Chapter 611
Chapter 611
Chapter 611. Since I’m Going to Beijing Anyway (3)
At the Lord Provincial Commissioner’s abrupt change in expression, I had no choice but to tilt my head.
But he said nothing more about it.
“Then, let us eat.” (Lord Provincial Commissioner)
“Ah, yes.” (I)
I picked up my chopsticks again.
“Um, Lord Provincial Commissioner.” (I)
“Speak.” (Lord Provincial Commissioner)
“This time, I am thinking of increasing the scale of our Eunha Trading Company’s Guizhou branch a little.” (I)
“How large would it be for you to tell me separately?” (Lord Provincial Commissioner)
“I am thinking of expanding it to around ten thousand pyeong or fifteen thousand pyeong.” (I)
“You are expanding it fairly widely.” (Lord Provincial Commissioner)
“Yes. It is because the things our Eunha Trading Company will trade in Guizhou Province have increased considerably…….” (I)
I added another reason.
“Then it will become a little more convenient for Vice Officer Kwak to stay in Guizhou Province. I am thinking of building a separate residence for Vice Officer Kwak at the Guizhou branch.” (I)
“Mm…… you.” (Lord Provincial Commissioner)
“Yes.” (I)
“Do you think that if you negotiate with me over this, I will obediently tell you to do so?” (Lord Provincial Commissioner)
Gulp.
I swallowed as I waited for the words that would follow.
“If so, that is the correct answer.” (Lord Provincial Commissioner)
“Yes?” (I)
“Hehehe, this much is not an abuse of power either.” (Lord Provincial Commissioner)
I smiled awkwardly.
I feel embarrassed for having gotten tense for nothing.
“It is worth going through troublesome negotiations with other trading companies.” (Lord Provincial Commissioner)
“Thank you for saying so.” (I)
Time passed like that, and now it was about time for us to head back.
“Then, stay healthy.” (Lord Provincial Commissioner)
“Yes. Please stay healthy.” (Miss Seohyang)
Miss Seohyang’s mother then came over to me and took my hand.
“Thank you.” (Miss Seohyang’s Mother)
At those sincere words, I lightly bowed my head.
After finishing that long-awaited reunion, we headed back to the inn.
---
Guizhou Province Provincial Commissioner Dong Hwi watched the backs of Eun Seoho and his party as they returned, and he wore a satisfied expression.
“As I thought.” (Dong Hwi)
Because he had investigated Eun Seoho from various angles, he knew him well.
Just how thorough a person he was.
But a bond was not something that could be blocked by such things.
The person who knew that better than anyone was himself.
“What are you thinking so hard about?” (Dong Hwi’s Wife)
“Do they not suit each other well?” (Dong Hwi)
At his question, his wife also smiled and nodded.
“Yes. They do.” (Dong Hwi’s Wife)
His wife, too, acknowledged the relationship between the two.
Because his wife also knew that beside Eun Seoho was the safest place.
The reason he had relaxed his gaze while pressing Eun Seoho earlier had been none other than because of his daughter.
In her hair, there had been a hairpin set with a pearl.
An expensive item that, given her current circumstances, she could not obtain herself.
Eun Seoho must have gifted it to her. He had said he had gone to Hainan Island to trade for pearls, after all.
Pearls carry the meaning of protecting the wearer and wishing for good fortune to dwell with them.
And in Dong Hwi’s family, a pearl that a man gave to a woman carried a deep meaning.
It meant, “You are my woman.”
Dong Hwi stroked his chin.
“There is no way that child would not know that, and yet the fact that she wore it here means that she too must have feelings for Young Master Eun.” (Dong Hwi)
---
The next morning.
My party and I left the inn.
Our next destination was the Eunha Trading Company’s main headquarters in Hubei Province.
Because there were many things to discuss.
This time as well, thanks to the Zhujiang horses, we were able to reach our destination quickly.
“Gasp! Young Master!” (Employee)
“Third Young Master, have you arrived?” (Employee)
As we entered the Eunha Trading Company’s caravan yard, everyone was surprised and yet welcomed us.
“It has been a long time, everyone.” (I)
“We heard the news that you did something incredible at this Murim Grand Banquet.” (Merchant Agent)
At a merchant agent’s words, I scratched my head and answered.
“I was lucky.” (I)
“Come now! Can something like that be said to be merely luck?” (Merchant Agent)
“That’s right. It was possible because it was you, Third Young Master.” (Employee)
I smiled sheepishly and changed the subject.
“Brother Jinho also had quite a few achievements.” (I)
At my words, everyone nodded.
“Of course he did. He trained in the training hall whenever he had time.” (Employee)
Ah…….
I think I understand what this sticky feeling is.
Because everyone had seen Brother Jinho’s efforts, they considered it natural, and because the result I obtained went beyond expectations, they were reacting like this.
I spoke seriously.
“Um, may I ask one favor of you?” (I)
“Yes. Please say it.” (Employee)
“When Brother Jinho returns, please tell him he did well. That he worked hard. That you are proud of him, and that he is the pride of the Eunha Trading Company.” (I)
“Yes?” (Employee)
“No effort is something to be taken for granted. And the result obtained through effort is not something to be taken for granted either.” (I)
“You are right.” (Father)
The owner of that voice was Father.
Father approached us with a smile on his face.
“As you said, there is no effort that is natural. And all results, too, are not things to be taken for granted.” (Father)
“Father!” (I)
“Yes, you must have had a hard journey coming here. First, go wash up. Perhaps because you were coming, I happen to have no dinner plans tonight.” (Father)
“Yes. I will wash up quickly and come see you.” (I)
I headed to my residence.
Wow…….
Mungok Hall really has been a long time.
The servants and maids of Mungok Hall, whom I had not seen in a long time, also welcomed me.
Seeing that it was clean even though I had returned without notice, it seemed they had been steadily cleaning it as usual.
After washing and straightening my clothes, I headed to the dining hall, and I had dinner together with Father.
“So, it seems the matter of your trip to Hainan Island this time also went well.” (Father)
“Yes, the results were better than expected.” (I)
I had already sent a letter in advance about what had happened on Hainan Island through Geumryeong.
This matter was related to making a dock for the Eunha Trading Company’s ships on Hainan Island, and Father was the head of this Eunha Trading Company.
“So right now, His Highness the Crown Prince is personally handling the aftermath on Hainan Island.” (I)
“You managed to get out skillfully.” (Father)
“Yes.” (I)
I nodded.
“Not only must I tell you, Father, but there are more than a few matters that need to be discussed at Eunwol Pavilion, so I stopped by like this.” (I)
Then I took out the documents I had prepared and handed them over.
It was a fairly thick scroll.
Father unfolded it, read it, and nodded.
“Yes, I too had been worrying about these matters. But…… what worries me is that you will have to go through all the trouble for every single one of them.” (Father)
That was only natural, since they were matters I had started, and also matters related to me.
If I took my hands off them here and delegated them to someone else, there was a possibility that the work would not proceed properly.
“Do not worry. You know I have quite a bit of stamina.” (I)
“That is true.” (Father)
“I try to sleep three double-hours a day.” (I)
Because otherwise, Master would surely come visit again and use the extreme method of knocking me unconscious.
While I was having dinner with Father like that, my family, including Mother, had returned home.
Because it was late, I only went to see Grandfather and Mother and greeted them.
.
.
.
The next day.
As always, I woke up and did qi circulation breathing.
Doing qi circulation breathing at Mungok Hall after so long felt strange.
Just as I was finishing qi circulation breathing while thinking that, a welcome person entered the detached quarters.
“Master!” (I)
“It has been a long time.” (Master)
“Yes. It has. But how did you know I had come?” (I)
“You will come to know later.” (Master)
After saying that, Master asked.
“Have you perhaps grasped anything about the Snow Soul Sword Technique?” (Master)
I shook my head.
“I have continued thinking about it, but I still do not know what it means to say it is not a sword confined within forms and patterns.” (I)
I recalled the arrangements of the founder that I had encountered when I went to Zhurong Palace previously.
“The truth is, the Snow Soul Sword Technique is not a sword technique.” (Founder)
“Yes?” (I)
“It is a sword that is not confined within forms and patterns, you see. Perhaps realizing that will be far in the future. Mm, I have also prepared an arrangement regarding this, so one day, you will face it.” (Founder)
“…….” (I)
“Also, if you learn the Extreme Ice Sword that I am about to teach you now, you will be able to get one step closer to it.” (Founder)
I had also learned and mastered the Extreme Ice Sword from the founder, but I still did not understand the subtle principle of those words.
“Master, do you understand it?” (I)
“A little…… I think I do.” (Master)
“Is that so?” (I)
As expected of Master.
At some point, our relationship had become not one where I unilaterally learned martial arts from Master, but one where we studied the martial arts of Snow Wind Palace together.
But I did not think this was bad either.
Because it meant that I could help Master that much.
“Then, take up your sword.” (Master)
“Yes.” (I)
And as always, we began sparring, swinging our swords at each other.
.
.
.
A short while later, I was lying sprawled in the yard of the detached quarters, panting.
“Hoo, hoo, hoo.” (I)
On the other hand, Master stood there without her breathing disturbed.
No, just how strong is she?
Still, I liked that I was allowed to face her with all my strength.
“We will stop here for today.” (Master)
At Master’s words, I stood up and clasped my hands.
“Thank you for your teachings.” (I)
Master clasped her hands in return and spoke.
“I will leave again for an escort mission this afternoon. I am glad I was able to teach you before leaving for the escort mission.” (Master)
“I am glad as well.” (I)
I continued speaking.
“I thought I would not be able to see you again before this year passed.” (I)
Master gave a faint smile.
Huh?
It was truly rare for an expression to appear on Master’s face.
“Take this.” (Master)
Along with those words, something flew from Master, and I absentmindedly received it.
When I opened my hand, it was a small turtle carved from stone.
“What is this?” (I)
“Was it not your birthday a little while ago? It is a birthday present. I carved the stone myself to make it.” (Master)
“Uh…….” (I)
For a moment, I could not think of what to say.
This was not an object, nor was it gold, and was merely a turtle made by carving stone.
But Master had carved it herself.
A turtle symbolizes wealth, honor, and longevity.
My heart grew moved at the feelings Master had put into this turtle.
“I am embarrassed that it is not gold.” (Master)
“No.” (I)
I shook my head.
“It is something you are giving me, Master, so what could possibly not be precious?” (I)
“Thank you for thinking so.” (Master)
“It is I who should thank you for giving me such a precious gift.” (I)
When I clasped my hands, bowed my head, and then raised it, Master was already gone from that place.
I looked at the turtle and marveled.
Just how did she make such an intricate turtle?
That day, a meeting of Eunwol Pavilion was convened.
“It has been a long time.” (I)
“Yes. It has been a long time.” (Yu Soak)
Aside from Outer Chief Administrator Go Ilpyeong, whom I had seen at the last Murim Grand Banquet, it truly had been a long time since I had seen Finance Pavilion Lord and Inner Chief Administrator Yu Soak, Sepung Pavilion’s Pavilion Lord Jeok Byeongcheol, and Sangyu Pavilion’s Pavilion Lord Yeon Dami.
“It was your twenty-fourth birthday not long ago, wasn’t it? Congratulations.” (Yeon Dami)
“Congratulations on your birthday.” (Jeok Byeongcheol)
“Hahaha. Thank you.” (I)
I smiled and exchanged greetings in good spirits.
“Ah, come to think of it, you must not know yet.” (Yeon Dami)
Pavilion Lord Yeon Dami said to me.
“Inner Chief Administrator Yu Soak is getting married next spring.” (Yeon Dami)
“Oh, have you finally set a date?” (I)
At my question, she smiled and nodded.
“Congratulations.” (I)
At my congratulations, Inner Chief Administrator Yu Soak answered with a bashful expression.
“Ahem, thank you.” (Yu Soak)
“But when is the date?” (I)
“It is early next March. Exactly the season when the plum blossoms bloom.” (Yeon Dami)
“I see.” (I)
March, when the plum blossoms bloom……
That really is just right.
Because by then, the prohibition on alcohol would also be lifted, so a grand banquet could be held.
At that moment, Father and Brother Jeongho entered, and the meeting began.
The meeting took quite a long time.
That was only natural, since there were many things to discuss.
“Then, let us proceed like this.” (Father)
“Yes.” (Attendees)
The thing dealt with most importantly at this meeting was the ship dock to be built on Hainan Island.
Because it was best to proceed when favorable feelings toward the Eunha Trading Company and me were at their peak.
In order to proceed quickly and efficiently, it was decided that experts would be dispatched from the main headquarters.
Next was the major expansion of the Luoyang branch.
For this, it was decided that construction would begin as soon as the site was secured.
And the construction of the martial arts academy was proceeding smoothly……
Everyone in Eunwol Pavilion agreed to make Beijing a secondary headquarters.
Brother Jeongho also agreed to this.
“Each time we handle work delivering silk to Beijing, going all the way to Beijing every time was troublesome, so I was just worrying about it.” (Jeongho)
Therefore, it was decided that the Beijing branch would be made a secondary headquarters, and Brother Jeongho would reside there permanently.
It is the same principle as the Crown Prince going to Nanjing.
It is absolutely not to work Brother Jeongho to the bone while I am absent.
Well, if he helps, then there is nothing to be done.
And the expansion of the Guizhou Province branch was also finally decided here.
“Ah, come to think of it, it should be about time for the merchant ship to arrive in Nanjing.” (Father)
“That is correct.” (I)
I nodded.
“This time as well, Seoho, you will have to work hard.” (Father)
“Of course. And I will go to Nanjing together with Brother Jinho, who is in Beijing, and Brother Jinho will take the ship and return to the main headquarters.” (I)
“That is a good idea.” (Father)
By the time we came out after finishing the meeting like that, it was already lunchtime.
Mm, what will today’s lunch be?
It was when I returned to Mungok Hall with a little anticipation.
“Waaah!” (Hongryeo)
Huh? That is a baby crying.
When I entered the detached quarters, Palgap was at his wits’ end.
“What happened?” (I)
“You are here now.” (Second Sister-in-law)
“Ah! Sister-in-law.” (I)
My second sister-in-law was in my detached quarters. And in her arms, a child was being held, crying terribly sorrowfully.
It was Brother Jinho’s daughter, Hongryeo.
It would soon be one year since she was born.
“But why is Hongryeo crying?” (I)
I asked Palgap, and at my question, Palgap answered with a dejected expression.
That expression looked like a bear whose ears were drooping low.
“I merely greeted Miss Hongryeo. But as soon as she saw my face, she started crying like that.” (Palgap)
“Is that so? Why?” (I)
I tilted my head and approached Hongryeo to greet her.
“Hello to you too, Hongryeo. But why are you crying?” (I)
“…….” (Hongryeo)
As soon as Hongryeo saw my face, she abruptly stopped crying.
And as though she had never cried, she reached her hands out toward me and smiled brightly.
“Kkaa! Kka!” (Hongryeo)
Seeing that, Palgap muttered as though he had been wounded.
“A filthy world where even babies discriminate by faces…….” (Palgap)
Mm…….
I feel like I have experienced this situation somewhere before.