Chapter 595
Chapter 595
Chapter 595. Everything Has a Reason (5)
At my words, Chief Merchant Jang Eulju forced a smile and said.
“Thank you. Then I will take my leave now.” (Jang Eulju)
He left the guest room in a hurry without looking back, and soon Palgap came in.
“What did he say, sir?” (Palgap)
“What else would he say? He said thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
“If he was really grateful, shouldn’t he have come yesterday, sir?” (Palgap)
“Well, I wasn’t expecting it anyway.” (Eun Seoho)
At my answer, Palgap laughed and said.
“Then may I bring in the next person requesting a sickbed visit, sir?” (Palgap)
“Hm? What do you mean, the next person requesting a sickbed visit?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, Palgap showed me the book he was holding and said.
“Right now, downstairs, there are people standing in line waiting to visit you while you are ill, Young Master. This is their list, sir.” (Palgap)
“Why is there even a list?” (Eun Seoho)
“We had no choice, sir. People who wished to visit you while you were ill came flooding in like clouds. So to maintain order, we made a list and decided to bring them up in order, sir.” (Palgap)
“No, I’m grateful that they came to visit me, but there’s no need to go this far……” (Eun Seoho)
“Since you are refusing sickbed visits, shall I tell everyone to go back, sir?” (Palgap)
At Palgap’s words, I let out a sigh.
I do not know whether those who came to visit me while I was ill were truly worried about me, or whether they had some other purpose.
But it was not as though I had refused sickbed visits from the start, and if I sent them back like this, my reputation would worsen.
For a merchant, reputation is extremely important.
Because I am a merchant whose goal is to become the world’s best Trading Company.
And on the other hand, I thought this might be a chance to distinguish who was favorable toward me.
“Bring them in……” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood, sir.” (Palgap)
Suddenly, I recalled what Miss Seohyang had said to me yesterday.
That I would not have time to look over documents.
When I asked just how many people would be coming to visit me while I was ill for her to say that, she only smiled without a word.
I felt like I understood the reason.
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.
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After receiving sickbed visits for quite some time, before I knew it, it was lunchtime.
The Clan Head and Young Master of the Ji Clan, as well as Mister Ji Gyeonghwa, and even the Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect and Warrior Cheongryu came to visit in the morning.
As I received sickbed visits from various others as well, I could not rest properly and collapsed sprawled out on the bed, completely exhausted.
“Young Master. Are you all right, sir?” (Palgap)
“Yeah……” (Eun Seoho)
“You must have lunch, sir. You have to take your decoction!” (Palgap)
“Ugh!” (Eun Seoho)
Without realizing it, I frowned.
I could not help it, because the fake decoction the physician had prepared was quite bitter.
It was not real medicine for treatment, but rather a tonic that helped relieve fatigue and improve stamina.
Thanks to that, I was not tired, but being physically tired and being mentally tired are clearly different things.
Slap! Slap!
I slapped my face with both hands to bring myself back to my senses, then asked Palgap.
“So, how many sickbed visitors are left?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, Palgap showed me the list.
“There are still quite a lot left, sir.” (Palgap)
When I saw the list, I was horrified.
The list had grown longer than before!
“No, why are there so many?” (Eun Seoho)
At my grumbling, Palgap chuckled.
“Well, is it not because you are currently the greatest celebrity in Luoyang, Young Master?” (Palgap)
“No, what did I even do to become a celebrity?” (Eun Seoho)
“Are you truly…… saying that because you do not know, sir?” (Palgap)
I could only flinch.
Because when I thought about what I had done in Luoyang, I had nothing to say.
This was entirely the result I had created, and it was a complaint from a full stomach.
Honestly, as a merchant, there was nothing better than this.
I had gained the trust of countless people, and my fame had risen.
It was good, it was good, but…….
Why were tears coming to my eyes?
Just then, Warrior Seowoo’s voice came from outside the door.
“Liege. It is Seowoo.” (Seowoo)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
The door opened, and Warrior Seowoo entered.
“The final duel of the friendly Martial arts competition has just ended.” (Seowoo)
“Yes. What was the result?” (Eun Seoho)
“Young Master Jegal Yua was victorious.” (Seowoo)
Just as expected.
Noona Hyangok was not lacking either, but Young Master Jegal Yua’s talent was a step above hers.
She was someone who, in my previous life, had reached the Supreme Realm after losing all of her foundation.
As the Young Master of the Jegal Family, she was training amid abundant support, so she would grow strong much faster than in her previous life.
Then the Jegal Family would become far stronger than it was now.
Thanks to having served as the military advisor of the Martial Alliance, its status was high, but its status as a martial family was comparatively low.
But thanks to Young Master Jegal Yua, that status would now rise.
I was looking forward to that time.
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That afternoon.
Those who came to visit me while I was ill were such distinguished people that even I was surprised.
It seemed they had now come to visit me because the friendly Martial arts competition had ended.
As I exchanged words of goodwill with them, I realized anew that I had lived diligently.
Among them was someone sent directly by the Alliance Leader.
It was Captain Geon Manseok of the Hojeong Unit, which could be called the Alliance Leader’s personal guard.
“How is your body?” (Geon Manseok)
“This humble merchant Eun Seoho greets you, Captain. Please understand that I have no choice but to receive you while lying in bed like this.” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course. How could I expect such courtesy from a patient? That would make me a bad man. Hahahaha.” (Geon Manseok)
Captain Geon Manseok laughed heartily, then took out an envelope and held it out to me.
“Here, take it.” (Geon Manseok)
“What is this?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is a reward for your righteous chivalrous deed this time. The Alliance Leader told me to deliver it while I was coming to visit you.” (Geon Manseok)
“Ah, thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
I accepted the envelope and opened it.
Inside were ten banknotes worth ten thousand nyang each.
“But why money, of all things?” (Geon Manseok)
“Yes?” (Eun Seoho)
“You could have received something like a rather expensive spiritual medicine or artifact if you had wanted. I am curious why you asked for money.” (Geon Manseok)
I answered with a smile.
“First of all, I do not have much need for the spiritual medicines or artifacts you mentioned, so in the end, they would be nothing more than items I would have to convert into money.” (Eun Seoho)
“Huh, I see.” (Geon Manseok)
“Then I would have to go through a complicated process to sell them. Since they are expensive, there are few people who can buy them, and the process is dangerous as well. There are many things I would have to worry about in one way or another.” (Eun Seoho)
I held up the envelope and said.
“But this thing called money has many uses in and of itself. If something I need comes up, I can buy it. How convenient is that?” (Eun Seoho)
“Listening to you, I find myself persuaded.” (Geon Manseok)
Captain Geon Manseok nodded.
“Ah, and the Alliance Leader told me to convey his consolation to you and his hope that you recover quickly.” (Geon Manseok)
“Please tell him I am grateful.” (Eun Seoho)
“By the way, perhaps you……” (Geon Manseok)
What?
“Have you no thought of working for the Martial Alliance?” (Geon Manseok)
“Cough!” (Eun Seoho)
At those words that came at me so suddenly, I choked without realizing it.
“Cough! Cough!” (Eun Seoho)
“Oh dear, are you all right?” (Geon Manseok)
“I apologize. Cough, cough! The offer was so sudden that I could not help being startled.” (Eun Seoho)
“Is it that startling an offer?” (Geon Manseok)
“Of course. In any case, why are you suddenly making such an offer?” (Eun Seoho)
I asked as though it were nothing, but inwardly, I was quite tense.
Captain Geon Manseok let out a sigh and said.
“I say this because it is you, but the Martial Alliance needs those who will fight for the justice of the murim. But in the Martial Alliance today, there are far too many people busy looking after their own interests. I am deeply worried about the future of such a Martial Alliance.” (Geon Manseok)
“……” (Eun Seoho)
“I felt this when we met last time over matters related to the Black Cat Sect as well, but there are no talents like you. That is why I am recommending this to you so seriously.” (Geon Manseok)
In truth, Captain Geon Manseok was quite a decent person.
He was not only fair and just, but also loyal to his superiors and treated his subordinates well.
The problem was that the target of his loyalty was the Alliance Leader.
At the time Captain Geon Manseok had removed the Black Cat Sect Leader without hesitation, there had been no trace of wavering in his eyes.
A person wholly bound together by his own justice and convictions that it was for the peace of the murim.
Only now did I feel like I understood why he acted as the Alliance Leader’s personal guard.
I do not know how the Alliance Leader had coaxed him over, but right now, he believed that the Alliance Leader was justice, and he would not hear anything else.
What awaited the end of such a person was obvious.
Even so, he would accept that end with a smile.
I am sorry, but I dislike such an end.
It would not be a bad method to enter the Martial Alliance, pretend to work for the Martial Alliance, then smash a rock into the back of its head.
But working in the rigid organizational society called the Martial Alliance did not suit my temperament.
And I am a merchant, not a martial artist.
I chose my words for a moment, then politely refused.
“I am grateful that you view me favorably enough to give me such an offer, Captain, but I cannot accept it.” (Eun Seoho)
“Why not?” (Geon Manseok)
“I like money.” (Eun Seoho)
“……Is that the reason? Because of only that?” (Geon Manseok)
“Only that? Where could there be a greater reason than that?” (Eun Seoho)
I spoke passionately.
“If someone were to offer me a bribe and ask me to smooth something over, I might unknowingly accept that offer and commit corruption.” (Eun Seoho)
“……” (Geon Manseok)
“Then would that not be a truly serious matter? If that happened, you, who recommended me, would also be implicated, Captain.” (Eun Seoho)
“Then we will give you more money than that bribe.” (Geon Manseok)
“Do you believe there is an end to greed, Captain?” (Eun Seoho)
“……” (Geon Manseok)
“There is no end to greed, and filling that greed is impossible.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“A person as greedy as I am is suited to being a merchant. If someone like me entered the Martial Alliance, I might end up staining its name for no reason.” (Eun Seoho)
“……” (Geon Manseok)
“Honestly, with my ability, do you think there are other things I could not do? But because I know that well myself, I remain a merchant.” (Eun Seoho)
“Now that I hear you say it, that is true. You are guiding that greed of yours in the right direction through the identity of being a merchant.” (Geon Manseok)
“Yes. That is correct. So I would like you to withdraw that request.” (Eun Seoho)
Ah, if I have said this much, then take the hint already!
You dense bastard!
Captain Geon Manseok looked regretful, but nodded.
“I understand your will. It is regrettable, but I must withdraw the offer.” (Geon Manseok)
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
“However, I personally wish to maintain a friendship with you. Would that be possible?” (Geon Manseok)
“It would be my honor.” (Eun Seoho)
That was not a bad thing for me either.
As the Alliance Leader’s closest aide, Captain Geon Manseok was the one who knew the most about his corruption.
About the things disguised as acts for the sake of justice.
If I could just turn him, he would be a great help in dragging down the Alliance Leader and overturning the Martial Alliance.
Of course, turning this man would not be easy, but there is nothing in the world that cannot be done.
Slowly, very slowly, I just had to make cracks form in those convictions.
Honestly, he was a bit too valuable a person to live as the Alliance Leader’s puppet and then be discarded.
“Ah, it is already this late. I should take my leave now. I hope you recover soon, and let us meet again next time.” (Geon Manseok)
“Please take care on your way.” (Eun Seoho)
And so Captain Geon Manseok left my guest room, and I called Palgap.
“Palgap!” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes! Did you call, sir?” (Palgap)
“After dinner, could you bring the Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect here?” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood, sir.” (Palgap)
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The sickbed visits continued until evening, but no one came after dinner.
Because a sickbed visit too late at night was discourteous.
But a guest I had separately requested was always welcome.
“Liege. The Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect has arrived.” (Seowoo)
“Please show him in.” (Eun Seoho)
The door opened, and the Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect entered.
“Welcome.” (Eun Seoho)
“I heard you called for me.” (Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect)
“That is right. Please sit comfortably.” (Eun Seoho)
Soon, Palgap brought tea, and the Sect Leader spoke first.
“Well, I believe I can guess the reason you wished to see me.” (Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect)
“I should have visited you in person, but I apologize that my leg is in this state.” (Eun Seoho)
“Not at all.” (Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect)
The Sect Leader continued.
“You must have called me to hear my answer to the proposal you made before.” (Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect)
“Yes. That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
He answered with a troubled expression.
“I thought about your proposal quite a lot. Of course, it is not a bad proposal. No, to be precise, it is a good proposal. But there is a problem.” (Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect)
“Do you mean the officials?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, he nodded.
“That is right. You know as well.” (Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect)
For the Eunhae Trading Company to advance into Hainan Island meant that outside personnel would enter, and that their corruption might be exposed.
In such a situation, there was no way they would stay still.
Father had also been worried about this point.
“The reason I am making this proposal to you despite knowing this point, Sect Leader, is because I can resolve it.” (Eun Seoho)
“How could you possibly…… Our sect has also tried every means to resolve this, but we could not resolve it at all.” (Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect)
“That is my trade secret. If I can resolve that part, will you accept this proposal?” (Eun Seoho)
The Sect Leader readily agreed.
“Of course. If that alone can be resolved, then as far as our sect is concerned, it is something we should welcome.” (Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect)
“Good.” (Eun Seoho)
I took out the contract I had prepared in advance.
“You only need to sign here.” (Eun Seoho)
The Sect Leader read through the contract carefully.
But there should not be any poisonous clauses or the like.
Because I had not put any in from the beginning.
Thinking to gain profit through a contract was shallow thinking.
“Hm, it is a fair contract for both sides.” (Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect)
“Of course. Should we not both prosper together?” (Eun Seoho)
And so, we concluded the contract in a warm atmosphere.
“By the way, did you perhaps not ask the Martial Alliance for help?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, the Sect Leader chuckled.
“Do you know what noninterference between officials and martial artists is?” (Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect)
“They used that excuse, I see.” (Eun Seoho)
I could not help chuckling as well.
When the person more interested in the authorities than anyone else, and who struggled to interfere in the affairs of the authorities, was the Alliance Leader.
Had he not even received a warning from the Emperor after trying to plant a connection inside the imperial palace?
Of course, it was thanks to my hard work.
“Ah, please take this.” (Eun Seoho)
I held out an envelope to him.
“What is this?” (Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect)
“Please open it.” (Eun Seoho)
Inside was a banknote worth ten thousand nyang.
“Why money all of a sudden? Did you not already give some last time?” (Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect)
“Now that I think about it, considering the price of grain these days, I thought the ten thousand nyang I gave you last time would not be enough.” (Eun Seoho)
“……” (Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect)
He put the banknote away with a deeply moved expression.
In truth, I wanted to give him all the reward I had received this time, but I could not do that now.
It would end up being plundered by the officials of Hainan Island instead.
A moderate amount was best.
“Is there anything more I can do for you?” (Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect)
“Not much. Just please tell those around you that the Eunhae Trading Company is a good Trading Company.” (Eun Seoho)