Chapter 604
Chapter 604
Chapter 604. Hainan Island (6)
Of course, the other party does not know that this is fake.
“No! Such a precious thing!” (Geum Sagyeon)
His eyes widened, and his mouth spread open loosely.
“Can I truly accept this?” (Geum Sagyeon)
“Of course.” (Eun Seoho)
I deliberately put on a sly smile.
“In truth, while I was wondering what I should give the Lord Prefect, I unexpectedly came to obtain this.” (Eun Seoho)
Then I naturally continued.
“Across the water, in Seomun County, do you perhaps know of a place called the Mu Trading Company?” (Eun Seoho)
The Lord Prefect flinched at my question.
“Mm? Hmm? Was there such a place?” (Geum Sagyeon)
Pretending not to know when you do……
“Before coming to Hainan Island, I stopped by an inn, and the rice there tasted very good. I heard the rice used to make that meal belonged to the Mu Trading Company, so I purchased twenty thousand seok of rice from them. And this is what I received as collateral in exchange for giving them one hundred thousand nyang as an advance payment.” (Eun Seoho)
“If it is collateral, do you not have to return it later?” (Geum Sagyeon)
“It is all right. I can simply give them money equal to its value.” (Eun Seoho)
“You are truly generous!” (Geum Sagyeon)
“I can only be grateful that you see me that way.” (Eun Seoho)
“I do not know if I should accept something this precious.” (Geum Sagyeon)
“My lord is fully qualified to receive it.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ahem, ahem. Then I shall accept it gratefully.” (Geum Sagyeon)
He brought the box in front of himself and wore a warm smile.
“If there is anything inconvenient during your stay on Hainan Island, come find me at any time.” (Geum Sagyeon)
“Your words alone are enough for me to be grateful.” (Eun Seoho)
Now, I have created a harmonious atmosphere with the fake golden toad, so I should receive the price for it.
“Um, but……” (Eun Seoho)
“What is it?” (Geum Sagyeon)
“I am worried that the county magistrate of the place where I am staying may become needlessly spiteful over the fact that I came to see the Lord Prefect first.” (Eun Seoho)
“In which county are you currently staying?” (Geum Sagyeon)
I told him about the county where I was staying, and at that, the Lord Prefect nodded.
“Certainly, if it is that man, he may do so. He is such a petty fellow, you see. But do not worry. I will write a letter for you.” (Geum Sagyeon)
He immediately had the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone brought from beside him, wrote a letter, and handed it to me.
“If something happens, give this to him.” (Geum Sagyeon)
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
I read that letter.
It was roughly a letter telling him to spare no support for me, but if one were to state its true meaning,
It meant, “If you treat Seonhyeop Mirang carelessly, know that you will not be able to pick up even your bones.”
Nice. With this, the problem on the county magistrate’s side is handled.
“Um, may I ask one more favor?” (Eun Seoho)
“What is it?” (Geum Sagyeon)
“I intend to visit that person called Cheon whom you mentioned earlier, and I thought that rather than merely saying I came through your introduction, if I had a letter of introduction, he might treat me better.” (Eun Seoho)
“That could be true! Understood! I will write you a letter of introduction.” (Geum Sagyeon)
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
The head of the Chaehong Trading Company, Cheon Cheonbok, is he…… I should look into him as well.
Like that, I took the letter and the introduction letter and returned to the inn.
Then the disciples of the Hainan Sect, who had stayed behind to look after me, ran out and greeted me.
“Have you returned, Master?” (Hainan Sect Disciple)
“Yes. I have returned.” (Eun Seoho)
But judging from their expressions, it seemed something had happened.
“Did something happen?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is……” (Hainan Sect Disciple)
At my question, one of the disciples let out a sigh.
“This morning, the Lord County Magistrate came by. And he became angry, saying you came here arrogantly without even greeting him, then left.” (Hainan Sect Disciple)
Just as Miss Seohyang said.
Since it was something I already knew, I nodded calmly.
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. And he said you should come find him in person.” (Hainan Sect Disciple)
I gave a small laugh.
“Let us go now.” (Eun Seoho)
As a rule, troublesome matters are best dealt with all at once.
Like that, we immediately headed to the county office.
“What brings you here?” (Gatekeeper)
I said to the gatekeeper,
“This humble merchant is Eun Seoho, Young Master of the Eunha Trading Company.” (Eun Seoho)
At my introduction, the two gatekeepers drew in sharp breaths.
“Are you that Master Seonhyeop Mirang?” (Gatekeeper)
“I am called that.” (Eun Seoho)
“Please wait a moment.” (Gatekeeper)
One gatekeeper hurriedly went inside and came back out, then approached me with an awkward expression.
“Um, I apologize. The Lord County Magistrate said he has many government affairs today and cannot meet you.” (Gatekeeper)
It has been a while since I was turned away at the door like this.
There was no need to think deeply; he was simply expressing displeasure toward me.
What time is it now, and he says government affairs? Government affairs?
And a man busy with government affairs personally came to the inn where I was staying in the morning?
I smiled and said,
“What a shame. Since I met the Lord Prefect today and then was told to come here, I came, but……” (Eun Seoho)
I took the letter from my breast.
“This is a letter the Lord Prefect is sending to the Lord County Magistrate. Please deliver this to the Lord County Magistrate.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Gatekeeper)
“Then I shall be going.” (Eun Seoho)
Like that, we turned around and headed back to the inn.
To the county magistrate, the prefect was practically his direct superior two ranks above him.
So once he received that letter, he would probably be in quite a panic.
.
.
.
The next morning.
Since rain had been falling steadily from morning, I listened to its sound inside the room while circulating qi and regulating my breathing, then did some simple training.
Once, after seeing me train indoors, she had said she wanted to train indoors too, so I had taught her several simple methods.
So after training together in the room and eating breakfast on the first floor, I heard a commotion outside.
Hm? What is it?
The inn’s waiter ran to me.
“Um, Master Seonhyeop Mirang. The Lord County Magistrate has come to see you.” (Waiter)
“Ah, is that so?” (Eun Seoho)
“What should……” (Waiter)
“Please prepare a quiet place.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Waiter)
Soon, the Lord County Magistrate entered the inn, and I greeted him.
“This humble merchant, Eun Seoho, greets the Lord County Magistrate.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ahem, ahem. Good to meet you.” (County Magistrate)
“What brings you all the way here? I visited you yesterday evening, but I heard you were busy with government affairs……” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, that matter has all been resolved.” (County Magistrate)
“I see. You must have worked hard until late. Please sit.” (Eun Seoho)
“It is all right. By the way, I heard you met the Lord Prefect yesterday?” (County Magistrate)
“Yes. Since this is a place I have come to for the first time, is it not proper to first visit the Lord Prefect, who oversees all of Hainan Island?” (Eun Seoho)
“Th-that is true.” (County Magistrate)
“By any chance, over that, did you feel offended or anything……” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, he waved his hand.
“No! How could that be? Hahaha! I am not such a narrow-minded person.” (County Magistrate)
According to the Lord Prefect, you are petty, though?
“Will you perhaps have business to go see the Lord Prefect again?” (County Magistrate)
“Not yet, but as I conduct my business, could there not be reason to visit him?” (Eun Seoho)
“Th-that is true. If there is anything you need, tell me as much as you like. I will help you with all sincerity. And……” (County Magistrate)
He lowered his voice and said,
“Please speak well of me to the Lord Prefect.” (County Magistrate)
“Understood. Would it not be enough for me to convey only what I experienced?” (Eun Seoho)
“Th-that is true. But people do unintentionally make mistakes, you know. Is that not so?” (County Magistrate)
“Yes. That is so.” (Eun Seoho)
“So please take good care of it. Then I shall be going.” (County Magistrate)
He left only that greeting behind and hurried out of the inn.
He must have been very frightened after seeing the Lord Prefect’s letter that I delivered.
Judging by the fact that he came from morning even though it was raining like this.
As expected, the most effective way to suppress authority is with greater authority.
I returned to the guest room.
Today, I had to visit the man called Cheon, that is, Cheon Cheonbok.
I had to examine the outside warriors he had supposedly hired to guard the pearls.
There was no mistake.
Like the warriors of the Mu Trading Company, they too must be related to the Blood Cult.
“Palgap.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes, Young Master.” (Palgap)
“Prepare extremely flashy clothes for today. And for Deputy Gwak as well.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Palgap)
“And tell the escort warriors that they should also wear silk clothes.” (Eun Seoho)
Like that, after making every preparation, we left the inn.
Even though she was wearing extremely splendid and expensive silk clothes, Miss Seohyang did not seem awkward about it.
It could not be helped, since as the cherished only daughter of the Administrative Commissioner of Guizhou Province, she must have worn clothes of this level often.
Cheon Cheonbok lived in the southern part of Hainan Island, so we headed south.
On the way, Palgap looked at the sky and let out a sigh.
“The weather here really is completely different from Beijing, Young Master.” (Palgap)
The southern part of Hainan Island is hotter than the northern part.
Seeing people busily moving in the paddies here and there to farm rice felt somehow unfamiliar.
Soon, we arrived at the Chaehong Trading Company.
It was a three-story house of fairly large scale, and when we approached, the gatekeepers stopped us.
“What brings you here?” (Gatekeeper)
“I am Eun Seoho, Young Master of the Eunha Trading Company.” (Eun Seoho)
At my introduction, curiosity began to fill their eyes.
Perhaps because they were martial artists, they seemed to feel a different emotion upon hearing my name than others did.
“So you are that famous Seonhyeop Mirang.” (Gatekeeper)
“I wanted to spar with you once.” (Gatekeeper)
I openly let out a sigh.
As expected, I felt the energy of the Black Path, but it was a little different from those of the Mu Trading Company.
Because I did not smell blood from them.
I said to them,
“I do not avoid fights that come my way, but my leg has not yet healed, so it would be difficult right now.” (Eun Seoho)
“Leg?” (Gatekeeper)
At that, Palgap quickly said,
“Have you not heard? Our Young Master injured his leg while saving people at the scene of a fire.” (Palgap)
“Ah…… yes, I heard that.” (Gatekeeper)
“Then that is even better. This is my chance to knock down Seonhyeop Mirang. Hehehe.” (Gatekeeper)
It was a reaction fitting for a group of the Black Path.
But do they think they can be a match for me?
No matter how my true skill does not show on the surface, even what I displayed in the friendly martial arts competition should not have been at a level where they could act up.
As I let out another small sigh and took a step back, the guards stepped forward as if they had been waiting and released killing intent.
Half of my escort warriors are at the peak realm or above.
“Keuk!” (Gatekeeper)
“Kreuk!” (Gatekeeper)
Looking at them as their complexions changed under that killing intent, I smiled softly.
“My escort warriors are rather strong. So now, would you guide me to Company Head Cheon?” (Eun Seoho)
“…….” (Gatekeeper)
At that moment, a man approached from inside.
“What is this? I wondered what this commotion was, and an unexpected guest has arrived. My warriors were ill-mannered. I apologize.” (Cheon Cheonman)
“They were indeed rather ill-mannered.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hahaha. I will give them a sharp word later. I am Cheon Cheonman, the head of this Chaehong Trading Company.” (Cheon Cheonman)
At the sight of him glibly smoothing things over, I also greeted him in return.
“I am Eun Seoho, Young Master of the Eunha Trading Company.” (Eun Seoho)
“What brings the hero of Hainan Island to seek me out?” (Cheon Cheonman)
I took the letter of introduction from my breast.
“I came after receiving the Lord Prefect’s introduction.” (Eun Seoho)
He received the letter of introduction I handed him and read it, then nodded.
“I see. You came to prepare a birthday gift for your wife.” (Cheon Cheonman)
“That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
“I have been discourteous. Please come inside.” (Cheon Cheonman)
We followed him inside. And as I looked at his back, I lightly bit my lip.
The warriors guarding this place were merely of the Black Path, but that man called Cheon Cheonman was completely different.
A stench of blood so thick it was on a different level from the warriors of the Mu Trading Company.
I will have to be careful.
He guided me to the reception room and brought out fairly good refreshments.
Because of the stench of blood I felt from him, I did not want to eat anything, but not eating the refreshments provided would be a great discourtesy.
So I endured the nausea, drank the tea, and picked up and ate one piece of confectionery.
“What price range do you have in mind?” (Cheon Cheonman)
“I would first like to talk while looking at the pearls.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood. Please wait a moment.” (Cheon Cheonman)
He left the reception room and returned with servants.
The servants placed several boxes on the long table in the reception room and then left.
Cheon Cheonman personally opened those boxes and showed them to me.
“First, this pearl costs around five nyang of silver per bead. And this one is……” (Cheon Cheonman)
The pearls he showed me were all top-grade goods.
Thanks to the Lord Prefect’s letter of introduction, or perhaps because he knew I was the Young Master of the Eunha Trading Company, he does not seem to be thinking of swindling me.
I asked Miss Seohyang,
“Which ones do you like, my wife?” (Eun Seoho)
“May I choose anything?” (Seohyang)
“Of course. If it is something my wife likes, you may choose whatever you wish.” (Eun Seoho)
At my answer, Miss Seohyang chose several pearls.
“Let us use these.” (Seohyang)
“An excellent choice.” (Cheon Cheonman)
“I would like to make a hairpin with these pearls. Is there a craftsman nearby whom you know well?” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course. I know an outstanding craftsman, so if you entrust it to him, you will not be disappointed.” (Cheon Cheonman)
Like that, after choosing the pearls and even entrusting him with a custom order, I left the Chaehong Trading Company.
My mind was complicated on the way back to the inn.
The highest authority on Hainan Island is backing someone suspected to be one of the Blood Cult’s people, and he has brought in many Black Path warriors.
And over in Seomun County across the water, the county magistrate was colluding with a traitor among the Royal Guards.
On top of that, there is the Mu Trading Company.
Then the picture becomes rather large, does it not?
After returning to the inn and eating dinner, I went outside.
Stars were beautifully floating in the clear sky after the rain had stopped.
But my heart was bitter as I looked at that beautiful sight.
This is a real mess.
Even if it is a region where the Emperor’s control does not reach well, how can all the officials of a region collude and commit corruption?
Before coming here, I had read in advance the records on the taxes collected from Hainan Island.
And I was able to know that there was a significant difference from reality.
It meant the officials had written down much less in taxes to send to the court from the start and swallowed the rest.
As if that were not enough, they deceived people by saying ships coming and going had sunk and swallowed those too.
If things are at this point, there is a high possibility that their purpose is not simply to fatten their own bellies.
That man called Cheon Cheonman whom I saw today.
He is undoubtedly one of the central figures in this matter.
In other words, Cheon Cheonman, a figure from the Blood Cult, is bribing the officials here for some purpose and amassing tremendous wealth.
As for that purpose, as expected……
Are they trying to revive the Blood Cult?
What on earth is the Alliance Leader thinking, using those people?
And if that assumption is correct, is the head of this corruption not the Lord Prefect?
However, my thoughts could not continue much longer.
“B-big trouble!” (Innkeeper)
The innkeeper came running in a hurry.
He shouted loudly.
“Pirates have attacked!” (Innkeeper)