Chapter 675
Chapter 675
Chapter 675. Hwangbo Clan (5)
It seemed I was not the only one who thought so, because Master Hwangbo Seonyu asked him.
“Wook, has something happened? Why is your face so gloomy?” (Hwangbo Seonyu)
“Ah, yes. The truth is, a problem has arisen at the main clan.” (Hwangbo Wook)
Mister Hwangbo Wook continued with difficulty.
“There has been an uproar because the person who had been supplying whetstones to the main clan said he can no longer make deliveries.” (Hwangbo Wook)
“What? He can no longer supply whetstones? What on earth does that mean?” (Hwangbo Seonyu)
Master Hwangbo Seonyu reacted sharply.
One might ask why anyone would make such a fuss over mere whetstones, but this place is a martial clan.
In a martial clan, whetstones are indispensable items.
Of course, Hwangbo Clan’s main martial arts are hand-to-hand techniques, but they do not look down on weapons.
Moreover, once one enters the military, the weight placed on weapons inevitably increases.
And since their innate divine strength is exceptional, weapon edges tend to get damaged quickly, so they inevitably use more whetstones than other clans.
Mister Hwangbo Wook spoke to Master Hwangbo Seonyu with a troubled expression.
“That is... I think it would be best if you heard the details from Grandfather.” (Hwangbo Wook)
A little later.
We were guided to a reception room.
Master Hwangbo Seonyu sat silently in a chair, and I ate tea and snacks beside him.
Seeing me like that, Master Hwangbo Seonyu gave a faint laugh.
“You eat well.” (Hwangbo Seonyu)
“It is something I have been served. How disappointed would they be if I did not eat it?” (Eun Seoho)
“Well, that is true. Does it suit your palate?” (Hwangbo Seonyu)
“It is quite tasty. I understand now why every inn Master chose for us to stay at had delicious food.” (Eun Seoho)
“The people of the main clan are gourmets.” (Hwangbo Seonyu)
I took a sip of tea and asked.
“By the way, what is your relationship with Mister Hwangbo Wook, whom we met earlier?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, he is my nephew. And his father is the current Young Master, as well as my elder brother.” (Hwangbo Seonyu)
Then Master Hwangbo Seonyu is the Clan Head’s son.
He is of Hwangbo Clan’s direct line.
“Then what about Elder Hwangbo Hwi?” (Eun Seoho)
“He is my uncle.” (Hwangbo Seonyu)
So that is how they are related.
Just then, I sensed someone approaching. Soon the door opened, and a sturdy old man entered.
The moment I felt the presence coming from him, it was as if goosebumps rose all over my body.
I quickly rose from my seat and took a scroll out from my chest.
“I have brought His Majesty the Emperor’s imperial decree.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he immediately knelt.
Thud!
“Hwangbo Se, Clan Head of Hwangbo Clan! I receive His Majesty the Emperor’s imperial decree!” (Hwangbo Se)
As expected, this person was the Clan Head of Hwangbo Clan.
In a mission to deliver the Emperor’s imperial decree, the decree takes the highest priority.
That was why I skipped my own introduction and spoke of the decree.
Still, having the Clan Head of Hwangbo Clan kneeling in front of me is rather embarrassing.
He was paying respect to His Majesty the Emperor’s decree, not to me, but either way, I could not help feeling awkward.
However, I did not show it and held out the scroll, and he accepted it respectfully.
Then, after reading the scroll containing the imperial decree, he carefully rolled it up and placed it inside his robe.
From that touch, I could tell the loyalty of Hwangbo Clan’s Clan Head.
Most people do not go this far.
He rose from his seat, and I introduced myself with a clasped hands greeting.
“It is an honor to meet you for the first time. I am Eun Seoho, Young Captain of Eunhae Trading Company.” (Eun Seoho)
“I am Hwangbo Se, Clan Head of Hwangbo Clan. Have a seat.” (Hwangbo Se)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
He looked at Master Hwangbo Seonyu beside me and spoke sternly.
“What are you doing like that? Sit down. You are distracting me.” (Hwangbo Se)
“Yes, Father.” (Hwangbo Seonyu)
Master Hwangbo Seonyu moved briskly and sat down.
Judging only by what I had seen so far, I had thought he was a free spirit, not bound by rules, but apparently not.
Then again, I had heard that the family tradition of Hwangbo Clan was strict and upright.
Seeing that, it seemed those words were true.
“So, His Majesty the Emperor has taken great interest in the martial arts academy being established through investment from your Trading Company?” (Hwangbo Se)
At the Clan Head’s question directed at me, I quickly gathered my senses and answered.
“Yes, that is correct. The purpose of the martial arts academy we will establish is to supply talent to the imperial family.” (Eun Seoho)
“You mean talent trained in martial arts?” (Hwangbo Se)
“Yes, that is correct. In truth, this matter is also meant to plant people loyal to His Majesty the Emperor within each power.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he nodded.
“I see. Understood. Then, am I to decide which instructor the main clan will send?” (Hwangbo Se)
“That is correct, but if possible...” (Eun Seoho)
I took out a sheet of paper from my chest and held it out.
“I would like it to be a person who best meets these conditions.” (Eun Seoho)
It was the proposal Chief Administrator Jegal Cheondu had submitted to me.
He examined the paper I had handed him, then nodded.
“Skill at least at the peak level, and some knowledge of every martial art of Hwangbo Clan. Main specialty: hand-to-hand techniques. The other conditions are not difficult, but the requirement of knowing all of the main clan’s martial arts gives me some pause.” (Hwangbo Se)
After thinking for a moment, he changed the subject.
“I will have to ask this. What martial arts will those who enter the martial arts academy learn? No matter how much a martial clan sends an instructor, they will not give up their own secret techniques.” (Hwangbo Se)
The Clan Head’s words were correct.
It was also the point Chief Administrator Jegal Cheondu had pointed out.
I had something in mind from the moment I first planned the establishment of the martial arts academy.
The martial arts to be taught at the martial arts academy would be martial arts based on Cheonryu Arts.
That martial art that the world knows I learned.
I explained everything one by one to the Clan Head.
“First, the reason I presented the condition that they must know all of the clan’s martial arts is that only then can they answer the students’ questions.” (Eun Seoho)
“Is that all?” (Hwangbo Se)
“Yes. That part holds more meaning than one might think. How disappointed would the students be if an instructor from Hwangbo Clan could not explain Hwangbo Clan’s martial arts?” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“I believe a teacher is someone who walks one step ahead of their disciples and tells them about the path they themselves took so that the disciples do not go through trial and error. For that, greater knowledge is required. Is that not so?” (Eun Seoho)
“You are right about that.” (Hwangbo Se)
“And as for the martial arts that those entering the martial arts academy will learn...” (Eun Seoho)
I grinned.
“You will find out later.” (Eun Seoho)
There is no need to reveal that already.
“You need not worry too much. There will be absolutely no demands for the secret techniques of other martial clans.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see. Looking at your eyes, it seems you have prepared something tremendous.” (Hwangbo Se)
He nodded.
“Understood. I will do as you requested.” (Hwangbo Se)
By the way, if Master Hwangbo Seonyu’s earlier words were correct, that means the Clan Head is Elder Ghost Face Pao’s elder brother.
If so, there is a high chance he knows Elder Ghost Face Pao’s real birthday.
I was wondering when would be a good time to ask him.
Master Hwangbo Seonyu spoke.
“Father! I heard the story. The delivery of whetstones suddenly stopped! What on earth happened?” (Hwangbo Seonyu)
“Sigh, that is what happened. In any case, it has become troublesome.” (Hwangbo Se)
He looked at me with an awkward expression, then continued.
“The fact that you mention this even in front of a guest must mean he is someone trustworthy.” (Hwangbo Se)
“Yes. He is someone to whom I could entrust my life.” (Hwangbo Seonyu)
So that was why he mentioned it to Mister Hwangbo Wook earlier in front of me, an outsider.
Still, while I was grateful to be trusted enough that he could entrust his life to me, it was also slightly burdensome.
“Is that so?” (Hwangbo Se)
The Clan Head examined me once again.
“Well, everyone will find out eventually anyway...” (Hwangbo Se)
A few days ago, the merchant who supplied whetstones to the Trading Company suddenly came to apologize, saying he could no longer supply whetstones.
“So when I asked what had happened, he said one Trading Company had monopolized the whetstone production sites. That is why he could not obtain whetstones and therefore could not supply them.” (Hwangbo Se)
“Which Trading Company is it?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is Baekcheon Trading Company.” (Hwangbo Se)
“...” (Eun Seoho)
Then something is strange.
No matter how large Baekcheon Trading Company may be, as long as they are a Trading Company, they have no reason to make an enemy of a major client on the level of Hwangbo Clan.
Then there must be a reason he has not mentioned.
I carefully asked the Hwangbo Clan Head.
“Forgive my discourtesy, but is there perhaps some matter between Baekcheon Trading Company and Hwangbo Clan that I do not know about?” (Eun Seoho)
“There is.” (Hwangbo Se)
As expected...
“Which clan is the Captain of Baekcheon Trading Company from?” (Hwangbo Se)
“Is he not from Namgung Clan...” (Eun Seoho)
Ah! Why did I not think of that?
“Yes, as you know, the relationship between the main clan and Namgung Clan is extremely bad.” (Hwangbo Se)
Normally, this kind of thing would not happen over something of that degree, but the other party is Namgung Clan.
Still, Baekcheon Trading Company monopolized the whetstone production sites...
As expected, they are capable.
The largest production site for the most suitable whetstone material is in Shanxi Province.
In the world of martial artists, the outcome can be decided by how sharp a blade is.
So they cannot just use any whetstone.
I recalled my previous life.
In truth, even in my previous life, Namgung Clan had monopolized the whetstone production sites.
In this life, I have enough ability to stop it, but even so, there is a reason I did not.
Still, they would use such a petty move merely because relations are bad?
Just then, Master Hwangbo Seonyu spoke.
“Father. Is it perhaps because of that incident?” (Hwangbo Seonyu)
Hm?
As I looked at Master Hwangbo Seonyu, he continued speaking.
“That incident that happened at the last Grand Murim Banquet.” (Hwangbo Seonyu)
Grand Murim Banquet?
What happened then?
“Sigh, let us talk about that another time.” (Hwangbo Se)
“Ah, I apologize.” (Hwangbo Seonyu)
His reaction was so sensitive that it made me even more curious, but this was not a situation where I could ask further.
It seems that is quite a sensitive matter.
Then let that pass, and I should try to resolve this matter first.
“Clan Head. There is something I would like to tell you.” (Eun Seoho)
“Speak.” (Hwangbo Se)
“I can make it so that you can receive a supply of high-quality whetstones again.” (Eun Seoho)
“You can?” (Hwangbo Se)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
“I suppose you have some connection to Baekcheon Trading Company?” (Hwangbo Se)
“Ah, that is not it. And why does Baekcheon Trading Company come up here?” (Eun Seoho)
I shrugged.
“I never said a single word about receiving supplies through Baekcheon Trading Company.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hm?” (Hwangbo Se)
Seeing him show interest quite actively, it seemed my words had caught Hwangbo Clan Head’s attention.
“Then by what means do you intend to obtain whetstones?” (Hwangbo Se)
“That is a trade secret.” (Eun Seoho)
I grinned and continued speaking.
“If we supply good-quality whetstones at a reasonable price, please grant me just one request.” (Eun Seoho)
“Your request? What is it?” (Hwangbo Se)
“I will tell you that later. However, it is not something unreasonable for Hwangbo Clan, so you may set your mind at ease.” (Eun Seoho)
.
.
.
I was guided to the reception hall.
I washed and rested in my quarters there.
The Clan Head said it would take time to choose the talent I wanted, but even so, it is better to move quickly.
That night.
I left my quarters.
Then someone familiar approached me.
“Are you going out?” (Hwangbo Wook)
“Ah, Mister Hwangbo Wook.” (Eun Seoho)
He was the Young Master’s fourth son whom I had met earlier together with Master Hwangbo Seonyu.
“Father told me to assist you, Young Captain.” (Hwangbo Wook)
“I am grateful.” (Eun Seoho)
Since Master Hwangbo Seonyu was middle-aged, his elder brother, the Young Master, was also quite old.
Even so, the reason he had not yet become Clan Head was because of the current Clan Head, who was still standing firm.
Hwangbo Clan’s descendants have, for generations, been large-framed and robust, so many of them live long lives.
That is why the time at which one becomes Clan Head is somewhat later than in other clans.
The current Clan Head, too, probably became Clan Head after passing sixty.
“I do not know where you are going, but I will follow you.” (Hwangbo Wook)
“Thank you for your words, but I am fine.” (Eun Seoho)
“No. If I do not obey Father’s order, I will be scolded.” (Hwangbo Wook)
“I truly am fine. I cannot use a Mister of Hwangbo Clan as a porter, can I?” (Eun Seoho)
“As I have been assigned to assist you, Young Captain, I do not mind even if you use me as a porter.” (Hwangbo Wook)
“In that case... understood.” (Eun Seoho)
I called Palgap.
“Palgap.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. Young Master. Did you call for me?” (Palgap)
“Yes, Mister Hwangbo Wook here says he will help. I do not think you need to follow me after all.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Palgap)
I spoke to Mister Hwangbo Wook.
“Then please guide me to the marketplace here.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Hwangbo Wook)
As I followed him toward Jinan’s marketplace, I recalled Miss Seohyang’s words.
Then I smiled softly and said.
“Mister, before we arrive at the marketplace, could we first obtain something like a handcart pulled by a person?” (Eun Seoho)
A little later.
I roamed all over Jinan’s marketplace and bought goods like a storm.
“Oh! This is rather splendid.” (Eun Seoho)
“You have a good eye. This is none other than a tea set made by the famous craftsman Yonggun.” (Merchant)
“But it is fake.” (Eun Seoho)
“Wh-what do you mean...” (Merchant)
“The genuine article has a seal stamped here.” (Eun Seoho)
“...” (Merchant)
“So do not try to deceive me with such clumsy tricks, and show me truly good items.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Merchant)
Thus, I bought a good tea set at that teaware shop and loaded it onto the cart.
And that cart was being pulled by Mister Hwangbo Wook.
He still had a bewildered expression.
It was the expression of someone who had not thought I would really use him as a porter.
I do not speak nonsense.
“Now then, let us go over there.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes?” (Hwangbo Wook)
“What are you doing? Hurry and bring the cart.” (Eun Seoho)
“...Yes.” (Hwangbo Wook)
With an expression of being half resigned, he pulled the cart and followed behind me.
I glanced sidelong at him.
The reason I was putting him to work as a porter.
It was to make him drop out on his own.
Because what I am about to do from now on is something for which security is extremely important.