Chapter 686
Chapter 686
Chapter 686. The Forged Draft Incident (4)
We took turns eating lunch while watching the manor.
Even during that time, there was no particular movement.
Whoosh!
At that moment, a black hawk flew in and perched on Money House Owner Hwangsan’s shoulder.
“Oh! You’re here?” (Hwangsan)
And one person approached.
The black clothes he wore were similar to those worn by the two escort warriors who had infiltrated as guards.
That was why the official name of the security force guarding the Geumsan Money House was the Black-Clad Ghosts.
He was the captain of those Black-Clad Ghosts.
“I greet you, Money House Owner.” (Black-Clad Ghost Captain)
“You have worked hard coming here.” (Hwangsan)
The Money House Owner turned his head toward me and said,
“Please report the situation.” (Hwangsan)
“Ah, yes. Warrior Jinyu.” (Eun Seoho)
At my call, Warrior Jinyu immediately reported the situation inside the manor in detail.
“There are around one hundred fifty people inside the manor, and among them, about half, seventy to eighty, are warriors. And there are around five peak-level warriors.” (Jinyu)
The fact that there were five peak-level warriors meant they had set out to do this in earnest.
At that level, they would be Elder-class in a small or medium-sized sect, so there was no reason for five such people to be in a remote manor like this.
“And the craftsmen appear to be working under the warriors’ surveillance, while those who appear to be the craftsmen’s families seem to be living together in two rooms, separated by men and women.” (Jinyu)
“I see. They are probably being threatened.” (Hwangsan)
It is true that there are many people who commit crimes with the skills they possess because they want to.
But there are also those who reluctantly become criminals because of their families.
This case could be called exactly that.
“What shall we do, Money House Owner?” (Black-Clad Ghost Captain)
At the Black-Clad Ghost Captain’s question, the Money House Owner answered.
“Groups One and Two will strike, Group Three will protect the craftsmen, Group Four will rescue the families, and Group Five will handle the blockade.” (Hwangsan)
“Understood.” (Black-Clad Ghost Captain)
I asked the Money House Owner.
“Will you proceed at night?” (Eun Seoho)
“Is there any need?” (Hwangsan)
In his words, I could see his confidence that whether it was day or night did not matter when it came to beating down the enemies.
And about half a shichen later.
I could not help but admire the sight of some five hundred people surrounding the manor.
“It is incredible.” (Eun Seoho)
“The customer’s money is precious, and to protect that precious money, should we not invest at least this much?” (Hwangsan)
At those words, the Money House Owner became worthy of respect in my eyes.
“And you found and informed us of the most important thing, their base. If we cannot handle the rest with our own hands, how could we have any face?” (Hwangsan)
The Money House Owner continued.
“Then I will go for a moment, so please watch how your money is protected, Young Guildmaster.” (Hwangsan)
That instant.
I felt a killing intent from the Money House Owner that was enough to make my skin prickle.
The black hawk flew up from his shoulder and cried sharply.
Piiiiiiik!
As if that had been the signal, the Black-Clad Ghosts began charging into the manor.
And I was able to clearly witness the end of the Sura Blood Cult gang inside that manor.
Ah…… I did well to entrust my money to the Geumsan Money House. (Eun Seoho)
.
.
.
It did not even take one shichen for that place to be cleared.
Compared to the time spent finding this place, it was cleared so quickly it was absurd.
Among those being dragged out after being completely subdued was the man I had tailed.
Now their future was obvious.
Of course, I did not feel pity or regret for them.
Because there were others who should be pitied.
Those were the people who had been threatened into making the forged drafts.
“Liege, what will happen to them now?” (Myeongjong)
At Warrior Myeongjong’s question, I shook my head.
“I do not know that well either. That is something for the Money House Owner to decide.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is true.” (Myeongjong)
At that moment, the Money House Owner’s voice came from behind.
“I intend to hear their circumstances and take them into account in deciding their punishment. In professional terms, it is called extenuation.” (Hwangsan)
“Money House Owner.” (Eun Seoho)
Even though he had taken part in the battle, there was still not a single drop of blood on his clothes, and not a single strand of hair was out of place.
Is this the power of the Transformation Realm? (Eun Seoho)
Suddenly, I recalled Ilsageom, who had said he would kill me the next time he met me.
He too was in the Transformation Realm.
If I do not want to die, I must also reach the Transformation Realm.
Of course, I must reach the Transformation Realm for my ultimate goal as well.
“Since the matter has been settled, I think I will now return to my workplace.” (Eun Seoho)
“It is regrettable that I cannot hold you back any longer.” (Hwangsan)
The Money House Owner truly looked regretful.
“Through this matter, I have received a great favor from you, Young Guildmaster. I do not know how I should repay this favor.” (Hwangsan)
“It is not something that could be called a favor.” (Eun Seoho)
I showed modesty.
The reason I reached the transcendent realm at this age now was not due solely to my own strength and talent.
It was because of the information I knew in advance and the help of numerous people, including the founder of the Snow Wind Palace.
In other words, it was a result created by the combination of miraculous encounters and miracles.
In any case, since the realm called Transformation Realm is still far off, the best thing I can do is create many connections that will protect me.
One of them is the Money House Owner before me.
That was why I had actively involved myself in this matter and placed him in my debt.
“To be honest, this matter was to protect the Eunha Trading Company’s money and my own money. It was also to prevent chaos in the merchant world. If the merchant world is in chaos, how could one make money?” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, the Money House Owner nodded in admiration.
“Certainly…… Young Guildmaster, you really are a merchant.” (Hwangsan)
“Thank you for the praise.” (Eun Seoho)
After thinking for a moment, the Money House Owner said,
“Then let us do this. Later, if by any chance a great danger comes upon you, Young Guildmaster, at that time, this Hwangsan will help you even if I must take a loss.” (Hwangsan)
“Pardon? There is no need for you to go that far.” (Eun Seoho)
I said that in words, but in truth, it was what I had really been waiting for.
“I hope you will not refuse even this.” (Hwangsan)
“If you say so, then I understand. I will remember that promise of yours, Money House Owner.” (Eun Seoho)
“Would merely remembering it be enough? I will write you a proper document.” (Hwangsan)
“No!” (Eun Seoho)
I waved my hand.
“You yourself are the symbol of trust, Money House Owner. And to be honest, it does not matter even if you forget.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he smiled faintly.
“Then I must absolutely not forget. In that case, keep that whistle on you.” (Hwangsan)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
“If you blow that whistle, wherever I am, I can hear it and go to you. So use it when you are in urgent danger.” (Hwangsan)
If that is the case, I should accept it. (Eun Seoho)
“I will receive it gratefully.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he nodded.
“But are you going to go to Beijing just like this? Still, they were colleagues you worked with, so I think it would be better to say goodbye properly before leaving.” (Hwangsan)
“Of course. I was going to ask you about that anyway.” (Eun Seoho)
There is a saying that if you want to see what a person is like, look at how they clean up after themselves.
That means cleaning up afterward is that important.
There is nothing more annoying than cleaning up after someone who quit and had done their work poorly or failed to organize things properly.
It would do no good if, by any chance, someone used this matter as a pretext to attack me or hold a grudge.
For the sake of later as well, my way is not to leave even the slightest pretext behind.
Though it was only a few days, I also wanted to remain as a good memory to those I had grown attached to during that time.
There is also something I need to confirm.
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.
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I entered the Hebei Province main branch of the Geumsan Money House.
“No! You! What happened? How could you suddenly take sick leave?” (Branch Owner)
“Ah, that is…… I am sorry. There were circumstances.” (Eun Seoho)
“Circumstances?” (Branch Owner)
“I will explain that.” (Hwangsan)
Saying that, the Money House Owner approached me.
“Gasp! Money House Owner!” (Branch Owner)
Those who saw him quickly bowed their heads.
“As you all know, this employee is currently on his way back after just resolving the forged draft incident, which was a crisis facing the Geumsan Money House.” (Hwangsan)
“Pardon?” (Employee)
“What does that mean?” (Employee)
The employees were startled and murmured.
“In truth, this employee was a member of the Inspection Department whom I had sent in to resolve this incident.” (Hwangsan)
“Gasp!” (Employee)
“I-Is that true?” (Employee)
I smiled awkwardly and nodded.
“Yes. That is how it turned out.” (Eun Seoho)
Before coming here, the Money House Owner and I had matched our stories to explain it that way.
“Since I have completed my mission, I will now return to my original position. Thank you for taking care of me in many ways during this time.” (Eun Seoho)
“So that was what happened. You really worked well, so it was nice.” (Branch Owner)
“Thank you for looking kindly on me.” (Eun Seoho)
I courteously clasped my hands.
“I will organize the work I was doing and pass it on to another employee.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, no. We can organize that ourselves.” (Branch Owner)
“It will not take long. One shichen will be enough.” (Eun Seoho)
I immediately began organizing the tasks I had been in charge of.
And at lunchtime.
I called training classmate Kang Il, who had been beside me.
“Do you have a moment?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah! Yes!” (Kang Il)
I led him to a place with few people and asked him.
“Before I disappeared, when you saw the forged draft, how did you know it was a forged draft?” (Eun Seoho)
“…….” (Kang Il)
“I would like you to tell me the truth. The reason I arranged this private place is to help you.” (Eun Seoho)
After my persistent persuasion, he eventually sighed and answered.
“Because I too have the skill to make drafts.” (Kang Il)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
“In truth, my father was someone who made the draft paper supplied to the Geumsan Money House. Then he heard that my grandfather was critically ill and went down to his hometown.” (Kang Il)
“I heard your hometown is in Anhui Province?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is right. Because my grandfather, who was said to be critically ill, recovered, my father cared for him at his side for ten years.” (Kang Il)
“Then what did you do for living expenses?” (Eun Seoho)
“Fortunately, my grandfather had some wealth.” (Kang Il)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
“In any case, my father, who became unable to return, handed everything over to the man who had been working under him.” (Kang Il)
Kang Il’s explanation continued.
“After ten years passed like that, my grandfather passed away. And one day, they say people came from the Namgung Clan.” (Kang Il)
“From the Namgung Clan?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. They say they proposed that my father make draft paper for a certain money house. So they said all my family except me left to do the work introduced by the Namgung Clan.” (Kang Il)
I sensed something off in his words.
Because when he spoke about his father and his family’s whereabouts, he spoke as if he had heard it from someone else.
“Could it be that you were not living with your family?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, he nodded.
“Yes. I was preparing for the civil service examination in Beijing. My father said it would be good if there were at least one official in the family, so I took the exam, and by luck, I passed the provincial examination and became a juren.” (Kang Il)
He bit his lip.
“I learned about the Namgung Clan through a letter from my father. But…… shortly afterward, contact was completely cut off, and I went down to my hometown and asked around for news of my family.” (Kang Il)
“…….” (Eun Seoho)
“Whew…… But no one knew any news of my family, and somehow I made inquiries to the Namgung Clan, but the answer that came back from their side was that they did not know either.” (Kang Il)
He continued.
“Then, among all that, there was a letter that arrived at the place where I was studying. When I opened that letter, there was one draft inside.” (Kang Il)
A draft? (Eun Seoho)
“It was a Geumsan Money House draft made with my father’s skill. I told you earlier that I too could make drafts, did I not?” (Kang Il)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
“It is a skill I learned while helping my father from childhood. That is why I could recognize that the draft was made by my father. And at the same time…….” (Kang Il)
He wore an anguished expression.
“I could also tell that my father had been caught up in a crime. Because written on that draft through an anti-forgery technique were the words that this was a forged draft, and if I ever discovered counterfeit notes made by my father, I should inform people that they were forgeries so no one would suffer harm.” (Kang Il)
That craftsman is remarkable too. (Eun Seoho)
Surveillance must have been strict, yet he broke through it and sent it to his son with letters engraved on it.
It must mean he trusted his son that much.
“So you got a job at the Geumsan Money House?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Kang Il)
He nodded.
“I thought that if I was at the Geumsan Money House, I might be able to discover traces of my father again.” (Kang Il)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
“What my father made is a little different from what the man who inherited the business made. It is only enough to be recognized by the sense in one’s hand, but…… to me, who lived for a long time touching what my father made, that much is an easy matter. So I knew as soon as I touched that draft.” (Kang Il)
He let out a sigh and continued.
“But once I actually realized it was a forged draft, I was so flustered that I did not know what to do…… At that time, thank you for asking me what was wrong.” (Kang Il)
“Not at all. Thanks to you, I was also able to resolve this mission. And thank you for trusting me and telling me the circumstances.” (Eun Seoho)
He asked with a worried face.
“Um…… by any chance, are my family among those who were arrested this time?” (Kang Il)
“What are your family members’ names?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah…… my father uses the character San. And my mother is…….” (Kang Il)
At that moment, the Money House Owner approached.
“Money House Owner.” (Eun Seoho)
He looked at Kang Il and nodded.
“So there was such a story. I am sorry. I ended up overhearing unintentionally.” (Hwangsan)
“Ah, no. I was going to speak about this anyway and beg for punishment.” (Kang Il)
“Beg for punishment? Why?” (Hwangsan)
“Well, because I entered the money house while hiding my purpose…….” (Kang Il)
The Money House Owner smiled and said,
“Whatever your purpose was, I am pleased to have obtained a capable employee like you. Rather than this, let us go together.” (Hwangsan)
“Pardon? Where do you mean?” (Kang Il)
“Do you not want to see your family?” (Hwangsan)
“Of course I do, but……. Could it be?” (Kang Il)
“Yes. Your family is currently being protected by the Black-Clad Ghosts. They did not commit any crime, so they will be released soon. And as for your father, there will be extenuating circumstances to that degree, so he will be released before long as well.” (Hwangsan)
“Thank you! Truly, thank you!” (Kang Il)
Watching that sight, I felt pleased. Unintentionally, I had made it so that a family that had nearly been separated for life could reunite.
When I first met Kang Il, he did not seem to want to talk much about the Namgung Clan.
That was probably because his father had been introduced to work through the Namgung Clan.
And while he was asking around about this, he likely had not been treated very well either.
Then does that mean the Namgung Clan also has a connection to the Sura Blood Cult? (Eun Seoho)
It is certain that the Martial Alliance and the Sura Blood Cult have some sort of relationship, and since the force leading the Martial Alliance is the Namgung Clan, the possibility is quite high. (Eun Seoho)
His Majesty the Emperor would be pleased to hear about this. (Eun Seoho)
Though he will tease me for inviting hardship on myself. (Eun Seoho)