Chapter 552
Chapter 552
Chapter 552. The Eccentric of the Jegal Family (5)
Because we had to travel together with Young Master Jegal Cheondu after departing from the Jegal Family, we could not increase our speed.
For that reason, the distance we had covered in a single day on the way here would take us nearly more than three days to travel.
“It seems we will have to camp outdoors here.” (Warrior Seo Woo)
At Warrior Seo Woo’s words, I nodded.
“Understood.” (Eun Seoho)
Soon, our group began preparing to camp outdoors.
In the meantime, I informed Young Master Jegal Cheondu and his party that it was time to eat.
The party who had been riding in the carriage approached the place where the campfire had been lit.
Young Master Jegal Cheondu’s party was simple.
Including his attendant, maidservant, and two escort warriors, there were five people.
If he were of the direct line, a few more people would have been attached, but he was of a branch family.
One way or another, the treatment of the direct line and branch families could not help but differ.
That is why people compete so fiercely in order to become part of the direct line.
“Tonight’s dinner is noodles, sir.” (Palgap)
Palgap was putting various ingredients into the pot placed over the campfire and boiling the noodle broth.
Soon the noodles were ready, and Palgap shouted to the people.
“Just bring one bowl each, sir!” (Palgap)
At those words, I approached first with my bowl, and Palgap served noodles into it.
We sat around the campfire and ate the noodles.
“It’s delicious!” (Eun Seoho)
“Hehehe, does it suit your taste, sir?” (Palgap)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
As expected, Palgap’s cooking is the best.
“Oh!”
“It really is delicious!” (Jegal Family Member)
Even the people of the Jegal Family were all satisfied with the noodles Palgap had made.
After dinner, we assigned the night watch.
The night watch was decided through discussion between my escort warriors and Young Master Jegal Cheondu’s two escort warriors.
“I will be in your care.” (Eun Seoho)
I said that and lay down.
But for some reason, sleep did not come. That was probably because I had many thoughts.
When sleep does not come, tossing and turning is no use.
I should move.
I got up from my place.
“Mm? Young Master? Why are you getting up, sir?” (Palgap)
When I got up, Palgap beside me snapped his eyes open.
Well, Palgap has always been quite a light sleeper.
He had been like that before as well, but lately his senses seemed to have grown even sharper.
“Mm, I cannot sleep. Just keep sleeping. I will take a short walk nearby and come back.” (Eun Seoho)
After saying that, I began walking around the area.
Then I saw someone up ahead. It was Young Master Jegal Cheondu.
“Can you not sleep either, Young Master?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, yes. Perhaps because of my excitement about a new place and new work, I cannot sleep.” (Jegal Cheondu)
He asked me as though puzzled.
“But why are you not sleeping, young Captain?” (Jegal Cheondu)
“I suppose I was excited to recruit an outstanding talent as an instructor for the martial arts academy.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hahaha.” (Jegal Cheondu)
At my words, he laughed lightly.
“There is something I am curious about.” (Eun Seoho)
“What is it?” (Jegal Cheondu)
“During your Hidden Dragon Journey, after you shook off all those watching you, what did you do for twenty years?” (Eun Seoho)
“...” (Jegal Cheondu)
“I know you did not mingle with wicked groups.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he raised his head and looked at me.
“But as the one employing you as a key figure, I think I have the right to know about your whereabouts during those twenty years.” (Eun Seoho)
“...” (Jegal Cheondu)
Instead of answering, he silently gazed at the sky before opening his mouth.
“I investigated my father’s death.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
“My father passed away one year before I left on the Hidden Dragon Journey. The Martial Alliance explained that accident, but I could not accept their explanation. So I appealed to the Clan Head and the Grand Clan Head, but they only said it had simply been an accident.” (Jegal Cheondu)
I see.
Those two probably said that to stop Young Master Jegal Cheondu, who was not yet an adult, from acting rashly.
Especially since the Grand Clan Head had been certain that losing his younger brother was because of the Martial Alliance.
“So I considered the Hidden Dragon Journey an opportunity. I secretly shook off the surveillance, worked as a staff member of the Martial Alliance, and investigated my father’s death.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“The fact that you returned to the clan means your investigation ended?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, he nodded.
That must be why he told me his father had died because of the Martial Alliance.
“I see. Thank you for telling me.” (Eun Seoho)
I felt as though I now understood how, in my previous life, the Yugang Trading Company had been able to attack the Martial Alliance so persistently and accurately.
Since Young Master Jegal Cheondu had worked as a staff member of the Martial Alliance, he must have known its weaknesses and problems in detail.
The reason he had been able to work in the Martial Alliance without receiving any suspicion was probably because his existence had not been entered into the Jegal Family’s household registry at the time.
Moreover, since he was from a branch family rather than the direct line, he probably would not have drawn attention either.
In any case, he truly is an amazing person.
I liked his tenacity, patience, and venom, enduring that long in the Martial Alliance without having his identity discovered.
If he were an enemy, he would be frightening, but if he were an ally, no one could be more reliable.
“Do the others know?” (Eun Seoho)
“Only the Clan Head and the Grand Clan Head know.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“You must have been scolded a lot.” (Eun Seoho)
“I was reprimanded, but they also apologized, saying they were sorry.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
“Are you not curious about how my father died?” (Jegal Cheondu)
“I do not think you are ready to tell me that yet.” (Eun Seoho)
“...” (Jegal Cheondu)
“Later, please tell me later.” (Eun Seoho)
Leaving only those words behind, I quietly walked ahead.
That night was terribly long.
The next day.
After eating the porridge Palgap had boiled, we set out.
And around sunset, we arrived at Yeochoon Inn’s Mount Song branch.
“Ah! Welcome!” (Waiter)
Perhaps the waiter remembered my face, because he hurried over.
“To think Master Seonhyeop Mirang would visit our inn once again! It is an honor.” (Waiter)
Uh... this is embarrassing. Really.
I smiled and said,
“Thank you for the warm welcome. Do you perhaps have rooms?” (Eun Seoho)
“I believe there are empty rooms remaining, but you will have to ask the room attendant for the details.” (Waiter)
“Understood.” (Eun Seoho)
I went inside. Then the room attendant quickly clasped his hands to me.
“I greet Master Seonhyeop Mirang.” (Room Attendant)
At that, the attention of everyone around was focused on me.
“Ahem, I intend to stay for one night.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes, how many rooms will you need?” (Room Attendant)
We reserved as many rooms as we needed and received the keys.
Then someone called me from behind.
“Master Seonhyeop Mirang.” (Red-Robed Divine Doctor)
I turned my head and saw the Red-Robed Divine Doctor.
“Ah, Divine Doctor.” (Eun Seoho)
“Are you on your way back from stopping by the Jegal Family?” (Red-Robed Divine Doctor)
“Yes. That is right. Are you still staying here?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, he nodded.
“There were still some who had not left, so I remained without leaving as well.” (Red-Robed Divine Doctor)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
“It seems you contacted them rather quickly. The various sects and families visited this place sooner than expected. So it has been a sea of tears these past few days.” (Red-Robed Divine Doctor)
“That is a relief. Then how many people remain?” (Eun Seoho)
“About five remain.” (Red-Robed Divine Doctor)
He told me about those who remained.
The Daoist from Mount Hua Sect, Young Master Yoon of the Jinso Yoon Family, and Younger Brother Woo Gyeok, who had been a Death-Claiming Wanderer, and his master had already left this place.
“Wait here for a moment. If the remaining people know you have come, they will be very glad.” (Red-Robed Divine Doctor)
Before I could stop him, he quickly went upstairs, and soon voices came from above.
“You old man! This is not the time to be sleeping!” (Red-Robed Divine Doctor)
“Hm? Why are you suddenly picking a fight?” (Old Man)
“Master Seonhyeop Mirang is here!” (Red-Robed Divine Doctor)
“What? What did you say?” (Old Man)
It seems they had grown quite close in the meantime.
Soon, with a thud and clatter from above, the people I had saved came down.
“Master Seonhyeop Mirang!” (Saved Person)
“It is good to see you again like this!” (Saved Person)
At their intense welcome, I laughed and said,
“You all look much healthier than before.” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course. It is all thanks to you.” (Saved Person)
“I am glad. I will go upstairs for a moment, wash, and come back down.” (Eun Seoho)
A short while later.
After coming down to the first floor, I ate dinner with the others.
And I did not forget to look after the people I had saved.
“Have you had any inconveniences during this time?” (Eun Seoho)
“Inconveniences? You took care of us so attentively, so what inconvenience could there have been?” (Saved Person)
“Of course, that is right.” (Saved Person)
Looking at them, I wondered why on earth they had been locked up in the prison.
There must have been some purpose, since they invested that much time, manpower, and money to do so.
As Young Master Yoon said, was it because they were obstacles to their movements, but too valuable to kill?
It does not seem like that is quite it, but for now, I cannot know.
But if I live doing my best, someday I will come to know.
Just as I learned this time about the culprits who annihilated Snow Wind Palace.
It was then.
I heard the sound of a horse stopping outside, and a man ran into the inn and shouted.
“Father!” (Man)
At that voice, the elder who had been eating in front of me sprang to his feet.
“Huh? Is that you, Chang?” (Elder)
“F-F-Father!” (Chang)
The man ran to the elder, hugged him, and sobbed.
“Hk! Father! Just where have you been? Do you know how much... how much we searched for you?” (Chang)
“I am sorry. I am sorry.” (Elder)
Tears were flowing from the eyes of the elder who was apologizing over and over as well.
He had pretended to be calm on the outside, but I could not even dare imagine how much he had waited for this moment, when he would meet his family.
He must have worked hard to hide his tears while looking at others meet their families.
Just like the other people around me now.
The elder said,
“The reason I am alive now is thanks to Master Seonhyeop Mirang here. He saved me.” (Elder)
“Elder, the title Master is more than I deserve. Please just call me young master.” (Eun Seoho)
Saying that, I continued.
“I am truly glad you were able to reunite with your family.” (Eun Seoho)
.
.
.
It was night.
I had come down to the first floor and was reading a book.
If I kept a lamp lit in the room, Palgap would probably have a hard time sleeping.
And it is best to read books in as bright a place as possible.
Someone sat in front of me.
When I raised my head, it was Young Master Jegal Cheondu.
“What book are you reading?” (Jegal Cheondu)
“It is a collection of poems and prose called Impressions on the Four Seasons, written by someone named Jeongyeok. I am reading it because I heard it is popular these days.” (Eun Seoho)
“I have read it as well. But do you read anything as long as it is popular?” (Jegal Cheondu)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I closed the book and answered.
“I am a merchant. A merchant must be sensitive to trends in order to survive.” (Eun Seoho)
“Trends... But from what I have seen, there are quite a lot of people who open shops by following trends and then fail.” (Jegal Cheondu)
I smiled.
“We call that biting a lizard’s tail. It means they entered the industry when the trend was ending. In truth, speed is important in order to make money through trends.” (Eun Seoho)
“By speed, you mean?” (Jegal Cheondu)
“Entering quickly and leaving quickly. What matters is timing your exit well. If you drag it out and the trend ends, you will be left shouldering only losses.” (Eun Seoho)
“But is that not too difficult a task for people who live from day to day? They would not have the leisure to think about the future for the sake of one or two coins in the present.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“That is why, in order to make money through trends, you must have at least one of two things.” (Eun Seoho)
“What are they?” (Jegal Cheondu)
At that question, I grinned.
“Decisiveness, or persistence.” (Eun Seoho)
“Not money?” (Jegal Cheondu)
“Money is nice to have, but money is also the thing that fills people with empty wind for no reason.” (Eun Seoho)
“It is difficult.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“So it is decisiveness, knowing when to quickly withdraw from a business and putting it into action. If not that, then persistence to push through to the end.” (Eun Seoho)
“I understand decisiveness. But persistence in pushing a business forward... I do not understand that.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“It is simple. Trends go around and come around.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah...” (Jegal Cheondu)
“If you keep digging one well, will water not someday spring forth? Of course, enduring that time while waiting for a moment that may or may not come would be hard enough to make you cough blood.” (Eun Seoho)
“Then does that not make money even more necessary?” (Jegal Cheondu)
“I told you earlier, did I not? That if you have money, it fills you with empty wind for no reason.” (Eun Seoho)
I smiled bitterly.
“If you have money, would you quit and do something else, or would you hold on painfully?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah...” (Jegal Cheondu)
“And after that, they will see something else becoming popular, their eyes will turn, and they will jump in, and the vicious cycle will repeat.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued.
“At this point, a great merchant must grasp people’s desires through trends.” (Eun Seoho)
“So the reason you are reading that book is to grasp people’s desires.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“That is how it is.” (Eun Seoho)
After answering him like that, I changed the subject.
“So why did you come find me at this hour of the night? I doubt you came because you wanted idle chatter.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, the smile disappeared from his face.
“I heard that this time, you saved those who were imprisoned in the Black Cat Sect’s prison.” (Jegal Cheondu)
“Yes. I did.” (Eun Seoho)
“Could it be... that the ones behind it are them?” (Jegal Cheondu)
I realized that by “them,” he meant the Martial Alliance.
“That is correct. But I do not know what their purpose is either.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see.” (Jegal Cheondu)
After finishing the conversation, I returned to my room.
And when I sat on the bed, Geumryeong came out from inside my sleeve.
Geumryeong was holding something in her mouth.
“Kkui!” (Geumryeong)
It was the letter that served as evidence, which the Black Cat Sect Leader had handed over to me when he was dying.
Ah... I had been so distracted that I had forgotten it until now.
Of course, there had not been a suitable place to check it either.
“Thank you for letting me know.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, Geumryeong kkui-ed and smacked the bed with her right front paw.
I chuckled and gave her a silver coin.
It deserved a silver coin.
After eating it, Geumryeong must have become excited, because she climbed on top of my head.
I unfolded the letter and read it, then let out a sigh and folded the letter again.
I think I understand why he kept this as evidence.
But it was not yet time to show this to the world.
.
.
.
The next day.
Before leaving for Beijing, I tried to leave more money for those still remaining at the inn, but I was refused because a lot of the money I had entrusted was still left.
And I asked the Red-Robed Divine Doctor, instead of the Thousand-Year Spiritual Blood Flower, to provide his medical arts if I requested it someday.
The Divine Doctor readily agreed.
“Then, we will go on ahead.” (Eun Seoho)
“Go carefully.” (Red-Robed Divine Doctor)
“Yes, if fate permits, I will see you again next time.” (Eun Seoho)
And so our group set out for Beijing.
Whew, thinking about it, this trip to the Jegal Family truly was an eventful journey.
Brother Jeongho told me not to cause trouble.
As long as I return healthy, that is enough. Well.