Chapter 609
Episode 609
Episode 609. Since I Am Going to Beijing Anyway (1)
We packed our belongings.
The work here had now left my hands.
Because cleaning up afterward was not my job.
So there was no longer any need for us to remain here.
I had many things to do, so I could not waste any more time here.
Before that, I should go greet the Crown Prince and tell him I am leaving.
The Crown Prince is still staying on Hainan Island. He has to comfort the people of Hainan Island, and there are still quite a few matters left to clean up.
“Then I will be back.” (MC)
“Yes.” (Miss Seohyang)
I took Warrior Seowoo and Warrior Changwoon as my guards and headed to the place where the Crown Prince was staying.
Because my merits in this matter were enormous, I was able to have an audience with the Crown Prince immediately.
“I greet Your Highness the Crown Prince.” (MC)
“Come in.” (Crown Prince)
I paid my respects to the Crown Prince, and the Crown Prince offered me a seat.
Looking at the Crown Prince’s complexion, he seemed rather tired, so I should hurry and run.
If I made one wrong move, I would end up in the same state as him.
“Praise for Your Highness’s actions since coming here is spreading widely.” (MC)
“Haha, is that so?” (Crown Prince)
“However…… though it is presumptuous of me, I worry that His Majesty may be concerned about this.” (MC)
Usually, an emperor does not welcome the Crown Prince’s status rising or him gaining his own independent power.
Because he worries the Crown Prince will overthrow the emperor.
Perhaps understanding what I meant, the Crown Prince laughed heartily.
“I would rather he worried about that. If so, would I be suffering like this?” (Crown Prince)
Come to think of it, this Emperor is instead actively using the Crown Prince.
“His Majesty said this: since he had fed me well and even educated me well until now because I was the Crown Prince, it was now time for me to do my share.” (Crown Prince)
Ah……
“And he said that since it is a position I will inherit anyway, should I not become accustomed to it in advance? That way, would he not avoid being cursed by later generations? And he said he absolutely could not tolerate me ruining the things he had accomplished.” (Crown Prince)
“As expected, those words are truly worthy of His Majesty the Emperor.” (MC)
“He also said that only then could he withdraw as Emperor Emeritus and enjoy his old age with peace of mind.” (Crown Prince)
As expected, he is not an ordinary person.
And he is just as frightening.
Because it means that no matter what the reason is, he is confident he will not step down from the emperor’s seat when he does not want to.
I looked at the Crown Prince.
It was a gaze that regarded him with a little pity, but perhaps the Crown Prince misunderstood it, because he waved his hand.
“Ah, do not suspect by any chance that I am plotting something foolish out of greed for the dragon throne.” (Crown Prince)
“Pardon? This humble merchant did not have even the slightest thought of that……” (MC)
“……Is that so?” (Crown Prince)
The Crown Prince cleared his throat.
“Ahem, to speak frankly, it is best to be born as an ordinary imperial clansman and enjoy a leisurely life. Becoming Crown Prince for no reason only means living buried in work. Like me.” (Crown Prince)
Well, that is true……
The work of an emperor depends on how he chooses to do it.
To be revered as a sage ruler, one must endure an enormous workload and fight overwork.
But if one gives it all up, it is comfortable.
Because one only has to accept being recorded as a tyrant and a foolish ruler like the previous emperor.
Well, there is a high chance of meeting a terrible end.
“So, about that……” (Crown Prince)
This is dangerous!
I instinctively cut off the Crown Prince’s words.
“Um, the reason this humble merchant came to see you is that I think I must now return to Beijing.” (MC)
“Already?” (Crown Prince)
“Yes. The matter entrusted to this humble merchant was to uncover the abuses and corruption related to this incident. Since that has been resolved, I believe this humble merchant’s work should end here.” (MC)
And I continued speaking.
“Also, this humble merchant has his main business, and I cannot abandon it.” (MC)
I also have to report to the Emperor about this Hainan Island matter, continue with the construction of the martial arts academy, push ahead with establishing the Luoyang branch, prepare to make Beijing the sub-headquarters of the Eunha Merchant Guild……
And I have to establish an Eunha Merchant Guild berth on Hainan Island.
Why does it feel like the work never ends?
I could cry. Really.
“Also, the merchant ships will soon enter port in Nanjing, and I must go handle that as well.” (MC)
“Whew, you are as busy as I am. I understand. I permit you to return to the capital.” (Crown Prince)
“Your grace is immeasurable.” (MC)
Thus, I barely escaped from the prison of work.
And I immediately headed to the Hainan Sect.
Because I had to say my farewells now that I was leaving Hainan Island.
He had helped me greatly in this matter, so I should at least show this level of courtesy.
I climbed Mount Wuzhi and arrived at Yeomo Peak.
Mount Wuzhi is also called the fingers of Śākyamuni Tathāgata.
It is said that long ago, a monkey called Sun Xingzhe, in a wager with Śākyamuni Tathāgata, thought he had reached the highest place in the world and wrote his name there, but that place was Śākyamuni Tathāgata’s finger.
Not only is it high enough for such a story to exist, but the vegetation changes with each altitude.
While looking at the diverse vegetation, I arrived at the Hainan Sect, and the disciples who saw me welcomed me gladly.
“We greet you, Master.” (Hainan Sect Disciple)
“Is the Sect Leader inside?” (MC)
“Yes. He is. If you wait just a moment, I will bring him.” (Hainan Sect Disciple)
I was guided to the reception room, and soon the Sect Leader entered.
“Hahahaha. Welcome.” (Sect Leader)
“I greet the Sect Leader.” (MC)
“Thanks to your efforts, Master, this Hainan Island has regained peace and happiness. I am truly grateful.” (Sect Leader)
At the Sect Leader’s praise, I waved my hand.
“No. This was thanks to His Majesty the Emperor’s decision.” (MC)
“That is also true, but was it not you, Master, who directly resolved it?” (Sect Leader)
“If you say that, it puts me in a difficult position.” (MC)
“It is all right. Only we are here, hahahaha.” (Sect Leader)
Seeing the Sect Leader laugh heartily, I scratched the back of my neck.
As expected, he is sharp.
“And I also stepped forward because there was something I wanted.” (MC)
“Whatever the reason, to us, you are our benefactor.” (Sect Leader)
It was too embarrassing to hear any more, so I brought up the main matter with an awkward expression.
“Thank you. And the reason I came like this is because it is now time for me to leave.” (MC)
“You are already leaving?” (Sect Leader)
“Yes. There are too many things I must do, so I cannot delay any longer.” (MC)
“It cannot be helped. I know well that you are busy with many public and private affairs. Then when will you come again?” (Sect Leader)
“It is difficult to give you a definite answer, but I think I will stop by once while the construction is underway.” (MC)
“I see. At that time, make sure to visit our sect again as well. I will properly show you how our Hainan treats its benefactor.” (Sect Leader)
“Yes. I will look forward to it. And……” (MC)
I held out an envelope.
“Please accept this.” (MC)
“What is this?” (Sect Leader)
I smiled silently, and the Sect Leader opened the envelope.
“Hic!” (Sect Leader)
He must have been so surprised that he hiccupped.
“Hic! What, hic! is this?” (Sect Leader)
“Oh my! Are you all right?” (MC)
As expected of a powerful martial artist, his hiccups soon stopped.
“Whew, I am fine. In any case, what is this?” (Sect Leader)
I answered with a light smile.
“Do you remember when I stopped the man who intruded into the duel arena during the Dragon and Phoenix Martial Arts Tournament?” (MC)
At the time, Sister Hyangok had nearly been badly injured by that suspicious man.
“Of course. Did you not receive one hundred thousand nyang of silver as compensation then?” (Sect Leader)
“That is right. And this is everything left, excluding the ten thousand nyang I gave you before.” (MC)
At the time, I gave him ten thousand nyang of my own money and ten thousand nyang from the compensation, for a total of twenty thousand nyang.
But the Sect Leader still seemed unable to understand and asked.
“But why are you giving this to me? Instead of using it yourself?” (Sect Leader)
I brought out the answer I had prepared.
“The reason I demanded the enormous sum of one hundred thousand nyang back then was for the sake of this Hainan Island from the start.” (MC)
“Even while hearing the insult that you were a merchant who knew only money?” (Sect Leader)
At that question, I gently nodded.
“It is all right. In any case, I often hear such insults usually, so hearing it one more time changes nothing. So I was thinking of taking money from the Martial Alliance at such an opportunity and using it for Hainan Island.” (MC)
At my explanation, the Sect Leader sighed in admiration.
“Ha! This is why you are called Seonhyeopmirang!” (Sect Leader)
Cough……!
I only did it because I was annoyed at the Martial Alliance for not giving any help at all.
And through this incident, my resolve became even firmer, because the matter on Hainan Island was because of the Blood Cult.
It was also certain that there was a close relationship between the Martial Alliance and the Blood Cult.
One of the things I learned while thoroughly wringing them dry this time was the real reason the pirates invaded.
The pirates had been planning to move the wealth they had steadily gathered all this time.
In the process, they had even devised a scheme to divert the Hainan Sect’s attention, since it was the most bothersome force, and prevent them from paying attention.
After learning that fact, I thought once again that it was fortunate I had come at the right time.
“In any case, please use this money for Hainan Island.” (MC)
“I understand. I will do so.” (Sect Leader)
Now that the exploitation of Hainan Island had disappeared, this money could be used valuably.
The Sect Leader was also someone trustworthy.
“And please spread good rumors about the Eunha Merchant Guild.” (MC)
“Huhuhuhu! Do not worry.” (Sect Leader)
“And please leave out rumors about me.” (MC)
“…….” (Sect Leader)
It is a bit unsettling that he is not answering.
After bidding farewell like that to the Sect Leader of the Hainan Sect and the people of the Hainan Sect, I returned to the inn.
And at the inn as well, I exchanged farewells with those I had formed connections with, then headed to Guangdong Province.
The ship we took when returning to Guangdong Province was the ship we had taken when entering Hainan Island.
“It was an honor that I could also be in charge of the sea route for your return home, Master.” (Ship Captain)
“Thanks to you, it became a comfortable sea journey. And may I ask for your help later?” (MC)
“Of course.” (Ship Captain)
After arriving in Guangdong Province like that, we went to find Master Jangwon.
He was not acting as the waiter of the Haega Inn, but as Master Jangwon of the Royal Guards, and he welcomed me warmly.
“I heard the news. They said they found Samryeong thanks to you!” (Master Jangwon)
“Is he someone you know?” (MC)
“He is the closest colleague I mentioned before.” (Master Jangwon)
“I see. I apologize that I could not find him sooner. If I had come earlier, I could have saved more people.” (MC)
“Please do not say such things. Saving even two people is already something. Moreover, you bestowed precious spiritual medicine and even treated them, so I do not know how I should repay this favor.” (Master Jangwon)
I instead expressed my gratitude to him.
“No. I am the one who is grateful that you helped me so much this time. Without your help, Master, this matter could never have been resolved so smoothly.” (MC)
“What help could I have been?” (Master Jangwon)
“You were a tremendous help.” (MC)
“Thank you for looking on me favorably.” (Master Jangwon)
He smiled as he spoke.
“In any case, are you going back now?” (Master Jangwon)
“Yes. I have too much work, so I cannot delay any longer.” (MC)
“Then I cannot hold you any longer. I will see you next time.” (Master Jangwon)
“Yes.” (MC)
Then I mounted my horse.
I had met everyone I needed to exchange greetings with, so now I truly had to leave.
But I was not going straight to Beijing.
We had the Jugang horses, so we had some leeway with time.
The first place we would stop by was Guizhou Province.
Since we had come all the way south of the Yangtze River anyway, I wanted to give Miss Seohyang a chance to see her parents.
During that time, she had seen her father several times, but she had not seen her mother at all.
“There is no need for you to go through such trouble because of me.” (Miss Seohyang)
At Miss Seohyang’s words, I shook my head.
“No. I also have something to say to the Provincial Administrative Commissioner.” (MC)
“Really?” (Miss Seohyang)
“Yes. You know that I do not lie about such things, do you not?” (MC)
“That is true.” (Miss Seohyang)
“So you may put your mind at ease.” (MC)
Thus, we rode the Jugang horses and ran, and arrived in Guizhou Province several times faster than others would have.
Then we booked rooms at an inn and sent Warrior Myeongjong and Warrior Changwoon to deliver a letter to the Provincial Administrative Commissioner.
Before long, the two warriors returned with the Provincial Administrative Commissioner’s reply.
[As you proposed, let us meet tomorrow evening at Yuhwa Tavern.] (Provincial Administrative Commissioner)
Since I had some room in my schedule, should I handle the work I had not been able to handle?
The first thing I had to do was check the treasures I had taken from the ships sunk under the sea.
I opened the treasury and went inside.
Honestly, since they were things gathered from under the sea, I expected the inside to be quite dirty……
Why is it so clean?
The treasures piled on the floor of the treasury did not have a single drop of water on them.
“Huh? Geumryeong. There is no moisture. What happened?” (MC)
At my question, Geumryeong answered with kkui sounds.
“Kkui! Kkui!” (Geumryeong)
“Hm? Because I ordered you to put ‘treasure’ into the treasury, other seawater or foreign matter does not enter the treasury?” (MC)
“Kkui! Kku!” (Geumryeong)
“You are asking if I only realized that now?” (MC)
I felt embarrassed.
No, normally, that is not something easy to notice.
Thanks to that, it will be easy to examine.
I slowly looked through the things Geumryeong had salvaged from the sea.
“Wow!” (MC)
I could not help but exclaim in admiration.
There was a reason Geumryeong had asked me for a gold character before.
That was only natural, because they were all precious treasures.
There were not only silver and gold characters, but also gold bars and various precious metals piled up in great variety.
On top of that, there were night pearls and valuable objects as well.
Huh? This……
I flinched. Because what caught my eye was an object stamped with the imperial seal.
Was there an imperial ship among the sunken ships?
There were a few imperial items, and I stored them separately to return them.
No matter that they were in the treasury, there would be nothing good about keeping them myself.
The Emperor probably would not interrogate me in detail about how I obtained these.
Rather, he would be grateful.
And among the wealth from the sunken ships, I intended to return the things with clear owners.
Is it not a waste?
Would no one know if I simply swallowed them?
Of course, that may be true.
But I am doing this because I can instead obtain something greater through it.
Because I am a merchant.
In any case, when will I sort all this out?