Chapter 597
Chapter 597
Chapter 597. Good for the Emperor, Good for Me (2)
I quickly answered the Emperor’s words.
“But once I realized that His Imperial Majesty would resolve this matter, my appetite returned at once.” (Eun Seoho)
“You little brat, you sure know how to talk.” (Emperor)
Yes, I am good at talking.
“So what matter is it that your preface has gone on this long?” (Emperor)
“Do you know that most of the money you sent down to restore the damage caused by the typhoon in Hainan Island ended up in the pockets of completely unrelated people?” (Eun Seoho)
“What?” (Emperor)
As though he immediately understood what I meant, the Emperor’s eyes widened.
“Are you saying someone embezzled the relief funds?” (Emperor)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
“How do you know that?” (Emperor)
“The Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect and his disciple took part in this friendly Martial arts competition, and I happened to overhear their conversation.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“When I heard that they had participated because they needed the prize money of ten thousand taels of silver, I became curious and asked about their circumstances. I learned that they needed that money to help the residents who suffered damage from this typhoon.” (Eun Seoho)
“…….” (Emperor)
The Emperor listened to me in silence.
It probably meant he wanted me to continue.
“So I asked the Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect. If the damage was that severe, the imperial palace must certainly have provided funds for restoration, and with that support, the recovery should not have been difficult, so why had they come all the way here doing this?” (Eun Seoho)
When I had asked that, the Sect Leader’s answer had been this.
“Is not the entire empire still suffering from poor harvests? Because of that, it is difficult to expect much support. On top of that, there are not a few cases where the support funds disappear along the way.” he had said.
But I conveyed it with a suitable bit of embellishment.
“They say that although money is indeed sent down from above, there are those who swallow that money whole, so the actual residents are unable to properly receive that support.” (Eun Seoho)
“Who is swallowing it whole?” (Emperor)
“The officials.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hmm…….” (Emperor)
The Emperor let out a low groan and called the eunuch.
“Eunuch.” (Emperor)
“Yes, Your Majesty.” (Eunuch)
“Bring me the thirty-second document from Three-Six.” (Emperor)
At that command, the eunuch moved in a hurry and entered the adjoining room.
A moment later, when he came out, there was a book in his hand.
“Read it.” (Emperor)
He is saying that to me, right?
I received the book from the eunuch. Where the title of the book should have been written, there were only numbers.
Three-Six-Thirty-Two.
What is this?
I did not know what it was, but there was no way the Emperor would tell me to read something meaningless.
I calmly opened the book.
[……Ship bound for Hainan Island capsized, entire shipment of rice lost]
[……Ship bound for Hainan Island vanished in a sudden typhoon, rice and cloth being transported also unable to be found]
[Ship carrying taxes departed for the imperial palace and sank, causing a shortfall in tax revenue]
Huh? No way, is this?
When I raised my head in surprise, the Emperor nodded heavily.
“Yes, I already knew about that matter and had been keeping an eye on it. So I was just considering whom to send to resolve it.” (Emperor)
“…….” (Eun Seoho)
“But to think there was such a loyal subject who worried about it enough to forget to eat and sleep!” (Emperor)
That was right.
The Emperor already knew.
That it was incredibly suspicious!
And while he was wondering what to do about it, I had reported it to the Emperor myself.
By sheer coincidence. Damn it.
However, my bewilderment lasted only a moment. I quickly turned my head and opened my mouth.
If I left for Hainan Island after receiving the Emperor’s order like this, there would be no reward for all the trouble I would go through.
Of course, the Emperor would give me something separately, but what I wanted right now was something else!
“Your Imperial Majesty. Please entrust this matter to this humble merchant.” (Eun Seoho)
“Mm, for you to so obediently say you will take on the work, what are you thinking?” (Emperor)
As expected of the Emperor.
He noticed right away.
But that did not mean I could show modesty here or step back while saying it was nothing.
If I did, the Emperor would say, ‘Is that so? Then have a good trip,’ and dismiss me.
Then I would not obtain what I wanted.
And from before I first brought up this topic, the picture of this matter had already been forming.
“Your Imperial Majesty. Before discussing this matter, I believe we must identify its cause.” (Eun Seoho)
“What is the cause you have in mind?” (Emperor)
“I am sorry to say this, but due to Hainan Island’s great distance from the capital, as well as its nature as an island, it is true that imperial control there is quite weak. I believe that is why such a thing occurred. Of course, this is also a problem Your Imperial Majesty knows better than anyone.” (Eun Seoho)
“Mm, that is true.” (Emperor)
“Therefore, even if I resolve this matter, I cannot guarantee that such a thing will not happen again. It is a region with such geographical characteristics.” (Eun Seoho)
“I do not wish to admit it, but that is likely so.” (Emperor)
“So I would like to speak of a plan that can permanently resolve it.” (Eun Seoho)
“What is that?” (Emperor)
“Hainan Island lies at the southernmost end of the empire. That means it is in a position from which one can freely advance east, south, and even west.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is so.” (Emperor)
“The empire of today is extremely peaceful and powerful, and this is due to Your Imperial Majesty’s benevolence.” (Eun Seoho)
“Stop flattering me. So what is it you wish to say?” (Emperor)
“However, there are still some coastal areas and islands where Your Imperial Majesty’s benevolence has not reached. This is because of the Japanese pirates and pirates.” (Eun Seoho)
“…….” (Emperor)
His Imperial Majesty gave no answer.
Because he also knew this problem well.
“The reason they trample the residents along the coast is because the navy is too far away.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“At present, the navy is stationed only around Beijing and Shanghai, and that is why places like Hainan Island exist.” (Eun Seoho)
Now it was time to dot the dragon’s eyes.
“So, Your Imperial Majesty. Establish a naval base on Hainan Island.” (Eun Seoho)
In that instant, His Imperial Majesty’s eyes flashed.
He had taken the bait.
“A naval base?” (Emperor)
“Yes. If a naval base is established on Hainan Island, the people of the empire on Hainan Island and the surrounding coasts can be saved, and the corruption and misconduct of officials can also be restrained.” (Eun Seoho)
“Oh…… it is a good method, but.” (Emperor)
What is it?
“The fact that the one making this proposal is you bothers me.” (Emperor)
The Emperor grinned.
“So what is it that you want?” (Emperor)
Since he had laid out the place for me like this, it would be rude to hold back.
“Our Eunhae Trading Company plans to install a berth for ships on Hainan Island. If, in the meantime, the naval base were also built together, would that not be good in many ways?” (Eun Seoho)
“So that was your objective.” (Emperor)
The Emperor chuckled.
I had slipped the construction of the Eunhae Trading Company’s berth into the discussion of building a naval base, but the Emperor immediately saw through the objective.
Why would I be the one to propose installing a naval base on Hainan Island?
The reason was simple.
Because if a naval base were installed there, the ships of our Eunhae Trading Company would also be protected by them.
Would pirates or Japanese pirates dare attack a place where a naval base stood?
On top of that, if the imperial palace carried out the foundational work for the berth, the construction costs our Eunhae Trading Company had expected would be far lower than anticipated.
Doing foundational work in a place where there was nothing did not stand out much, but it ate up a tremendous amount of money.
But if the foundational work was not done, trouble would surely occur.
A strange silence flowed, and I stood with my head lowered, a tense expression on my face.
How much time passed like that?
“But the problem is the budget.” (Emperor)
“As for that, we can wring out everything the corrupt officials have eaten up until now.” (Eun Seoho)
I did not know for sure, but it should be enough to easily build one naval base.
“Good. I will accept your request. But there are conditions.” (Emperor)
“Yes, Your Majesty. Please speak.” (Eun Seoho)
“First, expose the corruption in that book in full detail! Second, squeeze out every last bit of unjust profit obtained through that corruption! Third, use that money to establish a naval base on Hainan Island. How is that? Can you do it?” (Emperor)
“Of course.” (Eun Seoho)
The second one in particular is my specialty, you see.
“So, when do you plan to depart?” (Emperor)
“I have a little work left to do in Beijing, so once I handle that, I can leave. Ten days will be enough.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood. Do so.” (Emperor)
I gave my greetings, returned the book, and withdrew from before the Emperor.
Phew, today ended safely too.
Facing the Emperor consumed a considerable amount of mental energy, but I could still gain great profit in proportion.
That was why I endured the feeling that my lifespan was being shortened and faced His Imperial Majesty.
Phew, I really am going through all kinds of hardships to make the Eunhae Trading Company the world’s best Trading Company.
---
The Emperor chuckled as he looked at the place Eun Seoho had withdrawn from.
“He truly is an amusing fellow.” (Emperor)
“Do you like him so much?” (Eunuch)
“How could I not like him when he speaks only of things that suit my heart so perfectly?” (Emperor)
The eunuch spoke worriedly.
“I am worried whether this can be resolved safely this time. Already, seven people have disappeared.” (Eunuch)
It had already been several times since the Emperor noticed that the officials of Hainan Island were suspicious and dispatched the Royal Guards and the Eastern Depot.
But every single one of them lost contact before long.
A very unpleasant and uncomfortable situation.
And while he was wondering what to do about it, Eun Seoho had come and volunteered, saying, “I will resolve it.”
Because it was such a situation, Eun Seoho had seemed admirable, and so he had granted what he wanted.
“This time will be different. That boy’s abilities are quite outstanding.” (Emperor)
“That is true, but…… Your Majesty.” (Eunuch)
The eunuch continued cautiously.
“Even if he has the ability to resolve this matter, I feel that using the empire’s navy as the price for that work crosses the line a little.” (Eunuch)
“That is fine.” (Emperor)
“Yes?” (Eunuch)
“Will only the Eunhae Trading Company gain something through that naval base? Through them, we will gain something as well.” (Emperor)
In other words, it was mutual aid, where each side helped the other.
That was also why he had readily accepted Eun Seoho’s request.
The Emperor grinned and picked up his brush.
---
I headed to the residence of the Vice Minister of War in order to attend Artisan Yeong Gujin’s wedding.
Because the person who would become Artisan Yeong Gujin’s bride was the daughter of the Vice Minister of War.
The people of his family, the Yeong family of Seonju, and the people of his in-laws, the residence of the Vice Minister of War, were receiving guests.
In truth, the daughter of the Vice Minister of War, who would become the bride, had suffered from madness.
A madness where she harmed herself whenever it rained.
But after drinking the Baekro Wine made by Artisan Yeong Gujin, her madness disappeared completely.
At this, the Vice Minister of War formally asked him to marry his daughter, and thus this marriage came about.
Artisan Yeong Gujin, wearing the groom’s ceremonial robes, looked very radiant.
“Why do you look so proud?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, Maeng Hyeon quickly greeted me.
“Have you arrived, Young Captain?” (Maeng Hyeon)
Maeng Hyeon was the grandson of the old man who had passed down the method of brewing Baekro Wine to Artisan Yeong Gujin.
And he was also Artisan Yeong Gujin’s business partner.
“Because he looks cool.” (Maeng Hyeon)
I stroked his head.
“Ah! Is that not the Young Captain?” (Dong Hyeoksu)
The one who called me happily was Master Dong Hyeoksu, Artisan Yeong Gujin’s close friend.
“I greet you, Master Dong.” (Eun Seoho)
“There is no need for you to be that courteous.” (Dong Hyeoksu)
“Master, you are a Deputy Thousand-Household of the fifth rank, so how could I not be courteous?” (Eun Seoho)
I, too, was an official who had received the post of Inspector, but my rank was lower than his, and an Inspector must not be revealed recklessly.
And in private, he was also Miss Seohyang’s Orabeoni.
“When did you arrive?” (Eun Seoho)
“I have only just arrived.” (Dong Hyeoksu)
Then he looked at Miss Seohyang, who was standing behind me.
She had already changed her atmosphere with the Divine Transformation Disguise Technique. It felt like it was already too late to change her face.
But even that alone made her impression look completely different.
“…….” (Miss Seohyang)
At her cold gaze, he bit his lip.
Perhaps he thought the real Miss Seohyang would never look at him with such eyes.
I am sorry, but if you would think that way, there would be nothing more I could ask for…….
It was then.
Whoosh!
The wind blew, and something came flying.
“Ah! The veil!” (Someone)
The bride’s red veil, as she was about to come out of the room, had been blown away by the wind!
Before entering the bridal chamber, a bride cannot remove her veil. They say that if people see her face before then, something bad will happen.
She quickly went back into the room, but the veil was still dancing in the air.
There was absolutely no way to catch that by ordinary means.
Of course, there were quite a few people here who could catch it, but there was a problem.
The only man who could touch the bride’s veil first was the groom.
Before that, an unrelated man must not touch it.
I glanced at Master Dong and Miss Seohyang.
Since he seemed unable to let go of his lingering feelings despite that cold atmosphere and chilly gaze, I should use this chance to completely cast off his suspicions.
I sent a telepathic message to Miss Seohyang.
* Let us show Master Dong the sight of you catching that veil. Then his thoughts will change. (Eun Seoho)
At my telepathic message, Miss Seohyang gave a small nod and immediately kicked off the ground and leaped up.
Tap!
She lightly snatched the veil and landed.
She is even nimbler than I thought.
Her talent in martial arts was enough to surprise even me.
Not only was her insight excellent, but it was also thanks to her possessing Ice Crystal Eyes.
Because of that, she had extremely good compatibility with martial arts of yin energy, and in just two years, she had shown achievements that ordinary people could not even imagine.
She handed it to the woman assisting the bride.
“Here it is.” (Miss Seohyang)
“Thank you! Thank you so much.” (Woman)
Then she came over to me and said.
“I apologize for moving without a word.” (Miss Seohyang)
“You did well.” (Eun Seoho)
Even though she had moved at my instruction, the reason she said that was to hide that I had ordered her by telepathy.
After seeing her skill, Master Dong Hyeoksu’s mouth fell open, but he hurriedly regained his senses.
There was now no lingering attachment in his eyes.
Because the Miss Seohyang he knew did not know martial arts.
Only then had he acknowledged that he had thought wrong.
It was a relief, but on the other hand, it was heartbreaking.
I am sorry.
This is all for the sake of saving Miss Seohyang, no, Miss Dong Jaryeong.
.
.
.
Artisan Yeong Gujin’s wedding ended safely, and I prepared to leave.
Because it was now about time to set off for Hainan Island.
On the evening of the day the ten-day grace period I had told the Emperor about came to an end.
“Master Jin Yeong has arrived, sir.” (Palgap)
At Palgap’s words, I headed to the reception room and received Master Jin Yeong.
“Welcome.” (Eun Seoho)
“I heard the story. You are going to Hainan Island, they say.” (Jin Yeong)
At Master Jin Yeong’s words, I readily nodded.
Because there was no reason to hide it.
“Yes. That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
“Be careful.” (Jin Yeong)
Master Jin Yeong’s expression became serious.
“Already, seven people who went to Hainan Island have gone missing.” (Jin Yeong)
Pardon?
I did not hear anything about that?