Chapter 603
Chapter 603
Chapter 603. Hainan Island (5)
The rain of flowers was scattered so lavishly that Miss Seohyang had to open an umbrella.
And beside us, they even played music with a flute and zither.
Warrior Cheongryu, whom I had seen before, was pressing a hand to his forehead as if he himself felt embarrassed.
Warrior Cheongryu’s eyes were saying, “I am sorry. I tried to stop them, but…… there was nothing I could do.”
“Welcome! Hahahaha!” (Yeonggyeol)
And the one who looked to have the highest status among them approached me.
“I am Elder Yeonggyeol of the Hainan Sect.” (Yeonggyeol)
“I am Eun Seoho, Young Master of the Eunha Trading Company. Thank you for welcoming me like this.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued.
“But I have done nothing worthy of receiving such a grand welcome.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hoho! What are you saying? Do you know how many people had their lives saved thanks to you?” (Yeonggyeol)
It would be troublesome if the praise for me became too excessive.
I glanced at Master Jang Won behind me and said,
“Elder, those words are far too much. His Majesty the Emperor is far more concerned for the people of Hainan Island than I am.” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course. I know that well too.” (Yeonggyeol)
“That is why this is a little burdensome.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hoho! Please just be generous and understand this much. But if His Majesty the Emperor were to visit this place, would we merely scatter flowers here? The entire island would be decorated with flowers.” (Yeonggyeol)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
As expected of someone with age and experience, he is quick-witted.
“Now, now, then I shall guide you to the Hainan Sect. Get into the palanquin.” (Yeonggyeol)
Pardon? A palanquin?
“Not a carriage, but a palanquin?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is rather rugged to go by carriage.” (Yeonggyeol)
“…….” (Eun Seoho)
I politely refused.
“It is all right. I will simply ride a horse.” (Eun Seoho)
“No, no. Hurry and get in.” (Yeonggyeol)
“In truth, I get palanquin sickness.” (Eun Seoho)
“Is that so? Then there is nothing to be done.” (Yeonggyeol)
Only after making that much of an excuse was I barely able to avoid riding the palanquin.
By the way, how on earth did they know I was coming and prepare this welcome?
Could the red smoke signal from earlier have been……
I saw a disciple approach the shipowner who had carried me over and greet him.
“Thank you for your cooperation.” (Hainan Sect Disciple)
“Not at all. I was honored.” (Shipowner)
E-excuse me, shipowner?
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Following their guidance, we headed toward the Hainan Sect.
In the meantime, perhaps because word of our arrival had spread, people welcomed us while holding flowers in their hands and waving them.
“Master Seonhyeop Mirang! Thank you!” (Islanders)
“Thank you!” (Islanders)
“Welcome!” (Islanders)
At their welcome, I scratched my cheek.
The islanders’ favorability is at its peak.
Though it is embarrassing, the Sect Leader really did fulfill my request well.
At the center of Hainan Island, there is a place called Mount Wuzhi. It is Mount Wuzhi, Five Finger Mountain, because it is said to resemble five fingers.
Among them, the highest place is Limu Peak.
The Hainan Sect is located there.
* Liege, if they know we are visiting the Hainan Sect, will they not become wary of us? (Seo Wu)
At Warrior Seo Wu’s question, I shook my head slightly and answered.
* It is actually better. Because they will not think I came to investigate their corruption. (Eun Seoho)
* That is true. Who would think someone came to investigate while receiving such a grand welcome? (Seo Wu)
Hahaha. Exactly.
On the way, I saw scenery I had not seen before and asked the disciples of the Hainan Sect.
“Is that, right now, plowing a paddy field?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. That is correct. They plant rice in the paddies down below, but the upper parts of this island are not hot enough for that, so they plant barley or rapeseed.” (Hainan Sect Disciple)
Thanks to its warm weather, Hainan Island is a region where triple cropping is possible.
Moreover, it had suffered almost no damage from the famine.
But paradoxically, because of that, it became a target of exploitation.
If the corrupt officials had not plundered Hainan Island’s food supplies and had managed them properly, the damage to the mainland would have been reduced even a little.
But because of the officials’ exploitation, even Hainan Island’s circumstances worsened, and because of that, the Emperor had no choice but to be enraged.
“Now it is about time for the rain to stop coming. During winter, it barely rains. Instead, from late spring to early autumn, rain pours down in torrents. That is why most houses are located on the mountains, and living spaces are also built on the second floor or higher.” (Hainan Sect Disciple)
“Then the first floor……” (Eun Seoho)
“They leave it empty. When it rains, it gets submerged in water, which makes things difficult.” (Hainan Sect Disciple)
So they do not use the first floor for a reason different from Zhurong Palace.
Certainly, each region has diverse customs of life.
After listening to various stories like that, we finally arrived at the entrance of Mount Wuzhi.
Mount Wuzhi was fairly rugged to climb on horseback, and perhaps because of the warm and rainy climate, the trees grew extremely thick and lush, making it even more rugged.
We decided to leave the horses at an inn at the entrance and climb the mountain.
“You climb mountains quite well. Well, considering your reputation, that is only natural.” (Yeonggyeol)
“Hahaha.” (Eun Seoho)
I merely laughed awkwardly and said nothing in particular.
What could I possibly say here…….
Like that, after climbing the mountain for quite a while, we arrived at Limu Peak and were guided to the Hainan Sect’s reception hall.
“Please wait here for a moment.” (Hainan Sect Disciple)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
We waited there for a while, drinking tea.
There was also famous tea here on Hainan Island.
One of them was the Orchid Noble tea I was drinking now, which was characterized by its orchid fragrance and sweet aftertaste.
That was why it was one of the teas I liked, but its price was rather expensive.
Because the places where it could be cultivated were limited.
Enough time to drink a cup of tea passed,
Bang!
The door opened, and the Sect Leader entered.
“Hohoho! It is good to meet you again like this!” (Sect Leader)
“It has been a long time.” (Eun Seoho)
“Sit.” (Sect Leader)
I sat down again, and the Sect Leader sat in the seat of honor.
“Because of what you said before, I expected you would come sooner or later, but you came faster than I thought.” (Sect Leader)
“It is not something in which time should be delayed.” (Eun Seoho)
“So, are you pleased with how I handled things?” (Sect Leader)
I smiled and nodded.
“Yes. Thanks to you, matters are going well. But Sect Leader.” (Eun Seoho)
“What is it?” (Sect Leader)
“I only needed you to raise favorability toward the Eunha Trading Company, so why did you even spread good rumors about me?” (Eun Seoho)
“We merely spoke the truth about the deed you performed.” (Sect Leader)
“B-but……” (Eun Seoho)
“I only did that because I was grateful to you, but it seems this old man behaved too thoughtlessly.” (Sect Leader)
“That is not it……” (Eun Seoho)
The Sect Leader put on a somewhat sorrowful expression.
No, if you say it like that, what does that make me?
Sigh…….
“I was merely saying that I am embarrassed because you have packaged me as too good a person, when I am not such a good person.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hoho, what are you saying! Who would readily hand over a vast sum of twenty thousand nyang because others are suffering? No matter how much money one has, that is a difficult thing.” (Sect Leader)
“According to the rumors, I donated while shedding tears.” (Eun Seoho)
“Were you not shedding tears? That is what I saw.” (Sect Leader)
“…….” (Eun Seoho)
“I must have seen wrong. Now that I am old, my eyes are dim and such……” (Sect Leader)
Ah, seriously! Sect Leader! Why are you turning me into trash?
“It is all right. Well, you could have seen wrong. Hahaha.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thank you for understanding. Anyway, is there anything else I can help with?” (Sect Leader)
“I need a list of the officials of this Hainan Island and a list of local influential figures.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood. I will organize them and pass them to you.” (Sect Leader)
“And I will go down and stay at an inn.” (Eun Seoho)
“You will stay at an inn instead of here?” (Sect Leader)
“Yes. I think that side will ease the officials’ wariness.” (Eun Seoho)
“I understand your intent, but staying at an inn may be a little more difficult than you think.” (Sect Leader)
“Pardon? What do you mean by that?” (Eun Seoho)
“We people of Hainan Island do not forget enemies, but we forget favors even less.” (Sect Leader)
“I will keep that in mind. And by any chance, do you know of a man called Cheon who deals in pearls?” (Eun Seoho)
“I know him. Though I came to know him unintentionally.” (Sect Leader)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
“Because he is someone backed by the Lord Prefect of Hainan Island.” (Sect Leader)
If he is the Lord Prefect, he can be called the highest authority on this Hainan Island.
And if the Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect is giving such a warning, there is only one reason.
“Are there any officials on this Hainan Island who are not involved in that corruption?” (Eun Seoho)
“There likely are none.” (Sect Leader)
Phew, I will have to move carefully.
It means resolving this matter is that much more difficult.
Is the highest authority of this Hainan Island the head of this corruption?
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We descended from the Hainan Sect, retrieved our horses, and entered an inn.
It was an inn the Sect Leader had recommended, and it was a fairly large one.
“Welcome! To think we would have the honor of serving Master Seonhyeop Mirang at our inn!” (Innkeeper)
The innkeeper personally came out to welcome us.
At this rate, will they erect a statue of me here?
I smiled bitterly and booked rooms.
“Please wait a moment.” (Innkeeper)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
After my guards thoroughly searched the rooms, we entered.
At that moment, Miss Seohyang lightly tugged on the hem of my clothes.
“What is it?” (Eun Seoho)
“I have something to tell you.” (Seohyang)
“Please speak.” (Eun Seoho)
“Tomorrow, the Lord County Magistrate here will come to visit.” (Seohyang)
“I see. Thank you for telling me.” (Eun Seoho)
As for the reason the Lord County Magistrate is coming to visit me, I can guess.
It must be because he wants something from me.
In that case……
I opened the door, went out, and said to Palgap,
“Palgap. We are going out early tomorrow morning, so be prepared.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Palgap)
The Lord County Magistrate is coming tomorrow?
Then I will go see the Lord Prefect tomorrow.
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The next morning.
I left the inn early in the morning.
Normally, when going to meet such a corrupt official, it is essential to bring a gift.
And I had a suitable item to use as a gift.
After riding a horse for about one sijin like that, we soon arrived at the prefectural office.
“What brings you here?” (Gatekeeper)
At the gatekeeper’s words, I held out my identity plaque and said,
“I am Eun Seoho, Young Master of the Eunha Trading Company.” (Eun Seoho)
“Gasp! Are you that Seonhyeop Mirang?” (Gatekeeper)
“It is embarrassing, but I am called that.” (Eun Seoho)
“We have been discourteous!” (Gatekeepers)
The gatekeepers withdrew their weapons and deeply bowed their heads to me.
“It is not as though I have an appointment, but since I have visited Hainan Island like this, how could I not greet an elder? Thus I have taken these steps here, so I hope you will not turn me away at the door.” (Eun Seoho)
“Turn you away at the door? Of course not!” (Gatekeeper)
“Please wait a moment. I will report inside.” (Gatekeeper)
One of the gatekeepers quickly went inside and then came back out, speaking politely.
“Please enter.” (Gatekeeper)
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
We went inside and were guided to the reception room.
Beside me, Master Jang Won asked in a small voice,
“What on earth are you planning?” (Jang Won)
“There is a method I have thought of. For now, I would like you to watch.” (Eun Seoho)
“……Understood.” (Jang Won)
Only Miss Seohyang, Warrior Seo Wu, and I entered the reception room.
The rest had to wait outside.
A short while later, a maid brought refreshments.
Phew, the islanders are starving, and yet there are sweets……
There were not even sweets when meeting the Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect.
Well, either way, they brought them out, so I should eat them deliciously.
As we waited while eating the refreshments like that, someone’s voice came from outside the door.
“The Lord Prefect is entering.” (Servant)
We quickly rose from our seats, and soon a man with a long beard entered.
We greeted him with proper courtesy.
“This humble merchant, Eun Seoho, greets the Lord Prefect.” (Eun Seoho)
“This humble girl greets the Lord Prefect.” (Seohyang)
“Good to meet you. I am Geum Sagyeon, the prefect of this place. Sit down.” (Geum Sagyeon)
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
Miss Seohyang and I sat down. But the Lord Prefect’s eyes as he looked at me and her were strange.
“How truly beautiful! Beautiful!” (Geum Sagyeon)
Ah, so the lecherous official Master Jang Won mentioned was this man.
Forcing a smile, I said,
“The person beside me is my wife. Since we have visited this Hainan Island, it is proper to greet an elder first, so I visited together with my wife.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, is that so?” (Geum Sagyeon)
His eyes quickly lost interest.
Was it because he knew a certain degree of propriety? Or because he considered a color that was not untouched to have no value?
Well, that is none of my concern.
If he had continued to show evil intentions, I would not have let him be.
“I heard that you did a great deed this time.” (Geum Sagyeon)
“I did not do much. I merely added a little money I had.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued.
“More importantly, many things happened in unfortunate ways, so you must have suffered much distress, my lord. I heard that no one surpasses you in your care for the islanders.” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course. It truly pains my heart to see the islanders suffering.” (Geum Sagyeon)
Goodness, he talks well.
Does such a person have a face shining with grease?
“But what brings you to this Hainan Island?” (Geum Sagyeon)
“In truth, our trading company is thinking of receiving some goods from here in Hainan Island. And while I am here, I also thought I would gift my wife something made of pearls.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hahahaha. This makes you a complete devoted husband!” (Geum Sagyeon)
“I can only be grateful that you look upon me so kindly.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, Miss Seohyang lightly covered her face with her hand as if embarrassed.
“Mm, in that case, seek out the Cheon Clan.” (Geum Sagyeon)
“When you say the Cheon Clan?” (Eun Seoho)
“He is a person who trades pearls here, and his eye for pearls is rather good. If you say you came with my introduction, he will treat you well without swindling you.” (Geum Sagyeon)
Excuse me, Lord Prefect.
Is a good merchant not supposed to avoid thinking of swindling someone no matter who comes?
But I hid my thoughts and smiled, going along with him.
“Of course! Who would even think of swindling someone who came with the Lord Prefect’s introduction?” (Eun Seoho)
Even while speaking, he kept glancing toward the box I had brought.
It is about time to take this out and show him.
“I was embarrassed to come see the Lord Prefect empty-handed, so I thought a great deal about what kind of gift I should bring.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hoho, a gift! Is that not a bribe?” (Geum Sagyeon)
“A bribe? That is a dreadful thing to say.” (Eun Seoho)
I deliberately made a fuss.
“This is merely my sincerity, prepared from a heart of respect toward the Lord Prefect.” (Eun Seoho)
Then I placed the box on the table and opened the lid so he could see inside.
“It is this.” (Eun Seoho)
“Oho? What is this?” (Geum Sagyeon)
“Yes. It is a golden toad.” (Eun Seoho)
It was the very golden toad the Mu Trading Company had given me as collateral.
And this thing is fake.