Chapter 619
Chapter 619
Chapter 619. The Circumstances of That Land (1)
Dinner with Aunt’s family for the first time in a long while was warm and harmonious.
The conversation mainly revolved around me and Miss Seohyang, which must mean they had that much interest in us.
“I heard the food brought from overseas this time was considerable.” (Seonil)
At Brother Seonil’s words, I nodded.
“Yes. There will probably be twice as much as last time.” (Eun Seoho)
Thanks to the special environment of the Daewol Kingdom, where farming can be done as many as three times a year, they have no problem at all even if they export large quantities of food.
And thanks to the popularity of the goods we took this time, we were able to import even more food.
“And I also heard that you found the letter His Majesty the King of the Maraeseo Kingdom sent to his daughter.” (Seonil)
At Brother Seonil’s words, Princess Sinaa said,
“You may simply call him Father-in-law.” (Sinaa)
“Still, he is undoubtedly the king of a country. How could I do that? My wife.” (Seonil)
It seems their forms of address have not been perfectly settled yet.
Well, I understand Brother Seonil’s position.
Brother Seonil turned his head toward me and said,
“In any case, I wanted to say thank you.” (Seonil)
“For what? I merely did what I naturally had to do.” (Eun Seoho)
“Even if you say it was natural, nothing in this world is natural.” (Seonil)
That is true, in fact.
After we finished dinner like that, Uncle and Aunt rose from their seats.
Because they were busy people.
Like that, the ones left in the room were only me, Miss Seohyang, and Brother Seonil and his wife.
Now I want to talk about trade with the Maraeseo Kingdom, but it feels a little awkward for me to bring it up first....
Perhaps sensing that I was hesitating, Princess Sinaa said,
“Then shall we continue the conversation from earlier?” (Sinaa)
“What conversation do you mean?” (Seonil)
At Brother Seonil’s words, Princess Sinaa answered,
“As thanks for finding the letter and gift my father sent this time, I am thinking of arranging trade with my homeland.” (Sinaa)
“If you do that, I would be the more grateful one, but... will it be all right?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Sinaa)
She nodded.
“Because you are someone trustworthy.” (Sinaa)
I did not think I was quite that much, but seeing her gaze and expression, I felt needlessly embarrassed.
“So I would like to ask your intention. Are you interested?” (Sinaa)
“You say the obvious.” (Eun Seoho)
The Maraeseo Kingdom was a country farther away than the Daewol Kingdom, and it was famous as a producing region of tin, which is essential for handling metals.
Tin is produced in the Empire as well, but the quantity is small, so it is very expensive.
Therefore, if it can be imported and sold, a considerable profit can be made.
Besides tin, specialties such as pepper and special dyes are also famous.
So it is an opportunity that must never be missed.
“If so, prepare for it by the next trade journey. And then you need to go with me to the Maraeseo Kingdom.” (Sinaa)
“Pardon? Are you saying you will go in person?” (Eun Seoho)
“To be exact, I intend to go with my husband. My parents say they want to see my husband.” (Sinaa)
Perhaps this had already been discussed, because Brother Seonil did not object and nodded.
Since it was an opportunity to strengthen friendship with the Maraeseo Kingdom, the Emperor would probably appoint Brother Seonil as an imperial envoy and send him.
.
.
.
After finishing the discussion with Princess Sinaa like that, I returned to the Beijing branch with Miss Seohyang.
I changed clothes, sat on the bed, and organized my plans going forward.
Since I had set so many things in motion, I needed to decide the priorities among them.
Of course, they were all matters that needed to proceed, but I only had one body.
Yes, decided.
The matter that must be handled with the highest priority is the expansion of the Luoyang branch.
Luoyang is where the Martial Alliance is located, but it is also a key transportation point in Henan Province.
Because of that, even if not as much as the Beijing branch, there is a need to increase its scale somewhat.
In one way or another, the number of times I have to go to Luoyang is gradually increasing, and it is inconvenient to stay at an inn each time.
Money is money, but there is also the issue of security.
And there is a reason we must not delay the expansion of the Luoyang branch any further.
For now, the Baekcheon Merchant Guild has not been that wary of our Eunhae Merchant Guild.
They have suffered losses in various ways because of us, but we are not yet direct competitors.
But if our presence grows larger than it is now, they will be wary of us and interfere in all sorts of ways.
How can I assert that?
Because, of course, that is how it was in my previous life.
I wanted to expand the Luoyang branch earlier, but because of various circumstances, I could only promote the expansion of the Luoyang branch after entering the top ten of the Hundred Great Merchant Guilds ranking.
At that time, the Baekcheon Merchant Guild had come to regard our Eunhae Merchant Guild as a thorn in their side, and because of the Martial Alliance’s interference, it was truly tearfully difficult.
This time, I must not repeat the mistake of that time.
Then I should go straight to Luoyang.
Because through this Eunwol Pavilion meeting, Father entrusted me with full authority over the expansion of the Luoyang branch.
That is why I can choose the site as I wish.
Once the site is prepared, the rest will proceed in one stroke.
After laying out the framework for the Luoyang branch expansion like that, I can go to the main guild and report to Father.
And I will need to discuss the marriage as well.
By then, Father should have returned from Guizhou Province.
“Eui? Why are you suddenly grinning like that, sir?” (Palgap)
At that moment, Palgap, who had entered my room, asked.
I quickly straightened my expression and asked back,
“When did I?” (Eun Seoho)
“You do not have to hide it from me, sir. Were you not thinking about your marriage to Lieutenant Gwak?” (Palgap)
Tch! His intuition is disgustingly sharp.
“Enough. Prepare to depart for Luoyang.” (Eun Seoho)
“Pardon? To Luoyang, sir?” (Palgap)
“Yes. We will leave within a few days.” (Eun Seoho)
The next day.
I asked Warrior Ipil to deliver a letter to Master Jinyeong.
Master Jinyeong came to find me that very day.
“You have come? Master.” (Eun Seoho)
“His Majesty the Emperor is looking for you.” (Jinyeong)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
By the way, by now, more than enough time should have passed for those who committed abuses on Hainan Island to have been escorted to Beijing.
“I... have something I would like to ask.” (Eun Seoho)
“What is it?” (Jinyeong)
“This time, the branch lord of Hainan Island and the others should have been escorted to Beijing. What became of them?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah! Come to think of it, I had not told you that. I am sorry.” (Jinyeong)
“No, it is fine.” (Eun Seoho)
“You are the greatest contributor to that case, so naturally I should have told you the circumstances.” (Jinyeong)
Master Jinyeong continued speaking.
“First, that bastard Mo Gyeong was of the Royal Guards, so he was secretly executed. He was flayed alive.” (Jinyeong)
“...”
“And as for those who actively participated in this matter, including Branch Lord Geum Sagyeon, it has been decided that they will be publicly executed by lingchi.” (Jinyeong)
“Then that means...” (Eun Seoho)
“Tomorrow is the execution day.” (Jinyeong)
By the way, flaying and lingchi....
Both are extremely painful punishments that take time until one’s breath stops.
Hearing that, I felt I could tell just how angry the Emperor had been over the matters related to Hainan Island.
I did not think they were pitiful either.
Because they were people who had long sucked the lifeblood of the residents of Hainan Island.
“But there must also be people who became involved unintentionally, or against their will.” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course. In consideration of the circumstances, those people will receive light forced labor or fines.” (Jinyeong)
“I see. Then when will the execution be carried out tomorrow?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is scheduled to be carried out at the fourth hour in the morning.” (Jinyeong)
Mm, I have decided.
I should leave for Luoyang early tomorrow.
The execution will be carried out in an empty lot on the route to Luoyang, and the sight will be quite cruel.
Miss Seohyang must not be shocked by seeing that.
“If your curiosity is resolved, let us depart now.” (Jinyeong)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
A short while later.
I arrived at the imperial palace and faced the Emperor.
“I heard. You proposed quite loudly, did you not?” (Emperor)
“It is embarrassing, but yes.” (Eun Seoho)
“Well done. There ought to be such happy matters too.” (Emperor)
The Emperor had already noticed Miss Seohyang’s identity. That is why he was praising me.
“He will be pleased when he hears this.” (Emperor)
The Emperor continued speaking with a smile.
“And I heard that you found the letter the king of the Maraeseo Kingdom sent to his daughter this time.” (Emperor)
“Yes. That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
“And you caught the culprit as well.” (Emperor)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I did not act needlessly modest.
He already knows my abilities well anyway, and if I am needlessly modest, I might not receive what I am supposed to receive.
Of course, his desire to appoint me as an official may grow, but in order to prevent that, I have continued to show through my actions that it is better for me to remain a merchant.
“Thanks to that, we prevented relations with the Maraeseo Kingdom from worsening, and we were able to give strength to Regional Military Commissioner Ak.” (Emperor)
There is something political involved.
Complicated politics gives me a headache.
It is better for me to get only what I can gain and withdraw behind the scenes.
“I am glad I could be of help to Your Majesty.” (Eun Seoho)
“Are you glad because you were helpful, or are you glad because you are thinking of the reward you will receive because of it?” (Emperor)
Hup....
If you ask so directly, I become very embarrassed.
I politely bowed my head and answered,
“I merely rely on Your Majesty’s grace.” (Eun Seoho)
“The brat sure knows how to talk.” (Emperor)
The Emperor laughed softly.
“I shall add the repayment for this matter to your wedding gift.” (Emperor)
“My wedding gift, you say?” (Eun Seoho)
“Why? Do you not want it?” (Emperor)
“No! How could that be?” (Eun Seoho)
“Then go. Have a safe trip to Luoyang.” (Emperor)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
As I withdrew from before the Emperor, I tilted my head. So the reason the Emperor called me was....
It seems he wanted to say thank you.
Thinking about it, the Maraeseo Kingdom is an important trading partner from the Empire’s position, and Lord Ak is someone who will protect the Crown Prince, who must roll around in Nanjing.
It is enough to be worth saying thank you.
The next day.
As I had planned, I departed for Luoyang early in the morning.
Leaving behind the Imperial Guards moving busily for the execution, I drove the Zhu Gang horses.
It did not take very long from Beijing to Luoyang, and after a few days, we arrived in Luoyang.
“Welcome!” (Waiter)
The place we arrived at was Yeonpung Inn, where we had stayed before during the Great Murim Banquet.
The waiter greeted us gladly.
“Thank you for visiting our inn again.” (Waiter)
“I liked this place.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thank you. I will prepare rooms immediately.” (Waiter)
Like that, we entered the inn’s guest rooms and unpacked.
“Let us rest fully today and recover from the fatigue of travel, then move starting tomorrow.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Guards)
The next day.
I took the gift I had prepared in advance and headed to the Jegal Family’s residence in Luoyang.
Because I had heard that the Grand Patriarch was still here.
Come to think of it, it is almost the winter solstice.
At the last winter solstice, we were twentieth.
I was looking forward to how much higher our Eunhae Merchant Guild could rise this time.
I heard that follow-up discussions about the things discussed during the Great Murim Banquet would continue until the beginning of the year.
That was why the Grand Patriarch was in Luoyang.
The core discussions were over, and since they were discussions about detailed or additional matters, not the clan heads or sect leaders but other people were attending.
In the case of the Jegal Family, the Grand Patriarch was attending.
“Welcome!” (Gatekeeper)
The gatekeeper of the Jegal Family residence recognized me and hurriedly announced my visit.
Soon, I was guided to the reception room, and while I drank tea and waited, the Grand Patriarch entered.
“I am sorry to have kept you waiting so long.” (Grand Patriarch)
“No, not at all. The tea was delicious, so I was savoring it and did not notice the time passing.” (Eun Seoho)
“I am glad to hear that. Sit.” (Grand Patriarch)
I sat back down in my original seat.
“Has everyone been well?” (Eun Seoho)
“Everyone has been well.” (Grand Patriarch)
“That is a relief.” (Eun Seoho)
I held out the gift I had brought.
“I had business on Hainan Island this time, and I thought of you, Grand Patriarch, so I brought this.” (Eun Seoho)
“What is this?” (Grand Patriarch)
“It is Gudeong tea. The clear liquor color and the sweetness after the bitterness have a peculiar charm.” (Eun Seoho)
“Oho, I look forward to it.” (Grand Patriarch)
“The quality is very good, so even placing in just one leaf will be enough to produce a deep flavor. And if you steep it too long, the bitterness becomes strong, so you should drink it after only counting to about twenty.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood. Thank you for giving me such a precious gift.” (Grand Patriarch)
“Considering the grace I have received from you all this time, it is a gift that falls far short.” (Eun Seoho)
“No. Is it not the heart contained within it that matters?” (Grand Patriarch)
He seems very pleased.
For someone like the Grand Patriarch, giving jewels such as pearls is not very good.
Rather, it is better to show sincerity with something modest like this, and something he likes.
“I can only be grateful that you think so.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“In truth, there is something I would like to ask of you, Grand Patriarch.” (Eun Seoho)
“Speak.” (Grand Patriarch)
“Our Eunhae Merchant Guild wishes to expand the Luoyang branch. So we are currently searching for a site, but I was troubled because there is no suitable site.” (Eun Seoho)
This place is Luoyang.
It is a place where the influence of the murim is stronger than that of the authorities, so there will be no trouble afterward only if things go through them.
That is why I intend to secure a site through an introduction from the Grand Patriarch, the greatest murim connection I know.
“The Eunhae Merchant Guild has grown enough to expand its Luoyang branch!” (Grand Patriarch)
“It is all thanks to your care, Grand Patriarch.” (Eun Seoho)
“What have I done? I am the one who owes a debt to you. So what are the conditions?” (Grand Patriarch)
After hearing the conditions I wanted, the Grand Patriarch thought for a moment, then opened his mouth.
“I will look into it, so please return and wait a short while.” (Grand Patriarch)
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“And there is someone I would like to introduce to you.” (Eun Seoho)
I called Lieutenant Gwak, who had been standing behind me, to come beside me and said,
“She is the woman I will marry.” (Eun Seoho)
Because if I did not introduce her in advance like this, he might feel hurt later.
Even if it seems trivial, things like this are subtly important.
“Haha. You two seem to be a match made in heaven. Congratulations. Then when will the marriage be?” (Grand Patriarch)
“We are still in the stage of setting the date. Once the date is decided, I will inform you immediately.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood. Following my younger brother, even you are getting married! It is a double blessing for the Eunhae Merchant Guild!” (Grand Patriarch)
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
.
.
.
A few days later.
After receiving the Grand Patriarch’s summons, we came back to the Jegal Family residence.
“I found a site that meets the conditions you wanted.” (Grand Patriarch)
“That is fortunate. Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
“But there is a problem.” (Grand Patriarch)