Chapter 639
Chapter 639
Chapter 639. The Incident in Sichuan Province (2)
What I saw before my eyes was a group numbering around a hundred people.
At the head of them, a familiar person was waving his hand.
“I have come.” (Crown Prince)
“This humble merchant greets Y-Your Highness the Crown Prince!” (Eun Seoho)
“Young Company Leader Eun Seoho! I have come too!” (Prince Seongbo)
“This humble merchant greets Your Highness Prince Seongbo!” (Eun Seoho)
The Crown Prince and even His Highness Prince Seongbo……
No, Your Majesty the Emperor. What in the world is this?
Honestly, I thought he would send one official.
Perhaps my dumbfounded expression was amusing, because the Crown Prince laughed and said,
“Oh my! You seem quite surprised. I think this is the first time I have seen such an expression on your face.” (Crown Prince)
“Yes. I am surprised.” (Eun Seoho)
After the Crown Prince, Prince Seongbo dismounted from his horse and approached, saying,
“Young Company Leader Eun. I came too……” (Prince Seongbo)
Prince Seongbo grumbled quietly.
He was someone I had formed a connection with before, when rescuing Imperial Prince Juhyeon, who had been detained in Chungyeong Castle.
At the time he had been an imperial prince, but I heard that he had recently been formally invested as Prince Seongbo.
He had been with us as a Royal Guard named Sowoon, and because I was worried his impatient personality might ruin things, I had worked him rather hard……
I had even made him bark like a dog in order to deceive the enemies and make him pretend to be my faithful confidant.
But why does he now look like a puppy wagging its tail in front of me?
“Yes, Your Highness Prince Seongbo. It is an honor to meet you again like this.” (Eun Seoho)
I greeted him once more, then asked the Crown Prince.
“But what brings you all the way here?” (Eun Seoho)
“What brings us here? Is it not because of what you reported to His Majesty through Great Hero Jinyoung? We are also going to Sichuan Province for relief activities.” (Crown Prince)
“The two of you personally?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is right. Take this. Imperial Father told me to deliver it to you.” (Crown Prince)
He held out a scroll to me, and I quickly knelt there and respectfully received the imperial decree with both hands.
[How impertinent of you to saddle Us only with infamy while trying to take all the fame for yourself! No news has yet come in from Sichuan Province, but if you are moving like this, then it must be certain. This time, We intend to gain some fame instead of infamy as well. Hear the details from the Crown Prince.]
I quietly sighed inwardly and rolled the scroll back up.
Your Majesty, did you hate your infamy that much?
I knew you held grudges, but this is even longer-lasting than I expected.
And Your Majesty, relieving people harmed by an earthquake is originally the country’s work.
I tucked the scroll into my bosom and said to the Crown Prince,
“His Majesty the Emperor told me to hear the details from Your Highness the Crown Prince.” (Eun Seoho)
The Crown Prince nodded and explained the circumstances that had brought him here.
And they say that the number of people the emperor was dispatching for relief activities this time amounted to a staggering ten thousand.
So he could not bring them all here, and they were preparing separately.
With that many people, the chaos in Sichuan Province would calm down quickly.
The amount of supplies sent by the imperial palace would be considerable as well, and I intended to make many preparations too.
Soon, we departed for Sichuan Province.
As we traveled, I glanced at the Crown Prince and Prince Seongbo.
Sending the Crown Prince for relief activities in this matter was likely preliminary work for the Crown Prince’s future reign.
It was to have him observe the people’s livelihood and also experience relief work so that later, if any corrupt official embezzled supplies sent down by the state for relief activities, he would be able to notice it.
Since the Crown Prince himself was moving, there would hardly be anyone bold enough to do such a thing.
Moreover, from the perspective of Sichuan Province’s officials and the empire’s people, the fact that the Crown Prince had personally come would deepen their loyalty.
In other words, this meant it was not simply grumbling at me, but a decision with various calculations laid beneath it.
But why was Prince Seongbo going with us?
That question was resolved thanks to the Crown Prince’s question.
“What kind of place is Sichuan Province?” (Crown Prince)
“I apologize, but I do not quite understand Your Highness’s intention in asking that.” (Eun Seoho)
“Intention…… There is no need to think of it so seriously.” (Crown Prince)
The Crown Prince continued speaking.
“I am only asking because my younger brother here became Prince Seongbo this time and will be going to Sichuan Province, so I want to know about that place.” (Crown Prince)
Ah…… Now I remember.
Come to think of it, Prince Seongbo had established his princely manor in Sichuan Province.
I remembered hearing in my previous life that Prince Jinseung, with whom I had been friendly, had gone to Sichuan to meet his older brother, Prince Seongbo.
“If that is the case, then I do not think you need to worry so much. There are no people with as much unity as those of Sichuan Province.” (Eun Seoho)
Perhaps because, geographically, transportation with other places is not smooth, those from Sichuan Province tend to band together strongly.
“However, that may feel exclusive to other people, but that cannot be helped. Is it not a region historically called a natural fortress? Recently, there has been comparatively more exchange, but it is still less than in other regions.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see.” (Crown Prince)
“If Your Highness wishes to form a close bond with them, there are several methods. The most representative among them is marriage.” (Eun Seoho)
“The most common method.” (Crown Prince)
“That is correct. So, if you have not yet married, taking a woman from Sichuan Province as your spouse is also a good method.” (Eun Seoho)
Like my uncle.
“What is another method?” (Crown Prince)
“It is something Your Highness must diligently work at, but frequently summoning the influential figures of Sichuan Province and deepening your relationship with them is also a good method.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is naturally something I must do.” (Crown Prince)
“That is correct. Since you are going for relief activities like this, if you do your utmost to care for them this time, there will be no need to have such worries. They will also know Your Highness’s sincerity and open their hearts to you.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thank you. Hearing that makes me think I must work even harder.” (Crown Prince)
Like that, we advanced toward Sichuan Province.
Since it was such a large procession, our speed was rather slow.
That was why we had moved in haste.
We chose the route that passed through Yichang, went by the foot of Mount Wudang, and crossed through Shaanxi.
It was not the faster route, but this road was the widest and safest.
Since countless supplies and over ten thousand people were moving, we had to choose a wide and safe road.
I sent a letter to Father in advance through Geumnyeong.
Originally, I had planned to stop by the main headquarters on the way to Sichuan, see Father, and then move on, but the schedule changed.
Because the emperor had sent a relief group on a larger scale than expected.
On the way, we came to pass Mount Wudang.
In the middle was the Sword-Surrendering Ground, and Wudang Sect disciples were patrolling around it.
Soon, a Wudang Sect disciple appeared before us.
“Where have you come from?” (Wudang Disciple)
A polite greeting, though he did not hide his wariness at the large number of people.
“Show respect. These are His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness Prince Seongbo.” (Attendant)
“Huk!” (Wudang Disciple)
He quickly showed proper courtesy.
“A disciple of Wudang greets Your Highnesses. A thousand years! A thousand years! A thousand thousand years!” (Wudang Disciple)
No matter how much noninterference existed between officials and the murim, they too were people living in the empire, so they could not help but be absolutely loyal to the imperial family.
What the orthodox sects of the murim feared most was not the black path or the Demonic Cult, but the imperial palace itself.
If they were accused of something like treason, an army of tens of thousands would come flooding in.
To ease their burden, I stepped forward.
“I am Eun Seoho, Young Company Leader of the Eunhae Trading Company.” (Eun Seoho)
“We greet our benefactor!” (Wudang Disciple)
“Currently, we are on our way to provide relief after hearing that an earthquake has struck Sichuan Province. So, may I ask you to guide us to a quick road?” (Eun Seoho)
That disciple readily nodded.
“Of course. I will guide you myself.” (Wudang Disciple)
Since the disciples of the Wudang Sect roam Mount Wudang, they should be very familiar with the geography around here.
That was why I asked them for help.
“There is a road that is somewhat rough but shorter, and there is a road that takes a little more time but is that much flatter. Which road should I guide you to?” (Wudang Disciple)
“As you can see, we have a great many people and must transport supplies as well, so I ask for the latter.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Wudang Disciple)
Like that, we departed again.
Of course, we did not surrender our swords.
The matter of the Sword-Surrendering Ground was not a rule that applied to people of the imperial palace.
As we moved under the Wudang Sect disciple’s guidance, I said worriedly,
“Thank you for helping us like this, but I am worried that we are passing through without explaining the circumstances to the Sect Leader.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he waved his hand.
“What are you saying? This is a matter of the imperial palace, and you said it is for relief, did you not? If we had not moved immediately, we would instead be reprimanded.” (Wudang Disciple)
“Your words put my heart much more at ease.” (Eun Seoho)
Well, considering the Wudang Sect’s disposition and the Sect Leader’s character, it would be as he said.
As soon as the disciple guiding us met another Wudang Sect disciple on patrol, he explained the circumstances to him and handed us over.
“I will guide you from here.” (Wudang Disciple)
He guided us well, and we were able to cross Mount Wudang without any incident.
“Convey my thanks to the Sect Leader of the Wudang Sect.” (Crown Prince)
“Your grace is immeasurable. We of the Wudang Sect are only moved that we could be of help.” (Wudang Disciple)
Like that, we safely arrived in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
And taking only some of the people, including the Crown Prince and Prince Seongbo, we first headed to the Provincial Administration Commissioner’s Office.
At this, the officials of the Provincial Administration Commissioner’s Office were startled and ran out to offer their respects.
“Rise.” (Crown Prince)
“Your grace is immeasurable.” (Officials)
“Where is the Provincial Administration Commissioner?” (Crown Prince)
At that question, one of the officials of the Provincial Administration Commissioner’s Office answered while sweating cold.
“Currently, the Provincial Administration Commissioner is away. He received a report that an earthquake had occurred northwest of Chengdu, and went to investigate and handle it.” (Official)
“I see.” (Crown Prince)
The Crown Prince continued gently.
“You all need not worry too much. I have come because Imperial Father sent me to minimize the damage from the earthquake in Sichuan Province.” (Crown Prince)
“Th, the earthquake happened the day before yesterday, however……” (Official)
“I see.” (Crown Prince)
The Crown Prince nodded and said,
“As expected, Imperial Father’s insight is beyond fathoming.” (Crown Prince)
That shameless look is far too familiar……
Beside me, Palgap said in a small voice,
“It certainly seems His Highness the Crown Prince has been greatly influenced by Young Master.” (Palgap)
……It was me.
I did understand why the Crown Prince said that, since it would be a little awkward to say they had been waiting based on my prophetic dream.
“I have not come to be served, but for the people of Sichuan Province, so refrain from excessive ceremony.” (Crown Prince)
“We receive your command.” (Official)
“Then guide us to where the Provincial Administration Commissioner is.” (Crown Prince)
We headed to where the Provincial Administration Commissioner was said to be under the guidance of an official.
On the way there, we could see the devastation caused by the earthquake.
Houses whose roofs had cracked and collapsed.
People sitting in front of them with blank expressions, and people trying to salvage even one household item.
People wailing over the injured and the dead……
“As expected, the situation is not good. It is pandemonium.” (Crown Prince)
I too agreed with a bitter expression.
“You are correct. Still, it is fortunate that we do not seem to be too late.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is thanks to you. Thank you once again.” (Crown Prince)
“I am glad I could be of help.” (Eun Seoho)
I said that, but my heart was deeply grateful to Miss Seohyang, who had told me this in advance.
If she had not told me, I would have belatedly struck my forehead and regretted it.
Soon, we were able to meet the Provincial Administration Commissioner.
“Huk! I greet His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness Prince Seongbo! A thousand years! A thousand years! A thousand thousand years!” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
As soon as the Provincial Administration Commissioner saw the Crown Prince, he showed proper courtesy.
“Rise.” (Crown Prince)
“Your grace is immeasurable.” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
“You have worked hard.” (Crown Prince)
“Not at all. I am only fulfilling the duty entrusted to me by His Majesty the Emperor.” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
“What is the current situation?” (Crown Prince)
The Provincial Administration Commissioner reported the situation briefly and concisely.
“An earthquake occurred in the area northwest of Chengdu. This area is mountainous, so rockfalls have occurred all over, and roads and bridges have been cut off. Therefore, we have not yet grasped the full scale of the damage.” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
“I see.” (Crown Prince)
“The one fortunate thing in this misfortune is that the damage around Chengdu is not very great.” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
If an earthquake had occurred in Chengdu, the problem would have been far more serious than now.
“The situation was worse than expected. I have brought supplies and troops for relief. You will take responsibility and command them.” (Crown Prince)
“Your grace is immeasurable.” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
“Then I will go see the Regional Military Commissioner and the Surveillance Commissioner.” (Crown Prince)
Because there might be those who would take advantage of this chaos to commit treacherous acts.
I approached the Crown Prince.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, I will move separately.” (Eun Seoho)
“Do so.” (Crown Prince)
At this, Prince Seongbo said to the Crown Prince,
“Hyung-nim. After you meet the Regional Military Commissioner and the Surveillance Commissioner, I will also move together with Young Company Leader Eun Seoho.” (Prince Seongbo)
“……?” (Crown Prince)
At the gaze containing the question of why, Prince Seongbo said,
“Somehow, I think that side will be more rewarding.” (Prince Seongbo)
At those words, the Crown Prince smiled faintly and nodded.
“Understood. Do so.” (Crown Prince)
Like that, the Crown Prince left with Prince Seongbo to meet the Regional Military Commissioner.
The Provincial Administration Commissioner deeply bowed his head as he watched them go, then raised it.
The corners of his eyes had reddened.
He is crying.
“Hk! I never imagined support would be sent this quickly…… How am I to repay this imperial grace?” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
Seeing that, I scratched my cheek.
Well, I would be moved too.
I carefully approached him and greeted him.
“This humble merchant is Eun Seoho of the Eunhae Trading Company. I greet the Provincial Administration Commissioner.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah! You are that famous Fairy Hero Beauty!” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
His reaction was very favorable.
As expected, he knows about me.
“But why are you moving together with His Highness the Crown Prince?” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
“I came together with His Highness the Crown Prince by His Majesty the Emperor’s command.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see.” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
“Our Eunhae Trading Company also intends to devote all our strength to relief. Please entrust us with anything.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thank you. Then I ask you to open the roads and transport supplies.” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
“That sort of thing is our specialty. Where should we go first?” (Eun Seoho)
“I ask you to go to the Emei Sect.” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
At the unexpected request, I tilted my head.
“Is that place not somewhat distant from here?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is right. So the damage there likely was not so great. And work around here is already underway as well.” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
He continued speaking.
“Therefore, I intend to receive their help. In a situation like this, those murim forces are not only helpful for relief activities, but also for maintaining public order.” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
From the Provincial Administration Commissioner’s words, I could make my evaluation of him.
He is a calm and wise person.
I should get close to him from now on.