Chapter 638
Chapter 638
Chapter 638. The Incident in Sichuan Province (1)
When I went out of the exhibition hall, four noblewomen were approaching the exhibition hall together.
“This humble merchant greets the honored ladies.” (Eun Seoho and Jeongho)
Brother Jeongho and I greeted them politely and received them.
“My daughter praised it so highly that I could not help coming.” (Noblewoman)
At the words of the elderly noblewoman, Brother Jeongho responded with a smile.
“Thank you. I hope our Hwa Yunryeo’s works will also please you, Madam. By any chance, did you bring an invitation?” (Jeongho)
At this, the noblewoman I had seen a few days ago held out an invitation, and after checking the invitation, we guided them inside.
Because with an invitation, they could enter immediately without standing in line.
After that, noblewomen continued visiting the exhibition one after another, and each purchased at least one piece of jewelry.
They were quite expensive items, but seeing them buy without hesitation, I was certain that my idea to hold the exhibition had been right.
“Oh my, what truly beautiful jewelry.” (Noblewoman)
“Is this really the only one of its kind in the world?” (Noblewoman)
“I will have to become a regular here.” (Noblewoman)
Watching that, I smiled in satisfaction.
Now, through word of mouth from them, the name Hwa Yunryeo would quickly spread.
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The three-day exhibition ended.
And the manager in charge of this Hwa Yunryeo business reported the accounts.
“……Therefore, the net profit from this exhibition is…….” (Manager)
Upon hearing this, all of us could only gape.
I had expected there would be a large profit, but to think it would be this much.
“It seems the jewelry made from the cursed raw stone gave us more publicity than expected.” (Manager)
“I do not know who started that rumor, but their stomach must be aching quite a bit.” (Manager)
Perhaps they had moved rather carefully, because we had not yet found evidence of those who had spread the rumor.
But even if there was no physical evidence, we had circumstantial suspicion.
At the managers’ words, Brother Jeongho nodded.
“That must be true. But is this not, as they say, reaping what they sowed?” (Jeongho)
“That is correct.” (Manager)
“If the income is this large, how about holding another exhibition next time?” (Manager)
That is far too short-sighted.
I was about to refute that opinion, but Brother Jeongho was faster than I was.
“I do not think that is a good idea. Drawing people’s attention and promoting ourselves through an exhibition ends here. People adapt faster than one might think. Rather, they may grow bored, and it may also make us appear low-class.” (Jeongho)
Brother Jeongho, as expected.
He understood exhibitions properly.
Something like this had to end as a one-time thing, not something that could be done periodically.
“Still, thank you for offering various opinions for Hwa Yunryeo.” (Jeongho)
And on top of that, the magnanimity to embrace everyone.
Seeing that, Brother Jeongho is definitely the one with the vessel of a Trading Company Leader.
For someone with a bad personality like mine, I think it would be difficult.
* Kkui?
Am I sulking because of what Palgap said before?
No…… not really.
It is true that my personality is bad, and it is also true that this personality is helpful at times.
It just hurt a little because his words struck me right in the bones.
Still, because it is Palgap, he can bluntly give me direct advice like that. Who else would do that to me?
Anyway, since Hwa Yunryeo’s business has begun successfully, I suppose I no longer need to worry about it.
And just like in my previous life, Brother Jeongho will lead it well.
It is now March, when the weather will soon grow warm.
Around this time, I feel like something major happened…….
When I returned to my office after the meeting, what I saw was Miss Seohyang fidgeting restlessly.
“Ah! Young Company Leader!” (Seohyang)
“What is the matter?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, Miss Seohyang glanced at Adjutant Gal.
Understanding what she meant, I suggested taking a walk for a moment.
“Shall we take a walk for a bit?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Seohyang)
I headed to the rear garden with her, and in a secluded place, I asked her.
“What is the matter?” (Eun Seoho)
“A great earthquake will happen in Sichuan Province.” (Seohyang)
“……!” (Eun Seoho)
The moment I heard those words, I realized what it was that I had been trying to recall.
The incident that shook the empire around the time the famine was coming to an end.
It was none other than the large-scale earthquake that occurred in Sichuan Province.
It was a place where earthquakes had always been frequent, but this earthquake was so large that it was on an entirely different level.
Even so, the reason I had not immediately remembered it was because the Eunhae Trading Company had suffered almost no damage.
This great earthquake occurred in western Sichuan Province, and the east, including Chengdu, suffered relatively less damage.
Because of that, the Qingcheng Sect, one of the martial world forces, suffered the greatest damage.
I remember that the Emei Sect was also affected by the aftermath of the earthquake, but it was not that severe.
Then there is no need to force Sister Hyangok to evacuate.
Let us think calmly.
In my memory, this great earthquake in Sichuan Province had a more severe aftermath than the damage at the time of the earthquake itself.
Because the earthquake had occurred at a completely unexpected time, and landslides also took place, many regions were isolated, delaying proper recovery.
In addition, because of Sichuan Province’s geographical characteristics, support from other regions was not easy.
The terrain like a natural fortress had instead become poison.
The officials of Sichuan Province struggled to recover, but in the end, it was only stabilized after the large-scale support unit sent by the emperor arrived.
Then what I must do now is decided.
Send support to Sichuan Province in advance.
I cannot stop the earthquake, but I must at least handle the aftermath well.
“Adjutant Gwak. I am going to Sichuan. It would be best for you to remain here, where it is safe.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, she shook her head.
“I am the one promised in marriage to the Young Company Leader. They say husband and wife are of one mind and body, so where could my husband go that I cannot?” (Seohyang)
“It is a dangerous and harsh road.” (Eun Seoho)
“Is it because I will hold you back?” (Seohyang)
“That is not it.” (Eun Seoho)
I hurriedly waved my hands.
“You are such a great help to me, so why would you say that?” (Eun Seoho)
“Then I will go with you too. Surely there will be places that need my strength.” (Seohyang)
With her saying this much, I could no longer stop her.
“And among the places we have gone together until now, there were the Northern Ice Palace and Yun’nan too. Are there places more dangerous than those?” (Seohyang)
“…….” (Eun Seoho)
I have nothing to say.
“Understood. Let us go together.” (Eun Seoho)
Now I should go find Brother Jeongho.
I also had to ask for his understanding about my being away for a long time, and there were things I had to ask of him too.
I immediately headed to Brother Jeongho’s office.
“What is it?” (Jeongho)
Although this exhibition had been a great success, Brother Jeongho’s face did not have as broad a smile as I had expected.
“I thought you would be happier.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah…….” (Jeongho)
Brother Jeongho let out a sigh.
“Because the real beginning starts now. Is it an ordinary task to make sure the shop called Hwa Yunryeo can continue its reputation?” (Jeongho)
Brother continued speaking.
“As you know, how many shops are there that shine brightly at the beginning like this and then disappear?” (Jeongho)
“Well, that is true.” (Eun Seoho)
It was exactly as Brother Jeongho said.
“There are quite a few shops that start with great momentum at first, but soon are forgotten from people’s memories, to the point that no one even knows whether they went out of business.” (Jeongho)
“Right. The important thing is precisely not being forgotten from people’s memories. To that end, it is important to consistently present good products, but a kind of social perception is also important…….” (Eun Seoho)
“We have to make people keep mentioning us, but we must not appear low-class either…. It truly is difficult.” (Jeongho)
If Brother Jeongho is worrying over this, then this is perfect.
“Then this works out well. Brother, this time, set aside twenty percent of the money earned from the exhibition.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hm? Why?” (Jeongho)
“You know Geumnyeong, the one I keep, right?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. That spiritual creature that looks like a pig the size of a fist, right?” (Jeongho)
“Huh? How did you know it was a spiritual creature?” (Eun Seoho)
“When I was stranded, that fellow threatened the raccoons there into telling me about the Hundred-Year Purple Spirit Yam and saved my life. Wouldn’t it be stranger if it were not a spiritual creature?” (Jeongho)
“Well, that is true. Anyway, I wonder if Young Master Seong Yujin is doing well.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, you do not need to worry about him.” (Jeongho)
“Hm?” (Eun Seoho)
“I received a letter before coming here. They say his martial arts have already reached the level of a first-rate martial artist.” (Jeongho)
“That is a relief.” (Eun Seoho)
Brother Jeongho’s martial arts level is also at the first-rate level.
It is thanks to eating the Hundred-Year Purple Spirit Yam.
But this is a secret not revealed to the outside.
That way, he can survive even if an attack that might happen does occur.
“So, why are you bringing up Geumnyeong?” (Jeongho)
“I had Geumnyeong run an errand. I was curious whether that Hundred-Year Purple Spirit Yam was still growing well. But, well, according to Geumnyeong, a great earthquake will happen in Sichuan Province.” (Eun Seoho)
“What?” (Jeongho)
Startled, Brother Jeongho sprang to his feet.
“A great earthquake?” (Jeongho)
“Yes. An unbelievably great earthquake. Fortunately, the area around Chengdu is all right, but he says the northwest is the problem. So I am going to visit Sichuan Province myself.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, so you are saying you will use part of the profits from this exhibition for Sichuan Province.” (Jeongho)
I nodded.
Even though the Eunhae Trading Company’s Sichuan branch would suffer no damage, the reason I was deliberately going to Sichuan Province.
That aligned with what Brother Jeongho was worrying about.
It was also because I could not simply stand by and watch those suffering from a natural disaster, but it was also an opportunity to raise the name of the Eunhae Trading Company.
“Right. Then, as Brother said, the social perception of us will improve another level.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is a good idea. But will you be all right? In any case, going to a place where an earthquake has occurred is dangerous, and recovering from it will not be an ordinary task either.” (Jeongho)
At Brother Jeongho’s concern, I smiled and said,
“You do not need to worry about that.” (Eun Seoho)
After receiving Brother Jeongho’s permission like that, I immediately ordered preparations to head to Sichuan, then sent Martial Artist Ipil to deliver a letter to Great Hero Jinyoung.
That evening.
Great Hero Jinyoung came to find me.
“This humble merchant greets the Great Hero.” (Eun Seoho)
“You caused quite a splendid affair this time.” (Jinyoung)
“What do you mean?” (Eun Seoho)
“Was it a cursed jewel? I am talking about this exhibition.” (Jinyoung)
“Ah! You mean Haebaek.” (Eun Seoho)
“So, is that real?” (Jinyoung)
The other party is one of the Royal Guards.
I do not know his intention in asking like this when he knows everything already, but there is no reason to lie either.
“The jewel is real, but that rumor is probably not real. We merely used a rumor started by a rival trading company.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hahahaha! As expected, that was the case.” (Jinyoung)
Great Hero Jinyoung laughed loudly.
“The Hwang Trading Company’s stomach must be aching.” (Jinyoung)
As I thought, it was the Hwang Trading Company’s doing.
He had brought up that story to hint it to me.
“Yes, my wife went there this time as well and bought a hairpin.” (Jinyoung)
“I see. But when did she come? If I had known she had come, I would have given it to her as a gift.” (Eun Seoho)
“Tsk! How could that be allowed?” (Jinyoung)
Great Hero Jinyoung waved his hand.
“I have enough leeway to buy a hairpin. And with His Majesty there, if I carelessly accepted something like that, I would be severely punished.” (Jinyoung)
True. With the emperor watching with both eyes wide open, if a Royal Guard received such jewelry, he might even lose his head.
Considering the ends of the Royal Guards who had taken bribes and harmed the empire until now, it is far more desirable to refuse and devote oneself to the work of the Royal Guards.
“My apologies. This humble merchant failed to consider the circumstances and put the Great Hero in an awkward position.” (Eun Seoho)
“No need to go that far. I will gratefully accept the sentiment.” (Jinyoung)
“I apologize once again.” (Eun Seoho)
“So, why did you call me?” (Jinyoung)
Now for the main point.
I said to Great Hero Jinyoung,
“I have come to tell you in advance and ask for your understanding because I will be going to Sichuan Province.” (Eun Seoho)
“Sichuan Province? Is it because of trading company business?” (Jinyoung)
“It can be seen that way, but to be precise, it is in order to conduct relief activities in Sichuan Province.” (Eun Seoho)
“Relief activities? Has an incident occurred in Sichuan Province?” (Jinyoung)
Great Hero Jinyoung’s face immediately turned serious.
That was only natural. He would not have received any report from Sichuan Province, but if an incident had occurred, it would be an extremely serious matter.
“Not yet.” (Eun Seoho)
“Not yet? What does that mean now? Explain in detail so I can understand.” (Jinyoung)
“Yes. The Great Hero is also aware, but I do sometimes have prophetic dreams, do I not?” (Eun Seoho)
I brought out something I had used before after a long time.
In order to explain how I had come to know in advance about the earthquake in Sichuan Province, this was the best way.
Because I could not tell an outsider who was not family about Miss Seohyang, nor could I tell him about Geumnyeong.
“Prophetic dreams?” (Jinyoung)
Great Hero Jinyoung stroked his chin with a serious expression.
Prophetic dreams are, in one sense, truly absurd, but I had already left precedent.
Because of my prophetic dream, we had been able to prepare for the famine in advance.
That was why Great Hero Jinyoung could not dismiss it.
“Countless commoners will die because they cannot receive treatment in time, isolated people will starve to death, and bands of thieves will run wild, increasing the chaos.” (Eun Seoho)
I caught my breath for a moment before continuing.
“Our Eunhae Trading Company has a branch in Sichuan Province, and my relatives are there as well. So how could I simply stand by and watch the difficulties there?” (Eun Seoho)
“So you are saying the trading company will go to Sichuan Province to provide support?” (Jinyoung)
“That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
I nodded.
“Through this exhibition, the opening event for Hwa Yunryeo, we gained a great deal of profit. I thought we should shoulder even a portion of that profit for the peace of this empire.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see.” (Jinyoung)
Great Hero Jinyoung rose from his seat with a grave face.
“Understood. Then I will be going now. I must meet His Majesty.” (Jinyoung)
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The next day.
At my instruction, Palgap and the escort martial artists moved busily and completed preparations for departure.
For this matter, as many as twenty members of the Eunpung Unit were also selected.
I requested escort transport from the Changin Escort Agency, which had not yet returned, and decided to travel together to Hubei Province.
After reorganizing there, we would head to Sichuan Province.
It was while we were preparing for departure in the wagon yard.
Hm?
I suddenly sensed an enormous number of people approaching this place.
What is it?
I hurried outside and was startled.