” (Grand Clan Head)
He didn’t return of his own will?
To be honest, the three years of the Hidden Dragon Journey are a continuous chain of hardship.
One can receive no support from the family, nor can one use the family name.
Because it means being thrown alone into the world after living while being upheld as the young master or young lady of a prestigious family.
Of course, they would learn and receive support for many things in preparation for that Hidden Dragon Journey, but that is before they set out on it.
The world one faces bare-handed is only cruel and cold.
In fact, there are even those who lose their lives during the Hidden Dragon Journey.
Even so, the family only watches, and even if they die, it does not interfere in the slightest.
That is the law.
Because of that, usually, once the three-year period ends, people quickly return to the family.
Only then will their names be formally entered into the Jegal Family genealogy, and they will be able to hold rights as members of the family.
But the fact that he did not return of his own will for twenty years means he has lived while giving up all rights of the Jegal Family on his own.
That really isn’t easy to do.
So that’s why he’s called an oddball.
“But why are you recommending such an oddball?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, the Grand Clan Head spoke.
“Because he is someone who could be of help to you. To be honest, it would be harder to find someone in the main family who does not have the ability you want. But would it not be important to find someone who can help you as much as possible?” (Grand Clan Head)
“Thank you for your consideration.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hoho, I told you to save your thanks for later. I may have chosen him, but he must suit your taste, mustn’t he?” (Grand Clan Head)
He is a person personally chosen by the Grand Clan Head of the Jegal Family.
He will surely suit my taste.
“Then I will go meet him.” (Eun Seoho)
“You intend to go in person? You could simply call him here.” (Grand Clan Head)
The Grand Clan Head asked with a puzzled expression, and I smiled and spoke gently.
“Even Liu Bei, emperor of Shu Han, made three humble visits to obtain an outstanding strategist, so how could I sit here and summon him?” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, the Grand Clan Head laughed with a pleased expression.
“Hahahaha! I am grateful that you say so.” (Grand Clan Head)
He nodded and was about to call a servant.
“Ah! Grand Clan Head, I have been asked to deliver something.” (Eun Seoho)
“Asked?” (Grand Clan Head)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
The Grand Clan Head looked at the letter I handed him and asked me.
“Could this be something that the Divine Physician, Red-Robed Huatuo, asked of you?” (Grand Clan Head)
“How did you know?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, the Grand Clan Head showed me the picture drawn on the envelope and said.
“Because this picture is a token promised between us.” (Grand Clan Head)
Ah, so that picture had that kind of meaning.
“What connection did you have with the Divine Physician?” (Grand Clan Head)
“The truth is...” (Eun Seoho)
It is something that will become known anyway, so there is no problem telling the Grand Clan Head here.
And he is not the sort of person who would spread the story carelessly to others.
I began to explain step by step.
“...and so I ended up saving them, and one of them turned out to be Red-Robed Huatuo.” (Eun Seoho)
“Huh!” (Grand Clan Head)
The Grand Clan Head shook his head and sighed.
“To think such a thing happened! In truth, Red-Robed Huatuo is an old close friend of mine! I am truly grateful that you saved my friend.” (Grand Clan Head)
“You flatter me. Wasn’t all of this the will of the heavens? Hahaha.” (Eun Seoho)
“Then are they all right now?” (Grand Clan Head)
“Yes. They are staying at the Songshan branch of Yeo Chun Inn. News will soon reach each of their families.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see. Why did you not bring them to the main family?” (Grand Clan Head)
“I considered doing so for a moment as well, but since there were watching eyes, I had no choice but to act that way.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, the Grand Clan Head nodded.
“If you thought so, there must have been a reason worthy of it. You did well.” (Grand Clan Head)
“Thank you for saying so.” (Eun Seoho)
I gave the Grand Clan Head a clasped hands greeting and continued.
“Grand Clan Head. Since my visit to the Jegal Family this time is an official matter rather than a personal one, I would like to meet the Clan Head and pay my respects.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah! I forgot to mention that.” (Grand Clan Head)
The Grand Clan Head chuckled and said.
“The current Clan Head is out at the moment, so he will likely return tomorrow, and the Young Master will return sometime today.” (Grand Clan Head)
“Ah! I see.” (Eun Seoho)
“So do not worry. Once they return, I will tell them to go see you.” (Grand Clan Head)
“What do you mean by that? Of course I, as the guest, should go visit them.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hoho, are you an ordinary guest?” (Grand Clan Head)
“...” (Eun Seoho)
Feeling somewhat embarrassed, I changed the subject.
“Then I will now go meet the person you said you would introduce me to.” (Eun Seoho)
“Do so. Mm... it seems there will be no more time today, and tomorrow, make some time for me.” (Grand Clan Head)
The Clan Head’s face was filled with seriousness.
He had not even looked at Red-Robed Huatuo’s letter yet, so it seemed there was some other matter.
What could it be?
First, I answered politely.
“Understood.” (Eun Seoho)
.
.
.
A little later.
I was being guided by a servant toward that oddball’s residence and asked.
“What is the name of the person you will be introducing to me?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah! It is Young Master Jegal Cheondu. He is the youngest child of the youngest younger brother of the Grand Clan Head.” (Servant)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
Then he would be in the same generation as the Clan Head, as a cousin, but his age...
Perhaps sensing my question, the servant explained.
“He is a son born to him at a not-so-young age.” (Servant)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
He sure was vigorous.
Huh? Wait a moment... if it was the Grand Clan Head’s youngest younger brother.
“That person is certainly...” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. He passed away long ago.” (Servant)
“...” (Eun Seoho)
I gave a dry cough and continued speaking.
“Ahem, then what kind of person is Young Master Jegal Cheondu?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes? What do you mean?” (Servant)
“I mean that before I meet him, I wondered if there might be something it would be good for me to know in advance.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he nodded as if he understood.
“Ah, so that is what you meant. In that case... I would prefer that you refrain from speaking about the Martial Alliance.” (Servant)
Ah...
I instantly understood what he meant.
He bears a grudge against the Martial Alliance.
Then that may be the very reason the Grand Clan Head is introducing Young Master Jegal Cheondu to me.
In other words, he has already grasped why I am establishing a martial arts academy.
Huh... he really is a frightening person.
I rubbed my arms with both hands.
“What is the matter?” (Servant)
“It is nothing. What else is there?” (Eun Seoho)
“He dislikes it when useless words obscure the essence of things.” (Servant)
“Does that mean he likes directness?” (Eun Seoho)
“You may take it that way.” (Servant)
The place we headed toward was the outer hall.
That was only natural, since Jegal Cheondu belonged to a collateral line.
The inner hall is a place only direct descendants can stay.
“But is he at his residence at this hour?” (Eun Seoho)
In martial families, including the Jegal Family, direct and collateral members with the family surname hold important posts.
So I had heard that in the Jegal Family as well, once one finished the Hidden Dragon Journey and returned, one would be assigned a position and work...
It was not yet time to leave office.
He explained with a troubled expression.
“Well... he has done various work until now, but he quit all of it, saying none of it suited his aptitude.” (Servant)
“...” (Eun Seoho)
I sighed inwardly.
Ah, Grand Clan Head.
Why do I feel as though the Grand Clan Head is chuckling and telling me to take good care of him?
Soon, I arrived at a detached residence.
In most families, once one becomes an adult, it is the custom to live alone in a detached residence.
Our Eunhae Trading Company is like that as well.
Someone who appeared to be a servant was sweeping the yard and, upon seeing us, quickly ran over.
“Welcome.” (Servant)
“Yes. Is the young master inside?” (Guide Servant)
“Yes. He is.” (Servant)
“A guest has come. Inform the young master.” (Guide Servant)
At those words, he hurriedly ran off.
“Young Master! A guest has come.” (Servant)
“I know.” (Jegal Cheondu)
A voice flowed out from inside, and soon the door opened and a man came out.
The moment I saw his face, I had no choice but to be startled.
What? Why is that person coming out from here?
Because I had met him before.
To be precise, in my previous life.
After the Jegal Family collapsed, Miss Jegal Yua became the guard of a Trading Company head.
And she made her name as one of the hundred greatest masters under heaven.
The one she guarded was the head of the Yugang Trading Company, one of the Ten Great Trading Companies.
And the person before my eyes was the strategist and chief administrator who had grown the Yugang Trading Company of that time into one of the Ten Great Trading Companies.
To think he had been a member of the Jegal Family.
Because the Jegal Family collapsed before he returned from the Hidden Dragon Journey, the Martial Alliance must not have realized his identity.
“...” (Eun Seoho)
As I only stared blankly at him, Palgap quickly poked me in the side.
“Young Master.” (Palgap)
“Ah!” (Eun Seoho)
Thanks to that, I came to my senses and quickly gave a clasped hands greeting.
“Pleased to meet you. I am Eun Seoho, the Young Company Head of the Eunhae Trading Company.” (Eun Seoho)
“I am Jegal Cheondu. I heard from the Grand Clan Head. You wish to invite me as an instructor at the academy, I believe.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“Yes. That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
I nodded.
“I would like to invite you, Young Master, as the designer and instructor of the martial arts academy being established this time in partnership with the imperial family.” (Eun Seoho)
“I am sorry, but I am not particularly interested. I will refuse.” (Jegal Cheondu)
As expected, the Grand Clan Head said he had picked out the right person, not that all I had to do was take him with me.
Then persuading this person and taking him with me is up to my ability.
“Are you not interested? Or is there another reason?” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“I think it would benefit both sides if you spoke honestly.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he sighed.
“Well, since you wish it so much, I will speak honestly. I dislike the idea of working under you.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“Is it because I am a lowly merchant? Well, since you are a noble young master of a prestigious family such as the Jegal Family, I suppose that is only natural.” (Eun Seoho)
I deliberately spoke sarcastically.
“Since you yourself are noble, you mean you will not associate with lowly things, correct? Am I wrong?” (Eun Seoho)
He furrowed his brow, as if displeased.
“Please do not make me out to be such a fool!” (Jegal Cheondu)
“Then you should tell me the reason. If you simply say you do not wish to work with me without explanation, it is perfect for misunderstanding, is it not?” (Eun Seoho)
“...” (Jegal Cheondu)
He glared at me and then opened his mouth.
“You are a hero of the Martial Alliance who received the title Immortal Hero Beauty from the Martial Alliance. So...” (Jegal Cheondu)
“So because I am a person of the Martial Alliance, you do not wish to work under me?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is right.” (Jegal Cheondu)
Well, the fact that I am the benefactor of the Jegal Family is a secret known only to the leadership...
“It seems you are misunderstanding something.” (Eun Seoho)
“What do you mean?” (Jegal Cheondu)
“The martial arts academy being established this time is indeed one our Eunhae Trading Company is building, but half of its operating expenses will be borne by the imperial family. Also, because we have the imperial family’s permission, we are able to build a martial arts academy in Beijing.” (Eun Seoho)
“What is it you wish to say?” (Jegal Cheondu)
I grinned.
“So to be precise, you would be working not under me, but under the imperial family.” (Eun Seoho)
“...” (Jegal Cheondu)
“And it seems you have not heard about the purpose of the martial arts academy.” (Eun Seoho)
His eyebrow twitched.
“The purpose... you said?” (Jegal Cheondu)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I sent him a telepathic message.
* It seems you wish to screw over the Martial Alliance. Am I right? (Eun Seoho)
“...!” (Jegal Cheondu)
He flinched.
* That is precisely the purpose of the academy being built this time. To screw over the Martial Alliance. (Eun Seoho)
At my telepathic message, he bit his lip slightly.
“Is it all right for someone who even received the title Immortal Hero Beauty to say such a thing?” (Jegal Cheondu)
Seeing that he still could not use telepathy, it seems his martial arts have not reached the absolute level.
* It is not as though I received it because I wanted it, so what of it? (Eun Seoho)
At my answer, he gave a faint laugh.
“So that is why the Grand Clan Head said it would be a matter to my liking, and that it would be fairly interesting.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“Then will you accept my proposal?” (Eun Seoho)
He readily nodded and accepted.
“Very well. I will do so.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
I gave a clasped hands greeting and expressed my thanks.
“I am glad that I did not have to make three humble visits.” (Eun Seoho)
“If you say that, you make me embarrassed. Please come inside and have a cup of tea at least.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“I will not refuse.” (Eun Seoho)
The detached residence had a small room used as a reception room.
Soon, a servant brought tea and refreshments.
We drank tea and conversed, and I felt that, more than I expected, we understood each other well.
There were so many things I was curious about when it came to him. Among them, one was...
“You look curious as to why I am so hostile toward the Martial Alliance.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“Oh my, I am rather confident in managing my expression, yet you caught me.” (Eun Seoho)
“After wandering across the empire and going through all manner of hardships for about twenty years, I could not help but develop a good eye for people.” (Jegal Cheondu)
He gave a bitter smile.
“So, speaking of which, my intuition tells me this. That you, Young Company Head, are someone I can trust. The Grand Clan Head said the same, but I am someone who believes only what I have experienced.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“I understand.” (Eun Seoho)
He is someone who grew the Yugang Trading Company into one of the Ten Great Trading Companies in my previous life, so that much pride is only natural.
“But I think that if we proceed with work while each of us holds questions about the other, there will only be discord.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“You are right.” (Eun Seoho)
At my affirmation, he sighed and said.
“That is why I am telling you. In truth... my father was murdered by the Martial Alliance.” (Jegal Cheondu)
---
At that time.
Jegal Hyeon-ri, the Grand Clan Head of the Jegal Family, was sitting in the small pavilion built within his residence.
With a small waterfall and pond before it, the place had been made for reciting poems or for contemplation.
He fiddled with the envelope containing the letter Eun Seoho had delivered, then opened it.
It was a letter sent by his close friend, Red-Robed Huatuo.
[To think I can send this letter to my kindred spirit—thinking about it again, it truly feels like a dream. I never thought I would be able to see the sunlight again while alive.] (Red-Robed Huatuo)
Seeing that opening, he once again felt grateful toward Eun Seoho.
His friend had never been one to send news often in the first place, but there had been far too little news, so he had been worrying inwardly.
Had it not been for him, even his remaining close friend might have met a different end.
No, had it not been for him, both Red-Robed Huatuo and I would have met a different end.
He looked at the three trees drawn on the envelope and wore a sorrowful expression.
Those three trees symbolized himself and his two close friends.
But one of those two close friends had left far too early.
That friend’s name was Gwak Won-gyu.
He had been the Palace Head of Seolpung Palace.