Chapter 648
648
Chapter 648. Wrapping Up (1)
About half a month had passed since I came to the Qingcheng Sect.
My group and I opened the path toward Fengryeon Pavilion, and in the meantime, the disciples of the Sichuan Tang Clan and the Emei Sect also moved busily.
As a result, the Qingcheng Sect had become much more stable.
I am now on my way to see the Sect Leader.
Prince Seongbo had gone to the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner’s side after being summoned by the Crown Prince, so this time I was alone.
“Sect Leader. Master Seonhyeop Mirang has come.” (Disciple)
“Tell him to enter.” (Sect Leader)
I opened the door and went inside, then greeted the Sect Leader with proper courtesy.
“This humble merchant greets the Sect Leader.” (MC)
“Sit comfortably.” (Sect Leader)
I sat down, and the Sect Leader offered me tea.
We each took a sip of tea, and the Sect Leader asked first.
“So, what is the reason you wished to see this poor Taoist?” (Sect Leader)
“Do you not already have a guess?” (MC)
At my question, he nodded.
“It must be about the assassin who tried to kill my son.” (Sect Leader)
“That is correct. I thought the interrogation might be finished by now.” (MC)
At my words, the Sect Leader let out a sigh.
“I am sorry I could not meet your expectations. What came out of his mouth was only that he had moved after accepting a request, and that if he succeeded in killing Geumbong, he was to receive fifty nyang of gold.” (Sect Leader)
“That is quite expensive as the price for killing one person.” (MC)
“It is. Since he had to infiltrate our sect, the difficulty was not low. But…… he knew absolutely nothing beyond that.” (Sect Leader)
“Then it was simply an employment relationship?” (MC)
“As far as what has been revealed so far, yes.” (Sect Leader)
I recalled Warrior Jinyu’s words.
According to him, the assassin we caught this time was rather famous in that world.
“He is called the Explosive Needle Guest among assassins.” (Warrior Jinyu)
“The Explosive Needle Guest?” (MC)
“Yes. One of his specialties is exploding poisoned needles so that they lodge in the opponent’s body. Since the shattered pieces embed themselves in the body, treatment is nearly impossible.” (Warrior Jinyu)
“He is a cruel bastard. But you know quite a bit about assassins. That man we met before in Shandong as well.” (MC)
Warrior Jinyu had also noticed that the cook at Shandong’s Golden Rooster Pavilion was an outstanding assassin.
Since he had concealed his identity thoroughly, I learned only later that he had been the Dark Rain Guest.
“There was a time when the upper ranks of the organization I belonged to said they had a use for them and investigated assassins across the entire empire. I learned because of that.” (Warrior Jinyu)
“It must have been for times like this.” (MC)
“It seems so.” (Warrior Jinyu)
I raised my head and looked at the Sect Leader.
“What do you intend to do from now on?” (MC)
“I am thinking about it. If we are to learn anything more from him, I wonder if we should send him to the Martial Alliance.” (Sect Leader)
What?
That would not do.
Since the Martial Alliance was suspected of being the backer of this culprit or a place connected to him, if we sent him there, he would only be eliminated to silence him.
That would actually be fortunate.
It could not be said that there was no possibility an entirely unrelated person would be named as the culprit and sacrificed.
But I could not say that.
“I do not think that is a good method.” (MC)
“Why is that?” (Sect Leader)
“The one that assassin tried to kill is a disciple of Qingcheng. So how could you entrust this to the Martial Alliance, which may be called an outside institution?” (MC)
“Mm…….” (Sect Leader)
The Sect Leader still hesitated.
I gave another reason.
“As far as I know, there is also a branch of the Martial Alliance here in Sichuan. Is that not so?” (MC)
“That is right. The Sichuan branch of the Martial Alliance is in Chengdu.” (Sect Leader)
“But why are they not sending support? Support even came from the Emei Sect, which suffered damage from the earthquake, but not a single person was sent from the Sichuan branch of the Martial Alliance.” (MC)
At my words, the Sect Leader’s expression darkened.
“The Martial Alliance of today only concerns itself with reigning as the representative of the white path murim, and does not concern itself much with the circumstances of each sect.” (MC)
“Mm…….” (Sect Leader)
“Moreover, this assassin incident is also connected to the Qingcheng Sect’s disgrace. But handing over to them something that could reveal that disgrace? If it were me, I would not do that.” (MC)
“You are right. We must handle it on our side somehow.” (Sect Leader)
Fortunately, the Sect Leader accepted my opinion.
“If interrogating him any further is difficult, I will help you.” (MC)
“It is fine. There is no need for that.” (Sect Leader)
He shook his head and continued.
“We are not some completely rigid Taoist sect, and when necessary, we do not hesitate to spill blood.” (Sect Leader)
“I see. I have said something rude.” (MC)
I apologized while clasping my hands, and at that, the Sect Leader waved his hand.
“It is fine.” (Sect Leader)
I carefully changed the topic.
“There is one more thing I would like to ask.” (MC)
“What is it?” (Sect Leader)
“I heard you decided to accept financial support from the Sichuan Tang Clan.” (MC)
“That is right. We decided to do so. It seems the strength of our sect alone is insufficient.” (Sect Leader)
“I do not know how much money the Sichuan Tang Clan will support you with, but will that alone be enough?” (MC)
“I do not know. From there, we will have to do our best.” (Sect Leader)
That is a relief.
He does not seem averse to receiving support.
“If it is all right with you, our Eunha Trading Company would also like to lend our strength.” (MC)
“From the Eunha Trading Company?” (Sect Leader)
“Yes. The Eunha Trading Company also has a branch in Sichuan, does it not?” (MC)
“I have heard that…… but how much do you intend to support us with?” (Sect Leader)
“We will support you with a construction firm.” (MC)
“A construction firm?” (Sect Leader)
“Yes. And for the construction costs, we will only receive the cost of materials. We will not add profit, and of course, we will also cover what they eat and use.” (MC)
At my words, the Sect Leader made a startled expression.
“Is, is that true?” (Sect Leader)
“It is.” (MC)
However, the Sect Leader soon made a cautious expression.
“……What do you want from us? If you are providing such enormous support, there must be something you desire from us.” (Sect Leader)
“We want word of mouth.” (MC)
“Word of mouth?” (Sect Leader)
“Yes. Houses that nearly collapsed due to the earthquake usually do not last long. So they are usually torn down and rebuilt, and if such people come to consider our construction firm, I think that alone will make this matter worthwhile.” (MC)
“Is that your thought? Or is it the Eunha Trading Company’s thought?” (Sect Leader)
As expected, he is sharp.
But I had already received Father’s permission through Geumryeong, so I could answer confidently.
“It is the Eunha Trading Company’s thought.” (MC)
“I see.” (Sect Leader)
“In exchange, once all the buildings are built, it would be a great honor if the name of the Eunha Trading Company were engraved on the marker stones of those buildings.” (MC)
Usually, when building a structure, a marker stone is erected.
The date the building was built and such are engraved there.
“…….” (Sect Leader)
“Will you accept our Trading Company’s proposal?” (MC)
“This is not something I can decide alone. I will convene the Cheonmun Council, so would you wait a little?” (Sect Leader)
“Understood. But I hope that decision will not be too late. Since I have many tasks entrusted to me, I too must return when His Highness the Crown Prince returns.” (MC)
And since the Crown Prince now had to officially go to Nanjing, he could not stay here for that long either.
“I understand. I will inform you as quickly as possible.” (Sect Leader)
“Then I will take my leave…….” (MC)
As I greeted him and tried to rise from my seat, the Sect Leader stopped me.
“Master Seonhyeop Mirang.” (Sect Leader)
“You may call me Junior Merchant Leader Eun.” (MC)
“You have also learned martial arts and set foot in murim, so how could I call you that?” (Sect Leader)
“The things people say I performed as a chivalrous immortal were all actions I took for my own benefit. So that name burdens me a little.” (MC)
“Is that so? Huhu.” (Sect Leader)
The Sect Leader drank tea and looked at me.
“Does the intent matter? If the result brought about by your actions looks virtuous, then you are a virtuous person.” (Sect Leader)
The Sect Leader continued.
“But people’s eyes are also more accurate than one might think. If you were truly a villain, they would never have called you Seonhyeop Mirang.” (Sect Leader)
“…….” (MC)
“And I heard that thanks to you, my foolish junior brother finally came to face his son. I wanted to express my gratitude for that.” (Sect Leader)
Junior brother, then…….
Ah, he is talking about Taoist Inbong and his father, True Person Suncheong.
“Taoist Inbong asked me first.” (MC)
“I see. But how did you come to know about Suncheong?” (Sect Leader)
“I learned of him because he thanked me for helping his son. He also helped subdue the assassin this time.” (MC)
“I see. It was something that had continued to weigh on my mind, so I am truly grateful.” (Sect Leader)
Since this topic had come up, I decided to resolve something I had been curious about.
“Sect Leader, may I ask you something personal?” (MC)
“If it is something I can answer, I will answer.” (Sect Leader)
“I heard that you treat your children sternly. I am curious about why you do so.” (MC)
“The reason I treat those children sternly……” (Sect Leader)
Tak.
The Sect Leader set down his teacup and spoke.
“It is probably because I am the Sect Leader.” (Sect Leader)
“Pardon?” (MC)
“Compared to other sects, our sect’s Sect Leader does not have particularly strong authority. But even so, he is still the person who represents the sect. If my children wielded power while using my name as backing, what would become of this Qingcheng?” (Sect Leader)
So that was his intention.
Certainly, if he had not done that, an even bigger problem would have arisen.
What Taoist Geumbong had done was a good example.
And governing one’s children well was also one of the virtues of a desirable leader.
But there was one regrettable point.
“In that case, I think it would be best to explain that to your children.” (MC)
“Mm?” (Sect Leader)
“You must not think they will understand that meaning even if you do not say it.” (MC)
I continued.
“There are children who understand it, but there are also children who do not. Just as each person is different, are children not the same?” (MC)
“…….” (Sect Leader)
“If you had explained that beforehand, Taoist Geumbong would not have made such a foolish choice. The Taoist Geumbong I saw did it merely because he wanted to be loved by his father.” (MC)
“…….” (Sect Leader)
The Sect Leader fell into thought, as if he had not considered that part.
“Then I will take my leave now.” (MC)
“Return safely.” (Sect Leader)
I left the Sect Leader’s quarters and headed toward my tent.
It is already April.
When I return to Beijing, I will be able to see plum blossoms blooming.
I organized in my head the matters I had set in motion.
Construction on Hainan Island should still be in full swing, and the building for the martial arts academy in Beijing should be going up now too.
According to my prediction, sometime between this April and May, the merchant ships for trade with foreign countries departing from Nanjing will set sail.
For this, when people are dispatched from Beijing to Nanjing, it is highly likely that the Crown Prince will go with them as well.
Because the Emperor values efficiency.
Since I have come to Sichuan anyway, I should also discuss the pepper trade with the Myeongmyeong Trading Company before returning.
Wow…… I have a lot to do.
Thinking about it, all of it is work I brought upon myself, so it is my own karma.
—Kkui? (Geumryeong)
Why am I crying?
This is not crying. My hair poked my eye.
.
.
.
That afternoon.
“Ah! Did you know?” (Emei Disciple)
“Pardon?” (MC)
Right now, I am washing dishes with the Emei Sect disciples.
Why did I end up washing dishes?
I had found someone carrying a mountain of dishes to wash alone, so I had come over saying I would help.
But because I found Miss Seohyang washing dishes there, I ended up washing dishes together with her.
It turned into an unnecessary matter, but thanks to it, I was able to hear stories about Noona Hyangok from the Emei Sect disciples.
The stories about Noona Hyangok that I had not known were quite interesting.
“Last time, young masters who had fallen for Junior Sister Hyangok fought a duel among themselves.” (Emei Disciple)
“Pardon? What does that mean?” (MC)
“Oh my, oh my! You did not know! You see, young masters who had fallen for Junior Sister Hyangok were each throwing flirtatious glances at her, and when things went wrong, they fought a duel.” (Emei Disciple)
“So who won?” (MC)
“Junior Sister Hyangok won.” (Emei Disciple)
“Pardon?” (MC)
“Junior Sister Hyangok said she was a disciple of the Emei Sect, so what nonsense were they spouting, and beat them all down.” (Emei Disciple)
“Hahaha. I see.” (MC)
As expected of Noona Hyangok.
“Still, since Noona Hyangok’s martial arts are excellent, she must be a source of pride from the Emei Sect’s perspective.” (MC)
“Of course.” (Emei Disciple)
“Last time, she also made great contributions in the subjugation of Green Forest Bandits. I heard His Highness the Crown Prince personally praised her merits for it.” (Emei Disciple)
“Junior Sister Hyangok is the pride of the Emei Sect.” (Emei Disciple)
That news is famous among the Emei Sect disciples too.
“Come to think of it, I heard she headed out again this time to a place subjugating the Green Forest Bandits.” (Emei Disciple)
“Pardon? It has not been long since she returned, and she went out again?” (MC)
“That is what I heard.” (Emei Disciple)
“I heard it is to the northwest this time. They said it is not very far from here.” (Emei Disciple)
“I heard she volunteered to go.” (Emei Disciple)
Noona, really…….
It would be nice if she took care of herself a little, but considering Noona’s personality, that is probably an impossible wish.
That afternoon.
I was summoned by the Sect Leader.
“Did you call for me?” (MC)
“Come in.” (Sect Leader)
I sat across from the Sect Leader.
It seemed he had called me because of the matter of support from earlier…….
“The reason I called you is because the discussion with the elders just ended.” (Sect Leader)
“The conclusion came very quickly.” (MC)
The Sect Leader spoke with a faint smile.
“It was not something that required a long discussion. To state the conclusion first, we have decided to accept your proposal. However, there is one condition.” (Sect Leader)
“What is it?” (MC)
“It is about the marker stone you mentioned. We will write the contents of that marker stone on our side.” (Sect Leader)
“That does not matter. As long as it includes the fact that it was built by the Eunha Trading Company. And before it is carved into stone, we would also like to review it.” (MC)
“Understood. That is not difficult.” (Sect Leader)
Like that, we discussed the matter.
The discussion did not take very long. Nor was there any need for it to.
After finishing the discussion, I left the Sect Leader’s quarters.
Thinking of the reputation that would rise for the Eunha Trading Company and the construction firm because of this matter made me feel good.
That reputation would return to us as profit in the long term.
I returned to the tent in a good mood and wrote a letter to send to Father.
While I was doing so, Palgap suddenly ran into my tent.
“Young Master! Young Master! This is terrible!” (Palgap)