Chapter 672
Chapter 672
Chapter 672. Hwangbo Clan (2)
That afternoon.
At the writing desk to my left, Young Master Yeon Ju-hyeok was diligently looking over documents.
He had the qualities to become a great administrator, so I had no idea how he had ended up falling for martial arts and taking me as his master.
Though for me, since I had gained a capable deputy officer, it was a good thing.
I recalled the contents of the letter sent by Young Master Yeon Ju-hyeok’s father, the Administrative Commissioner of Hunan Province.
[I am sorry for causing you to experience such a bewildering matter because of my son. But his will is firm, so there is nothing more I can do. Thus, trusting you, I entrust my son to you. Whether you use him as a deputy officer or as a slave, do as you wish. Is it not that fellow’s own doing?]
I chuckled inwardly.
Just what had he done for the great Administrative Commissioner of Hunan Province to send such a letter…….
“Why are you looking at me like that?” (Yeon Ju-hyeok)
Perhaps feeling my gaze, Young Master Yeon Ju-hyeok raised his head and asked.
“There is something I am curious about.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“What are you curious about?” (Yeon Ju-hyeok)
“Putting the Administrative Commissioner aside, how did you receive your wife’s permission?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“……I cried.” (Yeon Ju-hyeok)
For a moment, I asked back without realizing it.
“Pardon?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“I mean…… I threw a bit of a crying tantrum and begged her to let me go.” (Yeon Ju-hyeok)
Young Master Yeon Ju-hyeok answered with an embarrassed expression.
But soon, he continued seriously.
“That is how precious the chance to become your disciple was to me, Master. I did not want to miss that opportunity, so I threw away my pride……. Yes, that is what I did.” (Yeon Ju-hyeok)
“And that is why your wife let you go?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Yes. In exchange, she told me to send letters four times a year, and to come see the child’s face at least once.” (Yeon Ju-hyeok)
I can understand his wife’s feelings.
I called him with a firm expression.
“Young Master Yeon.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Yes.” (Yeon Ju-hyeok)
“If you do not keep the promise you made with your wife, the bond of master and disciple between you and me ends that very day.” (Eun Seo-ho)
At my words, he hiccuped as if startled, then asked.
“Wh-why are you saying it so frighteningly?” (Yeon Ju-hyeok)
“Because it is that important.” (Eun Seo-ho)
Because it is something he absolutely must do as a husband and as a father.
In any case, the Administrative Commissioner of Hunan Province had said it.
Whether I used him as a deputy officer or as a slave, I could do as I pleased.
Then I suppose I can work him a little harder.
I recalled the words he had written at the end.
[And congratulations on your marriage.]
Feeling the heart contained in those words made my mood subtle.
That night.
A eunuch visited the Beijing branch, and upon receiving the emperor’s summons, I headed for the imperial palace.
Because I felt I knew why he had called me.
He truly handles matters quickly.
As soon as the emperor received my greeting, he spoke abruptly.
“This is the edict you requested yesterday.” (Emperor)
I respectfully received the edict from the grand eunuch.
“Your imperial grace is boundless.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“So, when do you intend to go to the Hwangbo Clan?” (Emperor)
“Once Your Majesty granted the edict, I intended to depart immediately.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“I knew you would, so I have someone waiting.” (Emperor)
Pardon?
“Have him enter.” (Emperor)
The grand eunuch went outside and brought one person in.
He performed the utmost formal greeting before the emperor.
Looking at him, I could not help tilting my head.
That attire is Royal Guards uniform, isn’t it?
“Rise.” (Emperor)
“Your imperial grace is boundless.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
He raised his head and looked at me.
His eyes were extremely sharp and his physique was sturdy, giving him the appearance of a person with abundant real combat experience.
I quickly clasped my hands.
“It is our first meeting. This humble merchant is called Eun Seo-ho.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“I am Hwangbo Seon-yu of the Royal Guards.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
The emperor nodded and issued his dismissal.
“You may hear the details on the way. Then go now.” (Emperor)
At that, Master Hwangbo Seon-yu and I withdrew after observing the proper courtesies.
After we came out of the building, Master Hwangbo Seon-yu said to me.
“How about a cup of tea?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“That would be good.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Follow me.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
I followed him as he walked, and soon we arrived before a certain building.
[Chungui Hall (忠衣館)]
It meant a place where those wearing the clothes of loyalty gathered.
But that place could not be explained by that meaning alone.
Because it was none other than the office building of the Royal Guards.
The Royal Guards were called the Royal Guards because they dressed in golden attire, but they often said that those golden garments were their loyalty toward the emperor.
That was why the name of this office building was Chungui Hall.
“Master, am I allowed to enter this place?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“It does not matter. I invited you, so who would say anything?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
From his words, I could tell that he held a fairly high position even among the Royal Guards.
“Then I will trust only in you, Master.” (Eun Seo-ho)
He entered Chungui Hall and guided me to a room.
“This is my office.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
As expected, I was right.
Even among the Royal Guards, there were not many positions that allowed one to have a private office like this.
“What kind of tea do you like?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“I drink any tea well.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Mm, this would be good today.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
He chose tea leaves and began brewing the tea himself.
At that sight, my eyes trembled.
No, why is he treating that expensive Biluochun like that…….
“Drink.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“I will drink it gratefully.” (Eun Seo-ho)
I could guess what it would taste like, but I could not refuse, so I drank it for now.
“…….” (Eun Seo-ho)
But I truly could not drink any more.
I cautiously opened my mouth.
“My lord, may I…… brew a fresh pot of tea for you?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Mm? You?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“Yes.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Then try it.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
At those words, I immediately poured out the tea left in the teapot, took out the Biluochun again, and brewed the tea.
Pourrr.
Biluochun of an entirely different color from before was poured into the cup.
“Please drink.” (Eun Seo-ho)
I also poured tea into my cup and took a sip.
Whew, now my mind finally feels a little settled.
Seeing me like that, Master Hwangbo Seon-yu gave a faint laugh.
“You truly are an interesting person.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
What does he suddenly mean?
“Usually, when I serve terribly brewed tea, people show one of two reactions. Either they force a smile and drink it, or they say it is delicious and never touch it again. But you are the first to brew it anew and drink it.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
What is this? Then does that mean he deliberately brewed the tea terribly?
“I think I understand why Elder called you an interesting fellow.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“Do you mean Elder Ghost-Faced Robe?” (Eun Seo-ho)
At my question, he nodded.
“Yes. That person is a legend of the Hwangbo Clan. This is something His Majesty the Emperor also says as if it were a habit, but if not for that person, there is a high chance the current emperor would not exist.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
If someone heard that, they might be shocked stiff, but the fact that he said such a thing without hesitation meant the emperor must have actually said it that way.
“As you know, the main family is in Jinan.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
I know very well.
The center of Shandong, and the place where Baekyeom Trading Company is located.
And since I will be going there, I must also stop by Geumgye Pavilion and eat their spicy braised chicken dish.
“We plan to depart tomorrow morning.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“Understood. Is there anything I should prepare separately?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Something you should prepare……” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
Master Hwangbo Seon-yu grinned and said.
“You just need to handle one task while going.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
In other words, that meant there was a reason the emperor had assigned Master Hwangbo Seon-yu to me as a guide.
No, excuse me! Your Majesty?
This is not quite right, is it?
But I could not go to the emperor now and protest.
The person before me was also someone who held a fairly high position among the Royal Guards.
It was a situation where I could not refuse and say I disliked it.
Damn it.
I inwardly sighed and asked.
“What is the task I must do on the way?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“I will tell you on the way. Go and rest now.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
.
.
.
The next morning.
My escort warriors and I prepared to set out early in the morning.
This time as well, Miss Seo-hyang would not accompany me.
Since summer was gradually approaching, there was a lot of work to handle.
“Then I’ll be going.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Yes. Take care of yourself.” (Jeong-ho)
First, I exchanged greetings with Jeong-ho hyung, then greeted Miss Seo-hyang.
“I will return safely.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Please be careful on your way.” (Seo-hyang)
“Please take good care of Young Master Yeon while I am gone.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Yes. I will be training him diligently.” (Seo-hyang)
The way she smiled while saying that made me feel a chill somewhere down my spine, but it did not matter.
Miss Seo-hyang would not eat Young Master Yeon Ju-hyeok alive, after all.
She approached me.
As I drew closer to her, my face reddened without me realizing it. Palgap was looking at me with strange eyes.
Palgap, what is with those eyes?
But soon, at the words she whispered in my ear, I had no choice but to pull myself together.
“……I will keep that in mind.” (Eun Seo-ho)
Thus, we left the Beijing branch and headed for the meeting place.
The meeting place was in front of a tea house in Beijing.
After waiting there for a little while, Master Hwangbo Seon-yu arrived.
“You were already here. Even though there is still a full fifteen minutes left.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“For a merchant, keeping an appointed time is life itself.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Mm, that is true. Hahaha!” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
He laughed heartily.
“But…… are you alone?” (Eun Seo-ho)
At my question, he nodded.
“It is bothersome to travel with many people.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“As far as I know, solo missions are almost nonexistent.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“That is true, but do I not have you?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
In other words, because I and my escort warriors were there, he had deliberately not brought others.
Come to think of it, his attire was not that of the Royal Guards, but that of an ordinary martial artist.
From the outside, there was no sign anywhere that he was one of the Royal Guards.
Could it be because of the task he mentioned yesterday that we had to handle on the way?
“Then let us depart.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“Yes.” (Eun Seo-ho)
We set out for Jinan in Shandong Province.
“But Master, what is the task we must handle while going?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Well, it is not that difficult a matter.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
He continued.
“A report came in that there is someone in Shandong Province going around selling His Majesty the Emperor’s name. We only need to confirm the facts and catch and punish him.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“……Pardon? Are you saying there is a swindler?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Nothing is certain yet.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
Seeing that he did not make hasty assumptions, I could tell that Master Hwangbo Seon-yu was a cautious person.
When a certain incident occurs, if one hastily decides the culprit and the crime and moves accordingly, there is a high chance an innocent person might be created.
But if one investigates step by step without confirming anything prematurely, the chance of an innocent person being created is low.
“Do you know whom I hate the most?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“Would it not be those who harbor treasonous intentions toward His Majesty the Emperor?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“No.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
He shook his head and said.
“Of course, I dislike such people too, but what I hate most are swindlers. Because of swindlers who cheat others, it takes only an instant for an entire household to be shattered.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
At those words, I nodded.
Just as Master Hwangbo Seon-yu said, if anyone thought a swindler’s crime was light because they merely extorted money through lies and did not directly kill anyone, that was because they did not know the reality.
They simply did not personally take up a weapon, but it was no different from murder.
If anything, the aftermath was greater than ordinary murder or robbery.
“So when I meet swindlers, I tend not to let them die gently. That is why I ask your understanding in advance. The process of dealing with the swindler may perhaps be a little cruel.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“I understand.” (Eun Seo-ho)
I nodded.
“I also think they should not be allowed to die gently.” (Eun Seo-ho)
Hearing that, I felt I understood why Master Hwangbo Seon-yu was moving in ordinary clothes.
Swindlers were usually clever and quick-witted, so they were quick to hide their tails as well.
That was why he was not revealing that he was one of the Royal Guards, in order to uncover that person’s true identity.
Even so, his clothing is too plain, isn’t it?
Could he not have dressed up at least a little more?
At that moment, Master Hwangbo Seon-yu laughed and said.
“And once we get close to Shandong Province, I will act as your escort warrior.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“……Understood.” (Eun Seo-ho)
So this was why he had deliberately dressed plainly.
For some reason, I feel like I have been had a little by His Majesty the Emperor.
* Kkui! Kku! (Geumryeong)
Geumryeong’s telepathy came to me.
It is all right? Since I will be squeezing compensation out of His Majesty the Emperor for this?
As expected of Geumryeong.
He knows me far too well.
* But squeezing compensation out of that Emperor is quite nerve-wracking in its own way. (Eun Seo-ho)
* Kkui? Kku. (Geumryeong)
Is that such a difficult thing? Since I squeezed it out so naturally, he thought it was easy?
“…….” (Eun Seo-ho)
I have nothing to say.
Our journey was smooth.
We passed through Hebei Province and entered Shandong Province.
They said the person selling the emperor’s name was active near the border of Shandong Province, didn’t they?
He really has guts.
No matter how much Shandong has some distance from Beijing, it is not so far that one cannot come after only passing through Hebei Province, is it?
“Liege.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“Ah, yes.” (Eun Seo-ho)
It was Master Hwangbo Seon-yu, who had decided to act as my escort warrior, calling me.
“Warrior Seon-yu. Do you have something to say?” (Eun Seo-ho)
And just in case, I decided not to call him by his family name.
“It seems we should start looking for an inn.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“I see. Is there somewhere good?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“I am from this area, so I know it well. There is a fairly decent inn over there.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
We headed toward the place Master Hwangbo Seon-yu guided us to.
It was an inn located on a marketplace street, and it looked fairly good.
We unpacked at an inn with the elegant name Songhawol.
Then we went down to the first floor to eat dinner.
“What would you like to eat?” (Waiter)
At the waiter’s question, I asked Master Hwangbo Seon-yu.
“What would be good?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Would this place’s specialty not be Sixi Wanzi?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“Please prepare that and the recommended dishes.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Understood.” (Waiter)
And while we were waiting for the food to come out, we heard the conversation of the guests eating on the first floor.
“By the way, is that ointment really effective?” (Guest)
“They say it is an ointment even His Majesty the Emperor highly praised.” (Guest)
“But then why is someone like that selling ointment here?” (Guest)
“It seems he got caught up in a political struggle and had no choice but to leave the imperial palace.” (Guest)
At that conversation, I raised my head and looked at Master Hwangbo Seon-yu.
Eyes that had found prey.
It seemed the operation was finally beginning.