Chapter 687
Chapter 687
Chapter 687. Choseolhui (1)
After safely resolving the forged draft incident, my party and I returned to the Beijing branch.
Of course, I released the Divine Disguise Art and returned to my original appearance.
Kang Il must have reunited with his family well, right? (Eun Seoho)
Well, the Money House Owner must have taken good care of it. (Eun Seoho)
The people welcomed me back.
“Did your business trip go well?” (Employee)
“Yes. You all worked hard while I was away.” (Eun Seoho)
“Young Master!” (Palgap)
Palgap came running dadadada from far away.
“To leave me behind! Do you know how much I missed you, Young Master?” (Palgap)
“I missed you a lot too. Let’s go inside.” (Eun Seoho)
With my body and mind refreshed after washing clean, I entered the office.
“Welcome back.” (Miss Seohyang)
“You worked hard.” (Miss Seohyang)
Miss Seohyang tapped the office desk and said,
“Please sit down.” (Miss Seohyang)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
Like that, I plunged into the sea of work.
Still, perhaps my work experience at the money house had not been in vain, as I was able to look at documents from a somewhat different perspective than before.
I suppose this is why experience is important. (Eun Seoho)
Still, work is work.
There is no such thing as work that is not hard in this world.
Only when night came that day was I barely able to escape from the sea of work.
“Whew…….” (Eun Seoho)
“You worked hard.” (Miss Seohyang)
“The aftermath of being away for about the past fifteen days is quite large.” (Eun Seoho)
“Usually, it isn’t this large. But summer is coming soon, isn’t it?” (Miss Seohyang)
True, summer is the season of wind fans. (Eun Seoho)
“By the way, I’m worried about this summer. It will rain quite a lot this summer.” (Eun Seoho)
“Still, rain in the summer is fine. Isn’t rain in autumn the problem?” (Miss Seohyang)
Because if it rains often in autumn, when grain must ripen, the lack of sunlight affects the crops.
Fortunately, this year, it does not rain much in autumn. It just rains quite a lot in summer.
“So that is why a thought suddenly came to me. If we engrave our Trading Company’s name on umbrellas and distribute them to our employees, wouldn’t it be good publicity?” (Miss Seohyang)
Huh? (Eun Seoho)
Thinking about it, it was quite a good idea.
“And make it so that possessing that umbrella itself becomes something to be proud of…… hmm, giving them a sense of belonging.” (Miss Seohyang)
“That is a good idea.” (Eun Seoho)
I asked with a satisfied smile.
“Usually, people think of drawing pretty pictures on umbrellas and the like, so how did you come up with that?” (Eun Seoho)
“When I thought that it would be nice for the Eunha Trading Company to become widely known everywhere, that idea suddenly came to me.” (Miss Seohyang)
“I see. Thank you. For thinking of the Eunha Trading Company that much.” (Eun Seoho)
“We have ended up in the same boat, so if I don’t cherish it, who will cherish the Eunha Trading Company?” (Miss Seohyang)
At her words, I laughed lightly.
For some reason today, the plum blossom fragrance coming from her felt even more fragrant.
I must proceed with Miss Seohyang’s proposal immediately. (Eun Seoho)
The next day.
I woke early in the morning and trained at the training ground.
As always, Miss Seohyang was also training in martial arts with me.
At that moment, Palgap approached.
“Young Master! A messenger just arrived.” (Palgap)
“A messenger?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. They brought word that the people who departed from Jinan will arrive around noon today.” (Palgap)
Ah! The handover at the quarry in Jinan has finally been completed. (Eun Seoho)
In other words, that means people from the Eunha Trading Company’s main headquarters have arrived at the quarry in Jinan and are proceeding with the work.
That is welcome news. (Eun Seoho)
“Ah! And they say the Trading Company Leader is among the party too.” (Palgap)
“Huh? Father?” (Eun Seoho)
I am happy that I can see Father! (Eun Seoho)
But that is that, and first I need to move quickly.
It would be troublesome if I were caught in a surprise inspection.
“Palgap. Bring Brother Jeongho and the Branch Manager here immediately.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Palgap)
A little after noon that day.
Those who had been dispatched to the quarry in Jinan, Shandong Province, returned to the Beijing branch.
And among them, a familiar face got down from one carriage.
Brother Jeongho and I clasped our hands to Father and paid our respects.
“Your son Eun Jeongho greets Father.” (Eun Jeongho)
“Your son Eun Seoho greets Father.” (Eun Seoho)
Brother Jeongho’s family and Miss Seohyang also came out and paid their respects to Father.
Father gently accepted the greetings, then exchanged greetings with the Branch Manager as well.
“I greet you, Trading Company Leader.” (Branch Manager)
“You are always working hard. I ask you to continue doing well in the future.” (Father)
“I merely devote myself completely at all times.” (Branch Manager)
We went inside and gathered with the family in the reception room to talk.
“Are the family members healthy?” (Eun Jeongho)
At Brother Jeongho’s question, Father nodded.
“Yes. Everyone is well.” (Father)
“That is a relief.” (Eun Jeongho)
“By the way, I did not expect you to come in person, Father.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, Father laughed.
“Hoho, such a large quarry has come into our Eunha Trading Company’s possession, so of course I had to go see it.” (Father)
He looks extremely pleased. (Eun Seoho)
“In truth, I was having a headache over the fact that the Baekcheon Trading Company had monopolized the whetstone production sites this time. Then you sent word that, ta-da, you had bought a whetstone production site.” (Father)
“So that is why you are in such a good mood.” (Eun Seoho)
“It felt as if I had gulped down cool cold water in the summer.” (Father)
“I am glad it was helpful to the Trading Company.” (Eun Seoho)
“But I heard that people from the Namgung Clan led wanderers and attacked that quarry.” (Father)
“That is correct. Fortunately, with the help of the Royal Guards and the Hwangbo Clan, we were able to repel them.” (Eun Seoho)
At my answer, Father nodded.
“So I heard. Thus, I personally went to the Hwangbo Clan and expressed my gratitude. Of course, that does not mean I gave them a discount on the whetstone price.” (Father)
As expected of Father. (Eun Seoho)
I laughed quietly and added an explanation.
“And we are preparing to supply the whetstones produced at that quarry to the imperial family. If that happens, the Namgung Clan will not be able to recklessly touch that place.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is a good thought.” (Father)
“And just in case, I think we should strengthen the defenses there.” (Eun Seoho)
In a few years, the quarry the Baekcheon Trading Company obtained this time will no longer be able to produce whetstones.
Because the stone will be depleted.
When that time comes, there is no telling how they will act.
It is said that preparedness prevents trouble, so we should prepare in advance.
“I happen to have business meeting His Majesty the Emperor, so I will proceed with that matter.” (Eun Seoho)
“Do so.” (Father)
Father took out the documents he had brought and handed them to me.
“These are materials our technicians investigated regarding that quarry. Refer to them when preparing to supply the imperial palace.” (Father)
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
Father smiled and changed the subject.
“And the reason I came personally like this is not only because of the quarry, but also because of your marriage.” (Father)
Ah, true, there are only a few months left until my marriage now. (Eun Seoho)
It is already the sixth month. (Eun Seoho)
“There are only about four months left.” (Father)
“Yes. That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
Father took out another envelope and handed it to me.
“Here is a summary of what has been prepared so far. If there is anything missing, write it down additionally and give it to me.” (Father)
“Understood.” (Eun Seoho)
That evening.
I asked Warrior Ipil to deliver a letter to Master Jinyeong.
There was nothing good about delaying the matter of supplying whetstones to the imperial palace.
Master Jinyeong received my message and visited the Beijing branch.
“This small merchant greets Master.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes, I heard you went somewhere this time. Did you return safely?” (Jinyeong)
As expected, he knows about my outing. (Eun Seoho)
“Since His Majesty the Emperor’s grace always remains with me, wherever I go, I am merely comfortable.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hahaha. I see. Then let us go.” (Jinyeong)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I entered the imperial palace with Master Jinyeong.
And after a while, I was able to meet His Majesty the Emperor.
I performed the utmost courtesy, and the Emperor nodded and said,
“Raise your head.” (Emperor)
“Your imperial grace is immeasurable.” (Eun Seoho)
I raised my head and looked at the Emperor.
“I let you be so you could rest a little…… so just where have you been running around so busily?” (Emperor)
“Well, there was an urgent matter.” (Eun Seoho)
I explained the whole story to the Emperor.
“I could not simply leave alone those who were making forged drafts, could I?” (Eun Seoho)
“So you moved personally?” (Emperor)
“That is correct. And in the midst of that…… there was one matter I had to report.” (Eun Seoho)
I explained that the people who had introduced work to the father of a man named Kang Il had been the Namgung Clan.
“Certainly…… it is suspicious.” (Emperor)
“That is correct. There is no physical evidence, but the circumstantial suspicion is quite strong.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood. I shall take that point into account as well.” (Emperor)
The Emperor looked at me and clicked his tongue.
“Are you the one looking for work? Or is work coming to find you?” (Emperor)
“If I knew that, would I be this busy?” (Eun Seoho)
“Indeed, you are a fellow with a great fortune for work.” (Emperor)
“It is my unavoidable fate, so I am taking it into account.” (Eun Seoho)
As expected, there was a smile on the Emperor’s lips.
Sigh, please stop teasing me. (Eun Seoho)
I am already getting irritated as it is. (Eun Seoho)
“So what can I do? Since I have so much work anyway, should I not at least take a lot of money?” (Eun Seoho)
I continued.
“So, on that note, is there nothing this time?” (Eun Seoho)
“Hm? What do you mean?” (Emperor)
“When catching that fraud who sold medicine made from Tobungeuncho, I also worked quite hard.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued.
“I would not think that you would give me no reward just because my name is not in the official documents…….” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, the Emperor said with a benevolent expression,
“Of course. How could I think such a thing?” (Emperor)
Because you say that with such a benevolent expression, it makes me even more suspicious……. (Eun Seoho)
The Emperor took a pouch from his desk and handed it to the eunuch, and the eunuch received it and passed it to me.
“What is this?” (Eun Seoho)
“Open it.” (Emperor)
I opened the pouch and saw the gold pieces inside.
It looks to be about ten nyang. (Eun Seoho)
“Will that suffice?” (Emperor)
“Your imperial grace is immeasurable.” (Eun Seoho)
As the Emperor seemed about to issue an order to dismiss me, I quickly continued speaking.
“Your Majesty, I have something to say.” (Eun Seoho)
“What is it?” (Emperor)
“Our Eunha Trading Company wishes to supply whetstones to the imperial palace.” (Eun Seoho)
“Whetstones?” (Emperor)
“Yes. We discovered a quarry this time, and it has been evaluated as being of very high quality.” (Eun Seoho)
“So that is so.” (Emperor)
The Emperor looked at the eunuch, and the eunuch understood his meaning, bowed, and answered.
“I will summon the official in charge of this.” (Eunuch)
After waiting for a while, an official soon entered.
“This humble subject, the Minister of Works, greets His Majesty the Emperor. Ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!” (Minister of Works)
Wow……. (Eun Seoho)
He called the highest person in charge of the Ministry of Works. (Eun Seoho)
“Stand and raise your head.” (Emperor)
“Yes.” (Minister of Works)
“The Eunha Trading Company here says it wishes to supply whetstones to the imperial palace.” (Emperor)
“Even so, the people who had previously supplied whetstones have changed, so we were in the middle of negotiations.” (Minister of Works)
The Minister of Works answered like that and asked me,
“By any chance, are you receiving supplies from the Baekcheon Trading Company and resupplying them?” (Minister of Works)
“No. A whetstone production site was discovered in a mountain our Eunha Trading Company purchased not long ago. The whetstones quarried there are of very good quality, so we wish to supply them to the imperial palace.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see!” (Minister of Works)
He asked with a relieved expression.
“May I first ask at what price you are thinking of supplying them?” (Minister of Works)
“Half a silver nyang for forty geun of whetstones.” (Eun Seoho)
“……!” (Minister of Works)
At my words, he wore a startled expression.
“At such a low price?” (Minister of Works)
Then he spoke to the Emperor.
“Your Majesty, even in terms of price, this is a very satisfactory proposal. Those we are currently negotiating with are raising the price.” (Minister of Works)
“How much have they raised it for you to say that?” (Emperor)
“They are calling for nearly double the previous price. However, because they have monopolized the whetstone production sites, we were worried since we could not simply refuse outright.” (Minister of Works)
So that is why he asked about the price first. (Eun Seoho)
By the way, they called for one silver nyang for forty geun of whetstones? (Eun Seoho)
Baekcheon Trading Company, those hoodlum-like bastards! (Eun Seoho)
The Emperor seemed to think the same, as he frowned.
“So even by setting conditions to grant them conveniences, we would have had to sign a contract at a fairly expensive price, but with an offer like this, there is no reason to refuse.” (Minister of Works)
He continued.
“However, since the quality of the whetstones to be supplied to the imperial palace is very important, I believe we must verify it.” (Minister of Works)
“He seemed confident in the quality of those whetstones.” (Emperor)
At the Emperor’s words, I added further explanation.
“We have already made supply contracts with the Hwangbo Clan and the Baekyeom Trading Company. They are whetstones of such good quality that those parties also praised them highly. Also, there are various degrees of roughness among the whetstones, so you can choose which to receive.” (Eun Seoho)
Because whetstones are used differently depending on their roughness.
“If the Baekyeom Trading Company praised them highly, there is no need to look further.” (Minister of Works)
“Then go out and discuss the details.” (Emperor)
“Yes, Your Majesty.” (Minister of Works)
“This small merchant shall withdraw.” (Eun Seoho)
Like that, we withdrew from before the Emperor.
“You said you were Eun Seoho?” (Minister of Works)
“Yes, my lord.” (Eun Seoho)
“To come to us saying you will supply them at such a perfect time! Truly, thank you.” (Minister of Works)
I smiled awkwardly and asked.
“It seems you did not want to make a supply contract with the Baekcheon Trading Company.” (Eun Seoho)
He shook his head with a tired face.
“Whew, it could not be helped. We must run the imperial palace’s household with limited funds, and the expenditures cannot suddenly increase that much.” (Minister of Works)
The Minister of Works’ mindset is truly excellent. (Eun Seoho)
That money is tax paid by the empire’s people with the money they earned through sweat and blood.
I could feel his heart, not wanting to waste even a single coin of that tax.
“Spending even a single copper coin recklessly without accounting for it is what His Majesty the Emperor dislikes most. If one is caught doing that, one has to go do farm work by force for three days.” (Minister of Works)
“Ah…….” (Eun Seoho)
True, experiencing it directly hits harder than merely hearing about it. (Eun Seoho)
Like that, I headed to the Ministry of Works, discussed the supply matter with the Minister of Works and the officials, then left the imperial palace.
.
.
.
The next day.
As soon as I opened my eyes early in the morning, I practiced breathing circulation.
Since I had woken a little earlier than usual, I decided to do something I had been putting off.
Examining Choseolhui, the basic martial arts book of the Snow Wind Palace.
Master will come to Beijing soon. (Eun Seoho)
So I should study Choseolhui before Master arrives. (Eun Seoho)
Thinking that, I began reading Choseolhui.
This was my tenth time reading it. To be honest, there were quite a few parts I did not understand.
At times like that, reading it several times is also a method.
And when I turned the final page like that.
“Huh?” (Eun Seoho)
On the inside of the book’s back cover, something that had not been visible before was now clearly visible.
This is…… what? (Eun Seoho)