Chapter 618
Chapter 618
Chapter 618. The Missing Letter (5)
Vice Young Master Ji Seokmun, having received the message, came running in great haste.
"I heard you found the culprit who stole that box." (Ji Seokmun)
"That is right." (Ak Yeonggyeong)
Vice Young Master Ji Seokmun looked at the Blue Thread Guest, who was still unconscious, and asked,
"Is this man the Blue Thread Guest?" (Ji Seokmun)
"That is right. And they say this place was his safe house, so let us go in." (Ak Yeonggyeong)
"Yes." (Ji Seokmun)
We entered the manor.
The dangerous mechanical formations had been rendered useless by the black path people who had entered first.
Seeing that, Warrior Myeongjong exclaimed in admiration.
"So this is what it means to pit barbarian against barbarian." (Warrior Myeongjong)
Warrior Changwoon also nodded with his eyes shining.
"To make use of black path people who have absolutely no use like that, what a truly ingenious method!" (Warrior Changwoon)
Why do I feel an indescribable madness from those words?
After entering the manor, we searched everywhere with the help of the soldiers.
There was quite a large amount of wealth gathered, more than I had expected.
There is no way it was originally his. He must have stolen most of it.
"It is here!" (Ji Seokmun)
At that moment, Vice Young Master Ji Seokmun shouted.
A voice filled with joy.
"This pattern carved into this lid! This is the pattern of the royal family of the Maraeseo Kingdom." (Ji Seokmun)
Sure enough, a pattern that seemed to resemble a star was carved on top of it.
"Check the contents." (Ak Yeonggyeong)
At Lord Ak’s words, Vice Young Master Ji Seokmun opened the lid and checked the contents.
Thanks to that, I was able to see what was inside.
The various jewels and accessories made of gold looked expensive at a glance.
Come to think of it, I heard that in the Maraeseo Kingdom, when a daughter marries, her parental family gives her a grand gift.
Is this that gift?
"Hoo! Fortunately, nothing is missing." (Ji Seokmun)
"That truly is a relief." (Ak Yeonggyeong)
Well, he would not have had time to use what was inside anyway.
"But... the letter is not here." (Ji Seokmun)
"Ah! If it is that, it is here." (Ak Yeonggyeong)
Lord Ak handed Vice Young Master Ji Seokmun the letter from the king of the Maraeseo Kingdom.
"What a relief. Did you find this separately?" (Ji Seokmun)
Lord Ak nodded.
"Thank you for finding both the gift and the letter like this. I truly will not forget this kindness." (Ji Seokmun)
"Hahaha! What did I do? The one who found this letter and box was not me, but Vice Young Master Eun Seoho." (Ak Yeonggyeong)
Vice Young Master Ji Seokmun’s gaze reached me, and I scratched my cheek.
"I found them because I thought my cousin brother’s family would be sad if they could not be found. In any case, I am truly glad they could be found safely." (Eun Seoho)
The matters afterward proceeded smoothly.
First, we spread the rumor that the treasure map containing the location of the legendary great thief’s storehouse had been burned in anger by the Blue Thread Guest while he was fleeing.
"But why did you post the notice under the name of the One-Stone Blade God?" (Ak Yeonggyeong)
At Lord Ak’s question, I quickly gave an excuse.
"Is that not the most famous name at present? He stole the Martial Alliance Leader’s treasure, after all." (Eun Seoho)
"Hm, that is true. But I worry that the man called the One-Stone Blade God might harm you in some way." (Ak Yeonggyeong)
"It is fine. If he did that, would he not be tarnishing his own honor?" (Eun Seoho)
"Did you calculate even that far?" (Ak Yeonggyeong)
"Of course." (Eun Seoho)
"Oho..." (Ak Yeonggyeong)
Lord Ak looked at me with admiring eyes, and I could only avoid that gaze with an embarrassed expression.
It is not as if I could reveal the true identity of the One-Stone Blade God.
Soon, the Imperial Guards who had departed from the imperial palace arrived, and they began loading the food onto carts and setting out.
Now I should gradually go to Beijing as well.
I headed to the inn.
When I arrived at the inn, Captain Yong was in the middle of speaking with his older brother, Warrior Yongmin.
This time, when I came to Nanjing, I came with him.
They were speaking not in the Empire’s language but in the language of the Daewol Kingdom, but perhaps because I had diligently studied the Daewol Kingdom’s language all this time, I could understand a certain amount.
But I did not show it and spoke in the Empire’s language.
"So you are here." (Eun Seoho)
"Ah! Vice Young Master." (Captain Yong)
"When do you plan the next trade journey to be?" (Eun Seoho)
At my question, Captain Yong answered.
"It will probably be around spring next year." (Captain Yong)
"Then there is some time left." (Eun Seoho)
"That is true, but is there something going on?" (Captain Yong)
"When you return to the main guild, Father will speak to you separately, but it would not be bad for you to know in advance." (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
"You will probably have to go on a business trip as soon as you arrive at the main guild." (Eun Seoho)
"Pardon? Where do you mean?" (Captain Yong)
"Brother Jinho will explain it well on the way back." (Eun Seoho)
"Ah, come to think of it, it was said that the Second Vice Young Master would also go with us to the main guild this time." (Captain Yong)
"Yes. So I will be in your care." (Eun Seoho)
"I will do my best to serve him. Hahaha." (Captain Yong)
He smiled.
"And congratulations. I heard you are to be married?" (Captain Yong)
"It is embarrassing, but yes. That is right." (Eun Seoho)
We finished our greetings like that, and the next day, the Eunhae Merchant Guild’s ship went upstream along the Yangtze River.
I accompanied Vice Young Master Ji Seokmun’s group and headed to Beijing.
As the goods being taken were what they were, the imperial palace, having heard the news, sent additional Imperial Guards.
If we travel with them, my guards will be less tired.
"We depart!" (Imperial Guard)
"Yes!" (Imperial Guards)
The carriage I was riding began moving slowly, and thus we headed to Beijing.
---
At that time.
Guiyang, the provincial capital of Guizhou Province.
A group of people arrived there.
The pattern of the moon floating over the sea on the flag attached to the carriage was the symbol of the Eunhae Merchant Guild.
A man got down from the Eunhae Merchant Guild carriage that had arrived at the Guizhou Province branch.
He was Eun Gilsang, the guild master of the Eunhae Merchant Guild.
He had personally visited Guizhou Province to handle a very important matter.
It was precisely because of his third son’s marriage.
Of course, in name, it was to express gratitude to the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Guizhou Province for allowing the expansion of the Guizhou Province branch.
As soon as he arrived in Guizhou Province, he instructed his second aide, Im Man.
"Arrange an appointment with Lord Provincial Administration Commissioner of Guizhou Province." (Eun Gilsang)
"Understood." (Im Man)
The appointment was set quite quickly.
They said they would meet tomorrow.
Eun Gilsang put considerable effort into straightening his attire and then headed to the Guizhou Provincial Administration Commission.
"This humble merchant, Eun Gilsang, greets Lord Provincial Administration Commissioner." (Eun Gilsang)
"Welcome. I have been waiting for you." (Dong Hwi)
Eun Gilsang was guided to the reception room, and a maid brought in tea.
Once all the refreshments had been set out, Provincial Administration Commissioner Dong Hwi said to his guards,
"Clear the surroundings." (Dong Hwi)
"Yes." (Guard)
Eun Gilsang also said to his guards,
"Clear the surroundings." (Eun Gilsang)
"Yes." (Guard)
Soon, only Eun Gilsang and Provincial Administration Commissioner Dong Hwi remained inside the reception room.
Eun Gilsang first pushed the gift he had brought in front of him.
"I have brought a small gift to express my gratitude for permitting the expansion of our Guizhou branch this time." (Eun Gilsang)
"Haha, you did not have to do this..." (Dong Hwi)
"My lord took the trouble to handle the matter, and if I cannot even give this much, I would have too little shame." (Eun Gilsang)
As if unable to refuse, Dong Hwi accepted the box and opened it.
"...!"
But he could not help being surprised.
Because what he saw as soon as he opened the box was a mirror.
A red silk thread was attached to that hand mirror.
That was a gift signifying marriage.
Dong Hwi brought over the paper, brush, and ink beside him and wrote characters.
[What is the meaning of this gift to me?] (Dong Hwi)
[It means exactly what you know it to mean. My son proposed to Lieutenant Gwak, and Lieutenant Gwak accepted it.] (Eun Gilsang)
He knew that he had not yet made a proposal worthy of the name, but he had sincerely given advice, so soon there would be a splendid proposal.
That was why he wrote it that way.
[No matter the circumstances, with her parents alive like this, how could the marriage proceed without our even facing one another?] (Eun Gilsang)
At those words, Dong Hwi’s eyes grew moist.
He had been moved by Eun Gilsang’s heart, which thought of and showed consideration for him like this.
Then, suddenly, he thought of one thing.
The fact that Eun Gilsang had come here due to Eun Seoho and Gwak Seohyang’s marriage problem meant that Eun Gilsang knew he was Seohyang’s... no, Dong Jaryeong’s father.
At that instant, his gaze became fierce.
[Who knows the child’s identity?] (Dong Hwi)
[Please do not worry too much. Aside from myself and my wife, even the rest of my family does not know. My son’s safety depends on this matter, so how could I recklessly move my mouth?] (Eun Gilsang)
Eun Gilsang continued writing.
[Aside from them, only Head Escort Gwak, Seoho’s master, knows this. Lieutenant Gwak has been living under the identity of Head Escort Gwak’s relative. His disciple’s safety depends on this matter as well, so he will strictly keep the secret.] (Eun Gilsang)
[Is that truly so?] (Dong Hwi)
[It is.] (Eun Gilsang)
They continued the conversation in writing.
[Since the setting is that Miss Seohyang has no parents and Head Escort Gwak is her only relative, it seems Head Escort Gwak and his wife will have to stand in for her parental family on the wedding day. I ask for your understanding on this.] (Eun Gilsang)
At this, Dong Hwi thought for a moment, then lifted the brush.
[Is that man called Head Escort Gwak a good person?] (Dong Hwi)
[As he is Seoho’s master, he is a good person, and his ability is outstanding as well. I can guarantee this.] (Eun Gilsang)
[If you, a merchant, say he can be trusted, then I, too, shall trust him.] (Dong Hwi)
[Yes. My son chose his master very well.] (Eun Gilsang)
The two continued their written conversation, and even discussed matters related to the wedding.
Because of that, paper piled up thickly. When the conversation ended, Dong Hwi picked it up and burned each sheet one by one in the candle flame.
"Then let us do it this way." (Dong Hwi)
"Yes. My lord." (Eun Gilsang)
Dong Hwi looked at him and thought inwardly.
One day, I will be able to hear you call me in-law. (Dong Hwi)
That meant that his daughter would be able to reveal her identity.
And Eun Seoho had promised that.
"Since you have come to Guiyang, look around here and there before you leave. There are quite a few things worth seeing." (Dong Hwi)
"Thank you for your consideration." (Eun Gilsang)
---
We arrived in Beijing very comfortably.
Because we moved together with the Imperial Guards, our speed was slow, but no other problems could arise.
"Will Vice Young Master Ji be going straight to the imperial palace?" (Eun Seoho)
"Yes. This time, I met His Majesty the King of the Maraeseo Kingdom, so I must report on that." (Ji Seokmun)
"Then we must part here. Have a safe trip." (Eun Seoho)
"Thank you once again. Then I will see you next time." (Ji Seokmun)
Like that, they headed to the imperial palace, and I returned to the Beijing branch with my group.
"You have arrived!" (Branch Manager)
"Yes. Was there anything unusual?" (Eun Seoho)
"It has been very peaceful." (Branch Manager)
The branch manager of the Beijing branch, who came out to greet me, spoke with a smile.
"And do you know that?" (Branch Manager)
"What do you mean?" (Eun Seoho)
"The whole of Beijing now knows about how you proposed to Lieutenant Gwak at the tavern before." (Branch Manager)
"..."
"It was so moving that they say some people are even proposing with the song you sang then." (Branch Manager)
Was I that famous?
That was rather burdensome news, so only a sigh came out. There was nothing I could do about it.
That evening.
A servant came from Brother Seonil’s house.
It was a message asking us to have dinner together tonight, and I thought I knew why.
The servant also brought Aunt’s letter.
[Bring Lieutenant Gwak, who is to become your wife, as well. The rumor is that widespread throughout all of Beijing, so you are not thinking of hiding her away and not showing her to this aunt, are you?] (Aunt)
It cannot be helped.
I called Miss Seohyang, who was beside me diligently reviewing documents.
"Lieutenant Gwak." (Eun Seoho)
"Yes?" (Seohyang)
"Aunt has invited us to dinner today. May we go together? Aunt says to come together. If it burdens you, you may refuse." (Eun Seoho)
"No." (Seohyang)
She shook her head.
"I think it would not be bad to pay my respects on this occasion." (Seohyang)
I nodded and called Palgap.
"Palgap!" (Eun Seoho)
"Yes! Did you call me, sir?" (Palgap)
"What happened to the clothes I asked for before?" (Eun Seoho)
"The seamstress is working hard on them now, and she says about three sets are finished, sir." (Palgap)
"Of those clothes, bring one whose color matches the clothes I will be wearing." (Eun Seoho)
"Understood, sir." (Palgap)
Palgap went out swiftly with a grin, and Miss Seohyang nodded as if she understood.
A short while later, Palgap returned with the clothes I had requested.
"Today, you can wear these clothes." (Eun Seoho)
"Seeing them in person, they are even more beautiful." (Seohyang)
The jade-colored clothes even had embroidery done with silver thread. Since it seemed there would be many occasions in the future for her to go out with me, I had requested a few sets, and it was good that I had asked in advance.
"Thank you." (Seohyang)
"If you wear them, I think I will be the one who is more grateful." (Eun Seoho)
Evening came.
Miss Seohyang and I finished preparing to go out and emerged.
We wore jade-colored clothes and even draped outer garments made of fur, a product of the Eunhae Merchant Guild.
In truth, it was not cold, but we had to be conscious of other people’s eyes as well.
Seeing me and Miss Seohyang, people offered their congratulations.
"As expected! You are a well-matched pair!" (Bystander)
"Hahaha! Is that so?" (Eun Seoho)
Soon, we arrived at the Yeonjun Merchant Guild, and Aunt came out to greet me.
"Welcome." (Aunt)
"I greet you, Aunt." (Eun Seoho)
"Lieutenant Gwak, it has been a long time too! My goodness! To think you are marrying our Seoho! I knew it from the moment I first saw you!" (Aunt)
"Thank you for thinking well of me." (Seohyang)
"But where are Uncle and Brother Seonil?" (Eun Seoho)
"Your uncle will return soon, and Seonil should be leaving his office now." (Aunt)
"Then we will have to wait a little." (Eun Seoho)
And beside her stood Princess Sinaa as well. It had been a long time since I saw her, and her face had become quite a bit prettier than before.
Surprisingly, she will become even prettier than she is now.
"Welcome, both of you." (Sinaa)
"It has been a long time." (Eun Seoho)
"Yes." (Seohyang)
We moved to the reception room, and Princess Sinaa said to me,
"Today, someone from the imperial palace came and delivered the things my father sent me. And they also told me about the process." (Sinaa)
She bowed her head to me.
"Thank you very much for finding the letter." (Sinaa)
Seeing that her eyes were reddened as she thanked me, I felt I understood the contents of that letter.
"Thanks to you, I was able to feel my father and mother’s affection for the first time in a long while." (Sinaa)
"I am glad I could be of help." (Eun Seoho)
"I truly want to repay this kindness. So, may I ask if you have any interest in trade with the Maraeseo Kingdom?" (Sinaa)
"...!"
She said,
"If you wish, I can speak to my father and build a bridge for you." (Sinaa)
When I recovered that letter this time, I had not thought this far.
But if she offers it like this, I cannot miss it.
At that moment, a servant reported that Uncle and Brother Seonil had come home.
I said to Princess Sinaa,
"I would like to discuss the details after dinner." (Eun Seoho)