Chapter 659
Chapter 659
Chapter 659. The Result of a Promise (3)
At my question, Brother Jeongho scratched his head and said,
“There is a situation where we suspect misconduct by Myeongmyeong Trading Company’s chief clerk who took part in the last trading journey.” (Eun Jeongho)
And he explained in detail.
Myeongmyeong Trading Company was a trading company that traded pepper.
Until now, they had sent people to the Great Viet Kingdom, crossed the mountains, purchased pepper, and then carried that pepper back to trade.
But recently, a large fleet had succeeded in trading with the Great Viet Kingdom by sea.
Seeing this, Myeongmyeong Trading Company came to trust the safety of maritime trade with the Great Viet Kingdom and decided to use the ships of our Eunhae Trading Company, which had a branch in Sichuan, for the pepper trade.
“They said the pepper brought back from the last trade was somewhat inferior goods. Fortunately, the quantity was large, so they did not take a loss, but they suspect someone may have played a trick in that happening.” (Eun Jeongho)
“You mean someone deliberately bought low-quality pepper cheaply and swallowed the difference.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Eun Jeongho)
As far as I knew, there were a total of three people dispatched by Myeongmyeong Trading Company for the pepper trade.
Our side did go on the trading journey with them, but since we had many matters of our own, we probably could not pay proper attention to their side.
That meant we could not testify about any misconduct on their part.
“So, if the Young Merchant Leader of Myeongmyeong Trading Company goes to Nanjing, he can look into their misconduct?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, Brother Jeongho answered.
“Among those who came with Young Merchant Leader Sung Cheongmin this time, there are two chief clerks. He plans to have them join when the departure by sea is imminent.” (Eun Jeongho)
“Aha! I understand what you mean.” (Eun Seoho)
I nodded.
“You are aiming for when they let their guard down. But to proceed with this, you need someone with a suitable position, so the Young Merchant Leader is going himself.” (Eun Seoho)
“Correct.” (Eun Jeongho)
His coming to Beijing with Young Master Sung Yujin had not merely been Young Master Sung Yujin’s birthday present.
“Then is Young Master Sung Yujin going too?” (Eun Seoho)
“No.” (Eun Jeongho)
Brother shook his head.
“Yujin should stay here in Beijing. Going all the way to Nanjing would be too much, no?” (Eun Jeongho)
“That is why I asked.” (Eun Seoho)
.
.
.
The next day.
I rose early in the morning, performed breathing cultivation, then went out to the training ground.
There was also a private training ground at my personal residence, but for running, it was better to use the Beijing branch’s training ground.
After all, my private training ground was not very wide.
Miss Seohyang and Young Master Yeon Juhyeok were already out in the training ground.
“I am a little late.” (Eun Seoho)
“No. I came out a little early. How could I, having become your disciple, make Master wait?” (Yeon Juhyeok)
At Yeon Juhyeok’s words, I smiled in satisfaction.
“Then we will begin with running.” (Eun Seoho)
Running was training that Miss Seohyang and all my bodyguards did together.
As I ran around the training ground, I looked over those running with me.
First, Miss Seohyang.
Her growth speed was certainly extraordinary. It was probably because the martial arts she was learning fit her constitution perfectly.
And Palgap.
At some point, in terms of personal martial strength, he was now just before reaching the peak realm.
However, Palgap had not reached that realm by learning how to fight, but by the techniques of an assassin.
It seemed the talent of the Assassin King had developed even further through the book I had found before at the mysterious antiquarian bookshop in Luoyang.
That was why his martial skill was only around first-rate, but even martial artists at the Transcendent Realm could not sense Palgap’s presence.
And perhaps because my other bodyguards had been shocked by their inability to protect me when we met Ilsa Sword last time, they had been devoting themselves even more to martial arts training lately.
Was that why? Warrior Ipil, Warrior Myeongjong, and Warrior Changun had reached the very edge of first-rate.
It also seemed Warrior Seowoo would soon be able to reach the peak realm.
Seeing my party’s combat power gradually grow stronger brought a smile to my face.
That did not mean I could neglect my own training either.
Though I had reached the peak realm, I could not be satisfied here.
At the very least, I had to reach the Transcendent Realm to take revenge on the Martial Alliance, and to avoid the misfortune of dying before that.
Lastly, Young Master Yeon Juhyeok was running hard as he followed us.
When I first met him, his skill had been around first-rate.
Warrior Myeongjong and Warrior Changun had each been considered among the notable prodigies in their sects, so his talent was not bad either.
And now, three years later, he was just before reaching the peak.
That was a part that showed how diligently he had trained during that time.
Though I had taught him the training method and told him to do it without missing a single day.
Looking at that growth, he must have done as I instructed.
That was by no means an easy thing... his persistence alone is certainly remarkable.
By the way, I feel as though I have forgotten something...
Ah! Did Young Master Yeon Juhyeok not have a wife and children?
At that sudden thought, I stopped running.
Then those who had been running behind me also stopped, and I asked Young Master Yeon Juhyeok,
“Young Master Yeon.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes, Master.” (Yeon Juhyeok)
“Are your wife and child well?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, he flinched.
“Did you perhaps come without telling your wife?” (Eun Seoho)
“I-I left a letter behind.” (Yeon Juhyeok)
So he came without properly telling her.
This man, seriously!
“Why did you come without telling her?” (Eun Seoho)
“In truth, that is...” (Yeon Juhyeok)
After hesitating, he eventually began to explain the whole situation to me.
He said that he had been working as an official under his father, the Hunan Provincial Administration Commissioner.
Well, there was no way he had done nothing until that age.
“I admired martial artists who freely roamed the martial world. So I tried to step down from my official post, but my wife opposed it.” (Yeon Juhyeok)
He spoke in a voice that crawled inward.
“So I wrote a letter and...” (Yeon Juhyeok)
“You came out as though running away, then.” (Eun Seoho)
“Th-that is correct.” (Yeon Juhyeok)
No wonder... that was why he had felt like quite a practiced working official.
And I also understood why he had been that desperate.
“Then the part about receiving permission from the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Hunan Province was also a lie.” (Eun Seoho)
“I left a letter for Father as well.” (Yeon Juhyeok)
I had thought that since he had brought a written assurance from the Sect Leader of the Mount Heng Sect, the Provincial Administration Commissioner must know too, but apparently not.
I thought he had matured quite a bit, but it seems that was not the case.
“Phew. Young Master Yeon. If you truly think of me as your master, listen to my advice.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. I will listen attentively.” (Yeon Juhyeok)
“Return home right now, properly explain to your family, and then come back.” (Eun Seoho)
“Um... if I go back home again, I will be beaten to death.” (Yeon Juhyeok)
“Why did you do something worthy of being beaten to death?” (Eun Seoho)
“......” (Yeon Juhyeok)
“If you do not receive your family’s permission and come back, I cannot accept Young Master Yeon as my disciple.” (Eun Seoho)
“Gasp! M-Master! That cannot be.” (Yeon Juhyeok)
He hurriedly knelt on the spot and bowed his head.
I lifted his head and met his eyes as I said,
“Young Master Yeon. This is an extremely important matter. Since Young Master Yeon has also learned martial arts, you know well how frightening inner demons are.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. I know.” (Yeon Juhyeok)
“And one of the greatest causes that gives rise to inner demons is precisely matters concerning family.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued.
“At first, you may be able to deceive yourself by saying it will be fine. But as you continue training, you will come to observe your own inner self. At that time, when you realize what you have struggled to hide, there is a high possibility that you will fall into inner demons and suffer qi deviation.” (Eun Seoho)
“......” (Yeon Juhyeok)
“If that happens, all the training you have done until then will become wasted effort. No, your life may even be in danger.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, his expression became serious.
“So, as I said, go home right now and formally receive permission from your family before coming back.” (Eun Seoho)
I spoke firmly and deliberately released my aura, and at that, he nodded with a frightened expression.
As soon as we finished breakfast, Young Master Yeon Juhyeok returned to Hunan Province.
I sent him with a letter to give to the Hunan Provincial Administration Commissioner, so he probably would not be scolded too badly.
After lunch.
Young Merchant Leader Sung Cheongmin of Myeongmyeong Trading Company came to see me.
“Welcome.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thank you for receiving me.” (Sung Cheongmin)
I offered him a seat, and Palgap brought tea and refreshments.
After taking a sip of tea, he exclaimed in admiration.
“As expected of Eunhae Trading Company. The tea is truly delicious.” (Sung Cheongmin)
“My grandfather is sincere about tea, so we always pay attention to it.” (Eun Seoho)
A brief silence hung over us, and Young Merchant Leader Sung Cheongmin opened his mouth first.
“Um, did you hear from Young Merchant Leader Eun Jeongho?” (Sung Cheongmin)
“Do you mean the matter of traveling together when I go to Nanjing this time?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. That is correct.” (Sung Cheongmin)
“How many people will be traveling with you?” (Eun Seoho)
“Including me, there are five in total. Two of my guards, and two people who will be dispatched there.” (Sung Cheongmin)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
“I plan to have the people from the Changuin Escort Agency who came with us this time stay here for a while. And I will pay separately for the expenses they incur while staying here.” (Sung Cheongmin)
“That is all right. Our Eunhae Trading Company is not a place that would struggle over such things, so you do not need to worry about that.” (Eun Seoho)
The Changuin Escort Agency people were people of Snow Wind Palace.
I was the Young Palace Head of Snow Wind Palace, so there was no way I would begrudge what they ate and used.
“We depart tomorrow.” (Eun Seoho)
“Tomorrow... you say?” (Sung Cheongmin)
“Yes. The schedule has been delayed quite a bit, so I intend to proceed quickly. And we will be traveling with His Highness the Crown Prince.” (Eun Seoho)
“Gasp! His Highness the Crown Prince, you say?” (Sung Cheongmin)
“Yes. But there are others you must be more careful of than His Highness the Crown Prince.” (Eun Seoho)
He nodded with a serious expression, as though he understood.
“You mean the Royal Guards and the Eastern Depot.” (Sung Cheongmin)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
He knew as well.
How infamous the Royal Guards and the Eastern Depot were in this empire, that is.
For me, His Majesty the Emperor was my backing, and the high-ranking people of the Royal Guards and the Eastern Depot looked favorably on me, so I did not have such worries, but ordinary people were different.
If they made one wrong move, they might lose consciousness and wake up imprisoned in a terrifying room.
“I will firmly warn everyone.” (Sung Cheongmin)
There were other people traveling together, but I did not need to mention them now.
I rose from my seat and said,
“Understood. And for the journey, it would be best to fill your stomachs well. Let us have dinner together at a tavern.” (Eun Seoho)
That evening.
As promised, I took everyone to a nearby tavern.
It was also a regular tavern that I often visited.
I rented out an entire highest floor, and all the people of the Beijing branch and the people of Myeongmyeong Trading Company were able to enjoy a delicious meal.
“The reason we were able to hold this gathering today is thanks to my younger brother Seoho.” (Eun Jeongho)
Brother Jeongho stood as the representative, encouraged everyone, and mentioned me.
Ah, seriously...
He did not have to say that.
Brother Jeongho continued speaking, and finally, raising his cup, he said,
“Then, to the development of Eunhae Trading Company! And to friendship with Myeongmyeong Trading Company!” (Eun Jeongho)
We all raised teacups instead of wine cups.
The prohibition order had not yet been lifted, after all.
It was a harmonious time.
I liked these times when everyone ate, drank, and chatted together like this.
Because it meant that there were no worries in the trading company at present.
If something had happened, there would be no room for this. We would have to move without even having time to open our eyes or wipe our noses in order to resolve the matter.
I was also working hard for the sake of such a peaceful Eunhae Trading Company.
Should I call it compensation for my suffering?
“Ah, by the way, did Young Master Yeon return safely?” (Eun Jeongho)
“Yes. He will probably return before long. If he returns before I do, tell him to wait patiently. And also tell him that if he causes trouble while I am gone, I will not let it slide.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hehehe, understood.” (Eun Jeongho)
Brother laughed refreshingly and said,
“In any case, have a safe trip. Do not worry about Beijing.” (Eun Jeongho)
Like that, the harmonious time passed, and the gathering dispersed.
After dinner today, I had to go to Yeonjun Trading Company. Brother Seonil had asked to see me.
Since the gathering ended earlier than expected, I had some time left, so I decided to walk through the marketplace of Beijing.
If I wanted to check what had changed when I returned after going to Nanjing, I had to look around today.
Miss Seohyang returned with the people of the Beijing branch.
I told the others to return and rest as well, but because they refused, all of the bodyguards and even Palgap ended up accompanying me.
The marketplace of Beijing was quite long.
And the things sold in each area were mostly fixed.
In truth, there was probably no place where the merchants were as united as this place.
In particular, they could not be more active when it came to cracking down on street stalls called nansang.
That was only natural, because they did business while faithfully paying taxes, while the nansang did business without paying a single coin in tax, so there was no way they could look upon them kindly.
That was why they absolutely never loitered around the marketplace in front of the imperial palace.
But now, that too would soon change.
Because the matter of issuing temporary permits to the nansang was being promoted.
“Mm? Sniff, sniff! Is this not the smell of books?” (Palgap)
“The smell of books?” (Eun Seoho)
Come to think of it, we had just entered the book street.
“You really have the nose of a dog.” (Eun Seoho)
At my admiration, Palgap shook his head and said,
“In truth, it is because I dislike books.” (Palgap)
“For saying that, do you not read quite a lot of books?” (Eun Seoho)
Unlike his appearance, Palgap knew quite a lot, and that was because he had read many books.
“Because my father forced me to read them.” (Palgap)
Come to think of it, Palgap’s father was also extremely huge.
To the point that Palgap looked like a cub bear beside him.
Why was it that I suddenly imagined a father bear grabbing a cub bear by the scruff of the neck and forcibly sitting him in front of a desk?
“It was like that when I was young, but now I read them on my own.” (Palgap)
“Why?” (Eun Seoho)
“Because I want to become an attendant who lacks nothing for you, Young Master.” (Palgap)
“......” (Eun Seoho)
No, Palgap.
How can you suddenly come at me like that?
I am moved, you know.