Chapter 668
Chapter 668
Chapter 668. Yeo Chun Inn (1)
The next day.
Since the departure of the large-scale trading fleet was just ahead, all of Nanjing was bustling.
“Did you load the porcelain?” (Manager)
“Yes!” (Worker)
“You packed it carefully, right? Do you know how much loss we suffered because of the porcelain that broke last time? If that happens again this time, then your skull is what will break!” (Manager)
“Hup! I will check again!” (Worker)
I walked through the port while looking around at the ships departing this time, and warmly exchanged greetings with the managers loading goods onto the ships.
Because all of them were familiar faces.
Soon, I arrived at the Eunha Merchant Guild’s ship.
“You are working hard.” (Eun Seoho)
“Young Captain, you have come?” (Manager)
“I do not know whether you enjoyed yourselves last night.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, they spoke in unison.
“We had a very enjoyable time.” (Manager)
“Thanks to you, Young Captain, we ate and enjoyed ourselves to our hearts’ content.” (Manager)
“It would have been nice if there had been alcohol, but that cannot be helped.” (Manager)
“Tsk! If we had drunk alcohol, would we be able to move around this fine right now?” (Manager)
“Ah…” (Manager)
The biggest reason I had been able to send them out the day before departure and tell them to enjoy themselves as much as they wanted was because the prohibition order had not yet been lifted.
So there was no worry they would drink and cause trouble, nor would they suffer because of hangovers.
“How much of the loading has been finished?” (Eun Seoho)
“About thirty percent is finished. It will probably be finished around this afternoon.” (Manager)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
Loading is done as late as possible.
After all, ships float on water, so there is a great deal of moisture.
Thus, in order to keep the goods from spoiling, the time they are exposed to moisture is reduced as much as possible.
“But I do not see the Mingming Merchant Guild’s managers.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, they said there were things they needed, so they went to the market.” (Manager)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
At that moment, Navigator Songjuk approached me.
“Um, Young Captain.” (Navigator Songjuk)
“Yes. Please speak.” (Eun Seoho)
“I kept wondering whether it was right to tell you this, but I think I should tell you for now.” (Navigator Songjuk)
“What is it?” (Eun Seoho)
He lowered his voice and spoke.
“The managers who came from the Mingming Merchant Guild this time are a bit strange.” (Navigator Songjuk)
“Strange?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. They changed part of the funds for purchasing pepper into drafts. I had something to do at the Geumsan Money House, so I stopped by briefly, and I saw them changing the money into drafts.” (Navigator Songjuk)
That was certainly strange.
Though the drafts from the Geumsan Money House were highly reliable, they would not be accepted even in a foreign country like the Great Viet Kingdom.
Therefore, trade would be possible only if they brought gold or silver, so they changed that into drafts instead?
I heard that the chief manager of the Mingming Merchant Guild who came here with us had changed drafts into money and given it to the managers…
But there was only one reason to change that back into drafts.
It was so they could swallow that money instead of going to the Great Viet Kingdom and using it.
Gold and silver were heavy, but if they were lost in an emergency, they could not be found.
But drafts were different.
When a draft was issued, another draft with the same contents was made and kept at the money house.
Therefore, even if one lost the draft, one could feel at ease.
“But could it not simply have been their personal money they changed? On what grounds did you think that money was the pepper purchase fund?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is because the pouch they took the money from was the pouch where the pepper purchase funds were stored. I saw it before as well, so I remember. Most decisively…” (Navigator Songjuk)
He continued speaking.
“One of them asked worriedly, ‘Are we not changing too much of this? What will we do if a problem occurs when purchasing the pepper?’” (Navigator Songjuk)
“…” (Eun Seoho)
This much makes it certain.
I nodded and gave Navigator Songjuk a clasped hands greeting.
“Thank you for the report.” (Eun Seoho)
Unexpectedly, I secured a major piece of evidence.
After inspecting all of the Eunha Merchant Guild’s ships like that, I returned to the inn and sought out Young Captain Seong.
“Are all your preparations complete?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Young Captain Seong)
Young Captain Seong, two managers, and his escort warriors were waiting for me with preparations complete.
Now they would leave through the window and act as if they had just arrived.
There were other reasons I had gone to inspect the fleet, but the biggest reason was to find out when these people should move.
“You may move now.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Young Captain Seong)
My escort warriors and I opened the window, held one person each, and leaped outside.
I held Young Captain Seong, while Warrior Seo U and Warrior Jinyu each held one manager.
Even though we leaped through the window while holding people, there was almost no sound.
Tap.
Young Captain Seong’s escort warriors, who jumped down afterward, looked at us in admiration.
“All of you are quite skilled.” (Seong’s Escort Warrior)
“We must train harder.” (Seong’s Escort Warrior)
The reason my escort warriors and I stepped forward despite them being present was because our skills were higher.
Honestly, jumping down while holding a person is quite difficult.
In the meantime, Warrior Yeo Eungam and Warrior Ipil, who had been keeping watch outside, sent hand signals.
It meant no one was there.
“Then please follow me.” (Eun Seoho)
We leaped up as we were and crossed the rooftops toward a sparsely populated place.
A carriage had been prepared there.
“You have come?” (Palgap)
“Good work. Warrior Myeongjong and Warrior Changun, you worked hard as well.” (Eun Seoho)
Young Captain Seong gave me a clasped hands greeting.
“Thank you very much for helping me to this extent.” (Young Captain Seong)
“It is a matter of catching corrupt people, after all. Only then can our fleet also make the trip with peace of mind, can it not? And we also have something to receive.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hearing you say that puts my mind much more at ease.” (Young Captain Seong)
“First, it would be best to go to the Geumsan Money House.” (Eun Seoho)
“Why is that?” (Young Captain Seong)
I explained the whole story to Young Captain Seong, who expressed his doubt.
“So that happened. As expected… it was so.” (Young Captain Seong)
Young Captain Seong was also a seasoned merchant.
He would know how he had to move, so I did not say more.
“Then I will go.” (Young Captain Seong)
“Yes. I will see you later.” (Eun Seoho)
I grinned while watching the carriage move away.
Today will be fun.
.
.
.
That afternoon.
After finishing their work, the sailors returned to the inn.
Having washed off the sweat they had shed all day, each of them sat in front of a table and waited for food to come out.
Among them were the Mingming Merchant Guild’s sailors as well.
I, too, was waiting on the first floor to eat.
They should arrive soon.
Just as I was thinking that, the door opened and Young Captain Seong entered the inn.
“Is this the place where the Eunha Merchant Guild’s sailors are staying?” (Young Captain Seong)
Watching him act as if it were his first time coming here, I rose from my seat and approached him.
“Oh? Are you not Young Captain Seong of the Mingming Merchant Guild? What brings you all the way here?” (Eun Seoho)
In the meantime, the three managers of the Mingming Merchant Guild who recognized the other party’s identity approached him and greeted him.
“We greet you, Young Captain.” (Mingming Managers)
Young Captain Seong did not accept their greeting and spoke to me.
“I apologize for visiting so suddenly like this. The reason is none other than that we have decided to replace the managers dispatched by our Mingming Merchant Guild for this trade journey to the Great Viet Kingdom.” (Young Captain Seong)
At those words, the managers fiercely objected.
“What are you saying when departure is only one day away?” (Manager)
“Why are you suddenly changing people?” (Manager)
At that, Young Captain Seong spoke firmly.
“An important error was discovered in the documents that you handled this time. Since only you know about it, you are unavoidably in a situation where you must return to Sichuan.” (Young Captain Seong)
“What error?” (Manager)
At that, I spoke.
“To ask about merchant guild business in a place like this! Can you still call yourself a manager? Could it be that you are deliberately trying to make us hear about that matter and pin the crime of information leakage on us?” (Eun Seoho)
At my reaction, the manager who had said those words was flustered.
“Th, that is not it.” (Manager)
Young Captain Seong gave me a clasped hands greeting and spoke.
“I apologize as well. Manager Dong’s words and actions were inappropriate.” (Young Captain Seong)
“Since you say there was no such intention, I will let it pass.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thank you.” (Young Captain Seong)
Young Captain Seong turned his body and looked at the three managers as he continued.
“Therefore, Manager Im and Manager Dong are to hand over your duties to the two managers I brought.” (Young Captain Seong)
At that, they hesitated, even forgetting to manage their expressions.
“Is there some problem? Why do you have such expressions?” (Young Captain Seong)
“Th, that is…” (Manager Im)
“Since we know more about the local area…” (Manager Dong)
“That is why I replaced only two people. Anything still lacking will be helped by the Eunha Merchant Guild. Is that not so?” (Young Captain Seong)
At that question, I nodded readily.
“Of course. We will help as much as needed.” (Eun Seoho)
Young Captain Seong turned his head and spoke.
“And the two managers here are just as experienced in pepper trade as the two of you.” (Young Captain Seong)
“…” (Manager Im)
“Is there another problem?” (Young Captain Seong)
“That pepper trader promised to trade only with us!” (Manager Im)
“If he is a trader who sells such low-quality pepper, it would be better to cut off dealings altogether.” (Young Captain Seong)
“Th, that was because of the poor harvest…” (Manager Im)
“No matter how poor the harvest was, obtaining goods worthy of that price is the duty of a merchant. But if he is someone without such duty, then dealings should be cut off.” (Young Captain Seong)
“…” (Manager Im)
At Young Captain Seong’s words, they seemed to have no more excuses and had no choice but to close their mouths.
“Then Manager Im and Manager Dong, please hand over your work to the two newly arrived managers.” (Young Captain Seong)
---
The three managers of the Mingming Merchant Guild, who had been scheduled to participate in this trade after the previous one, were very flustered by the suddenly unfolding situation.
A manager replacement!
Because it was something they had never imagined at all.
At that moment, the manager who was to board the ship in their place asked Manager Im,
“Do you have the pepper purchase funds?” (New Manager)
“Pardon? Ah, yes, th, that is so, but…” (Manager Im)
“Hand them over to me.” (New Manager)
“Understood.” (Manager Im)
He was about to take out that pouch and hand it over when he suddenly realized an important fact.
The fact that he had changed part of that money into drafts.
If one were a manager, it was only natural that one would count the amount immediately after receiving the pouch…
Cold sweat streamed down his back.
It was a crisis.
“What is wrong?” (New Manager)
“Um, th, that is…” (Manager Im)
“Give me the public funds pouch.” (New Manager)
“…” (Manager Im)
That manager took the pouch as if snatching it away, then placed the money pouch on the table.
And he began taking out and counting the money.
A short while later, he tilted his head and spoke to Young Captain Seong.
“The money is short.” (New Manager)
“What do you mean? The money is short?” (Young Captain Seong)
“It is as I said. It is far less than the original pepper purchase funds.” (New Manager)
At that, Young Captain Seong furrowed his brows and asked Manager Im,
“Manager Im, what is the meaning of this?” (Young Captain Seong)
“Th, that is, well…” (Manager Im)
Manager Im pointed at Manager Dong and spoke.
“That man stole the money!” (Manager Im)
At that, Manager Dong was flustered, but soon understood the situation.
He had been sold out.
If he remained still like this, he would become the one who embezzled public funds.
He quickly protested.
“That is not true! Manager Im suggested siphoning off the money and changing it into drafts to keep!” (Manager Dong)
“Wh, what are you talking about? When did I do that!” (Manager Im)
At that, Manager Dong shouted again.
“And you still have that draft, do you not!” (Manager Dong)
At that, Young Captain Seong spoke to the escort warriors.
“Search him.” (Young Captain Seong)
“Yes.” (Escort Warrior)
Manager Im resisted the escort warriors rushing at him, but he could not overcome martial artists with strength.
Soon, a draft from the Geumsan Money House was found in his robes.
The manager who checked the amount of that draft spoke.
“With this draft included, the money matches exactly.” (New Manager)
“I see.” (Young Captain Seong)
At that, Manager Im insisted on his innocence.
“It is a misunderstanding. That money is mine!” (Manager Im)
“You are saying something absurd. Who changes such a large sum into drafts when going to a foreign country? Only someone thinking of running away midway would do that.” (New Manager)
At that moment, a voice could be heard from behind.
“It would be better to tell the truth. Regarding this trade, His Highness the Crown Prince said he would oversee it. This matter, too, is something that interferes with this trade, so if His Highness the Crown Prince hears of it, he will not let it pass lightly.” (Eun Seoho)
“…” (Manager Im)
“If His Highness the Crown Prince comes to oversee this matter, the Royal Guards will investigate and interrogate you.” (Eun Seoho)
At Eun Seoho’s warning, the managers’ faces turned white.
Because they, too, knew the Royal Guards’ ill fame.
Thud.
In the end, the three managers collapsed to the ground on the spot.
---
Young Captain Seong looked at the managers sitting collapsed on the floor, then asked me,
“Young Captain Eun. I am sorry, but please lend me some warriors.” (Young Captain Seong)
“Understood.” (Eun Seoho)
They were confined in a room with their arms and legs bound.
He was probably thinking of resolving it within the merchant guild itself.
Young Captain Seong gave me a clasped hands greeting.
“I am sorry for making this matter noisy.” (Young Captain Seong)
“Not at all. I understand as well, so please do not mind it.” (Eun Seoho)
And I winked one eye, and at that, he also winked one eye.
The next day.
I headed to the imperial palace early in the morning.
Because I had to escort His Highness the Crown Prince and Brother Seonil and his wife to the port.
It was said that last night, Young Captain Seong had a long interview with the manager who had not been replaced.
My guess was that it was probably an interview mixed with a bit of threats and persuasion.
Soon, I arrived at the imperial palace.
“Ugh. For some reason, every time I look at this palace, I feel somehow uneasy.” (Palgap)
At Palgap’s words, I laughed aloud.
He really is a fellow with good senses.
I should keep Taoist Cheongsu’s words a secret from Palgap.
“I’ll be back.” (Eun Seoho)
I entered Jocheon Palace alone and arrived at the Crown Prince’s quarters.
But in front of those quarters, I sensed a familiar presence.
It was the supreme peak master who had once delivered the Emperor’s sacred decree to me.
But why is he dressed as a eunuch? (Eun Seoho)