Chapter 674
Chapter 674
Chapter 674. Hwangbo Clan (4)
We followed Geumryeong and headed toward where Warrior Jin-yu was.
* Liege. You have come? (Jin-yu)
* What is the situation now? (Eun Seo-ho)
* That physician is fleeing. (Jin-yu)
* As expected. (Eun Seo-ho)
I explained Tobunguncho to him.
* So that was it. (Jin-yu)
It seemed Warrior Jin-yu had not known about Tobunguncho either.
* That must be why he said someone had bought a second jar, so it was time to leave, and hurriedly packed his things. (Jin-yu)
Then the evidence was certain.
I sent telepathy to Warrior Seo-u and Warrior Yeo Eung-am.
* Bring that man who calls himself a physician here. (Eun Seo-ho)
* Yes! (Seo-u)
* I will carry out your command. (Yeo Eung-am)
---
Hwang Jeon was walking along the mountain path in high spirits.
The weight of the silver in his bundle put him in a good mood.
“Hehehe! How much is all this!” (Hwang Jeon)
He too knew very well that Tobunguncho, the main ingredient of the medicine he sold, was a poisonous herb.
In truth, Hwang Jeon was a storyteller who made a living by selling tales to people.
Then one day, while passing through the mountains, he wandered around to avoid the rain and happened to discover a cave.
And inside, he discovered old bones and an aged record that seemed to have been written while the bones’ owner was still alive.
When he read it out of curiosity, it was a record about cosmetics made from Tobunguncho.
Mixed into that record were also the laments of the bones’ owner.
Thanks to that, he learned that person’s story as well.
He had made and sold cosmetics from Tobunguncho, but when problems arose because of its toxicity, he had fled and lived hidden here.
However, it seemed he had been unable to let go of his lingering attachment to it and had continued his research.
As Hwang Jeon read the record, one part caught his attention.
[I have discovered that Tobunguncho is effective against boils. However, it is lamentable that it cannot be used as medicine because its toxicity is too strong and causes side effects.]
The moment he saw that, a good idea came to mind.
In truth, boils were a chronic ailment that tormented many people, regardless of rank.
Therefore, if he sold it not as cosmetics but as medicine for boils, he could probably make quite a bit of money.
In that cave, he made the ointment based on that record.
Since the record said that if a very small amount was used, one could see a certain effect and the side effects would not appear quickly, he put the ointment in jars the size of a thumb.
But because he could not sell this medicine south of the Yangtze River, where people knew about Tobunguncho, he went north of the Yangtze River.
And as expected, the ointment he made sold extremely well.
It was expensive at half a nyang of silver per jar, but since he sold the emperor’s name, buyers appeared.
From the beginning, he had been a storyteller, so he knew well how to draw people’s attention.
And once those who had tried it actually proved its effectiveness, it sold like hotcakes.
Then, after a few days or so, he left that village.
Once people began using their second jar, side effects would occur, and before the enraged people came looking for him, he would leave the village.
He had to keep moving from village to village, but the empire was vast, so he was able to earn a considerable amount of money.
With that money, he even hired an escort warrior.
“Where will you go now?” (Escort Warrior)
“I am thinking of going to the next village. There should be people suffering from boils there as well.” (Hwang Jeon)
Because Hwang Jeon had always left villages in advance, even the escort warrior still did not know that the medicine he made had side effects.
At that moment, the escort warrior suddenly stopped walking and placed his hand on his sword hilt.
“What is it?” (Hwang Jeon)
“Ahead of us, that man seems to have business with us.” (Escort Warrior)
Just as he said, a man was blocking their way up ahead.
“Who the hell are you?” (Hwang Jeon)
At Hwang Jeon’s question, he grinned.
“My liege calls for you. Come with me for a moment.” (Seo-u)
“I have no business with you. Tell your liege to come personally.” (Hwang Jeon)
That instant.
Whoosh!
The moment he thought that man’s form had disappeared, Hwang Jeon felt pain in his stomach.
“Keuk!” (Hwang Jeon)
At the same time, he collapsed, and his face struck the ground.
At this, the escort warrior grew tense.
It had only been a single move, but he had realized that the opponent was a master far stronger than he was.
Damn it! Today must be the day of my memorial rites! (Escort Warrior)
At that moment, a voice came from beside him.
“Excuse me.” (Yeo Eung-am)
At that, he flinched.
Because he had not sensed the presence approaching from beside him at all.
“Leave that man and go on your way.” (Yeo Eung-am)
“I cannot do that! Once I have accepted a request…….” (Escort Warrior)
“I am telling you to just go, because this bastard is not a human worth risking your life to protect.” (Yeo Eung-am)
“What do you mean by that? How many people have had their boils cured by Master Hwang’s medicine so far!” (Escort Warrior)
“Do you perhaps know of Tobunguncho?” (Yeo Eung-am)
“…….” (Escort Warrior)
At that moment, the escort warrior’s face stiffened.
“You know it.” (Yeo Eung-am)
“Of course I know it. It is a rather infamous poisonous herb in my hometown.” (Escort Warrior)
“That ointment was made with that Tobunguncho.” (Yeo Eung-am)
“Is that true?” (Escort Warrior)
“A warrior from the Sichuan Tang Clan verified it.” (Yeo Eung-am)
“……!” (Escort Warrior)
At this utterly unexpected truth, Hwang Jeon’s escort warrior was shocked.
His hands trembled, and he walked over to Hwang Jeon, who was sprawled on the ground, and kicked him.
Thud! Thud thud!
Even after kicking him several times, his anger did not subside.
No matter that he had accepted a request, to think he had been escorting such a man!
Because he knew well, from what the adults had told him, that quite a few people in his hometown had died because of that poisonous herb.
At that moment, the man who had appeared beside him stopped his kicking and searched Hwang Jeon’s robe.
Then he handed the pouch containing silver to Hwang Jeon’s escort warrior.
“Use this to refund those who bought the ointment. You may keep the rest as consolation money.” (Yeo Eung-am)
“…….” (Escort Warrior)
“Then, we will be going.” (Yeo Eung-am)
They disappeared with Hwang Jeon, and the escort warrior turned around and headed toward the village where he had been staying.
.
.
.
“Ugh…….” (Hwang Jeon)
Hwang Jeon opened his eyes and realized that he was in the forest.
A little distance away, a campfire was burning.
“Liege! He has come to his senses!” (Seo-u)
At those words, those who had been sitting before the campfire approached. A handsome young man and a middle-aged man who made one feel chilled just by looking at him.
“Good to meet you.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“What is the meaning of this? Untie me this instant! Do you know who I am!” (Hwang Jeon)
“Who are you?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“I was His Majesty the Emperor’s imperial physician! His Majesty the Emperor still has not forgotten me! If you touch me, the Royal Guards will immediately come running and slaughter you!” (Hwang Jeon)
At those words, the middle-aged man gave a faint laugh.
“Is that so? Shall we see what happens if we touch you?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
Then the middle-aged man struck Hwang Jeon across the cheek.
Slap!
“Nothing is happening, though?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“It is not too late even now. Hurry and untie this!” (Hwang Jeon)
Slap! Slap!
Because he was slapped one after another, Hwang Jeon’s vision spun.
The middle-aged man took something from his robe and showed it to him.
“Do you know what this is?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“…….” (Hwang Jeon)
“What, you do not even know this? If you worked in the imperial palace, the moment you saw this, you should normally be terrified.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“What…… is that?” (Hwang Jeon)
“What else would it be? It is an identity plaque of the Royal Guards.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
At that cold smile, Hwang Jeon realized he was screwed.
“His Majesty the Emperor told me to catch you, you bastard.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
---
I looked at the fake physician tied to the tree.
At first, he seemed unable to grasp the situation, but as soon as he was slapped a few times by Master Hwangbo Seon-yu and realized that the man’s identity was the Royal Guards, his face turned blue.
It seems he has finally come to his senses.
“What is your name?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“H-Hwang Jeon.” (Hwang Jeon)
“The ointment you made, its ingredient was Tobunguncho.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Wh-what is that? It is the first time I have heard the name of that poisonous herb.” (Hwang Jeon)
“How did you know it was a poisonous herb? I never said it was poisonous.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“…….” (Hwang Jeon)
He bit his lip.
At this, Master Hwangbo Seon-yu said.
“It seems you still do not know what position you are in.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
Then he headed toward the campfire and returned carrying something.
What he held in his hand was an iron skewer heated red-hot.
I had wondered why he had brought it, and now there was a reason.
When he brought that iron skewer close to his body, Hwang Jeon was terrified.
“H-hurk! I-I am sorry! I will tell you everything!” (Hwang Jeon)
“I will give you only one more chance. If you hesitate to answer, then I will let you learn just how hot this iron skewer is.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“Y-yes, sir!” (Hwang Jeon)
Master Hwangbo Seon-yu’s interrogation began.
Thus began the interrogation concerning that man’s personal details and movements, and I wrote down his statements on paper exactly as he gave them.
“Where is the money you have collected until now?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“I-I do not have it.” (Hwang Jeon)
“Even by your own statement, you must have earned a good thousand nyang of silver. And yet you say you have no money?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“I-I truly do not. I already spent it all at the brothel!” (Hwang Jeon)
“Tell me which brothel it was.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“I-I lost it all gambling at Geumjeon Brothel in Guangdong Province.” (Hwang Jeon)
At those words, I interrogated him coldly.
“So you also engaged in illegal gambling. By His Majesty the Emperor’s command, gambling is to be done only in official gambling houses.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“That was wrong of me. But I truly have no money left. That is also why I sold the ointment even harder.” (Hwang Jeon)
“When was that?” (Eun Seo-ho)
At my question, he answered.
“Three months ago.” (Hwang Jeon)
“Are you certain?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“I am certain.” (Hwang Jeon)
“That is strange.” (Eun Seo-ho)
I smiled brightly.
“I went to Guangdong Province last October, and Geumjeon Brothel had already gone out of business.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“…….” (Hwang Jeon)
“And that was three years ago.” (Eun Seo-ho)
Who does he think he is daring to deceive!
At my words, Hwang Jeon’s eyes trembled, and Master Hwangbo Seon-yu once again took out the iron skewer that had been placed in the fire.
“I warned you…… and yet you even lie?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
Sizzle!
“Aaaaaaagh!” (Hwang Jeon)
Hwang Jeon’s scream rang through the mountain.
Why did he have to lie…….
Various parts of Hwang Jeon’s body were seared with the fire-heated skewer. It was somewhat cruel to look at, but I did not feel sorry for him.
According to his statement, the ointment he sold numbered over two thousand jars.
Among them, those who bought two or more must still be suffering without even knowing the reason.
“Hurk, hurk, hurk.” (Hwang Jeon)
Looking at him groaning in pain, Master Hwangbo Seon-yu said coldly.
“Then shall we start over from the beginning?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
Thanks to this, I was able to understand well how interrogations conducted by the Royal Guards were carried out.
He interrogated him repeatedly, mixing in questions he had asked before, and if anything differed from the previous answer, he inflicted pain and then asked again.
Just as I had heard, it really was brutal.
Tap.
Master Hwangbo Seon-yu organized the interrogation materials I had written and said.
“You worked hard. Our mission ends here.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“Then what do we do with that?” (Eun Seo-ho)
I pointed at Hwang Jeon, who was tied to the tree, and Master Hwangbo Seon-yu spoke as though it were nothing.
“The county magistrate in this area is a capable man. We can hand him over to him.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“Understood.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“In any case, working with you is quite convenient. I can understand why His Majesty favors you.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
He continued.
“His Majesty favors people who work well.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“Hahaha. You praise me too highly.” (Eun Seo-ho)
I clasped my hands and inwardly sighed.
I went through the trouble of handling this matter, so I will absolutely receive compensation from His Majesty.
* Kkui? (Geumryeong)
Hm? What was so difficult about it?
When I actually heard Geumryeong’s question, I found it hard to answer.
Because it was not as though I had gone through that much trouble.
Tsk! Geumryeong. Let’s just let that pass. (Eun Seo-ho)
Honestly, what matters is not whether I suffered or not, but whether I did the work or not. (Eun Seo-ho)
If I did the work, of course I should receive compensation for it. (Eun Seo-ho)
Huh? Wait……. (Eun Seo-ho)
Come to think of it, it was so natural that I had not noticed, but when Geumryeong responded, I had only been thinking.
Yet Geumryeong had reacted to that thought.
That is, in other words, it meant Geumryeong could hear my thoughts?
* Kkui? Kku? (Geumryeong)
You are only realizing that now?
Is it because of all the money I diligently fed you?
* Kkui! Kku! (Geumryeong)
He has not eaten that much?
No, Geumryeong. You have eaten a tremendous amount. (Eun Seo-ho)
* Kku……. (Geumryeong)
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.
.
The next day.
We headed to the county office of the county where Hwang Jeon had been staying until just before, and handed Hwang Jeon over to the county magistrate there.
We also made a copy of the record of Hwang Jeon’s interrogation and handed it over.
“I will later present the original to His Majesty the Emperor. So handle this properly on your own.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“Of course! How could there be any question?” (County Magistrate)
The county magistrate bowed so deeply that his nose nearly touched the ground, and thus we left that place and headed for Jinan.
“We should arrive at the Hwangbo Clan around this evening.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“I see. In truth, this will be my first time visiting the Hwangbo Clan, so I am a little nervous.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Hahaha. Is that so? Then is this your first time in Jinan as well?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“No. I have been to Jinan before because of a meeting of the Hundred Great Trading Companies. At the time, the world’s best trading company was Baekyeom Trading Company.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“I see. If it is Baekyeom Trading Company, it is worthy of being called the best under heaven.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
As we traveled while exchanging various conversations like that, we arrived in Jinan.
We headed toward the Hwangbo Clan, located at the center of Jinan.
The Hwangbo Clan was splendid and majestic, as befitted its reputation.
And at its entrance hung a signboard with gold lettering on a red background.
[Hwangbo Clan]
“That signboard was bestowed by His Majesty the Emperor two generations ago.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
“As expected. I see.” (Eun Seo-ho)
We entered while being warmly welcomed by the gatekeeper.
“You have arrived, Uncle.” (Hwangbo Uk)
“Yes, have you been well?” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
Master Hwangbo Seon-yu received that greeting and introduced me.
“Greet him. This is my nephew. And this is Young Company Head Eun Seo-ho, called Seonhyeop Mirang.” (Hwangbo Seon-yu)
At this, we greeted each other.
“It is our first meeting. I am Eun Seo-ho, Young Company Head of the Eunhae Trading Company.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“I am Hwangbo Uk of the Hwangbo Clan.” (Hwangbo Uk)
But for some reason, his expression was not bright.
What happened?