Chapter 689
Chapter 689
Chapter 689. Choseolhui (3)
In front of Geumnyeong, who had climbed onto the tea table, I saw a transparent orb.
“What is this?” (Eun Seoho)
I examined the orb and was startled.
Because what was inside that orb was clearly the castle I had made out of snow.
Since the orb was about the size of a fist, the castle made of snow had also been shrunken to around that size.
“Kkui! Kku! Kkuit!” (Geumnyeong)
It is a gift from the Founder? (Eun Seoho)
Because she thought I would feel extremely disappointed, she put only the snow castle I made inside this orb like this. (Eun Seoho)
The arrangements I had faced were usually one-time things, so once I passed through the arrangement, that space disappeared.
That was why I had felt deeply regretful.
After all, it was a castle I had worked on for over ten days. And it was also a castle containing my joyful memories.
But to think she put it inside an orb like this.
“To do this, she must have needed quite a lot of power…….” (Eun Seoho)
“Kkui! Kku!” (Geumnyeong)
Ah, it was possible because I came out of the arrangement sooner than expected, so the power contained in the arrangement remained? (Eun Seoho)
I see. (Eun Seoho)
Since I came out earlier than the Founder expected, that feels good. (Eun Seoho)
Anyway, this orb has meaning to me, so should I give this orb a name? (Eun Seoho)
Seolseongju. It means an orb that contains a castle of snow. (Eun Seoho)
How is it? (Eun Seoho)
“Kkuit?” (Geumnyeong)
Are you asking if I am serious? (Eun Seoho)
I am hurt. You know I have no talent for naming things, so why are you like that? (Eun Seoho)
“Kkui! Kku!” (Geumnyeong)
Rather than that, you think Huisangju would be better, meaning an orb that contains joyful memories? (Eun Seoho)
“Yes, let’s do that.” (Eun Seoho)
I nodded and examined the orb.
The aura I feel inside the orb is unusual…… should I test it once? (Eun Seoho)
I operated the Great Yin Ice Sea Divine Art and placed my hand on the orb.
Swoop.
Huh? (Eun Seoho)
The space around me changed, and before I knew it, I was inside the snow castle I had made.
I touched the castle wall with my hand.
The cold texture of snow.
It really was the snow castle I had made.
Anyway, how do I get out of here? (Eun Seoho)
Mm…… should I leave the castle first? (Eun Seoho)
When I left the castle and walked a little, I collided with a transparent wall.
I suppose I should operate the Great Yin Ice Sea Divine Art like before. (Eun Seoho)
Swoop.
That instant, I had returned to my sleeping quarters again.
Wow…… what is this? (Eun Seoho)
It means I can hide for a while if I go inside this orb, doesn’t it? (Eun Seoho)
I ended up obtaining an item I had never expected.
Then can Miss Seohyang also enter inside this with me? (Eun Seoho)
If so, it would be nice to ride the sled together inside.
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After eating breakfast, I headed to the office as usual.
Because today, we had decided to formally discuss the matter of supplying whetstones, which we had temporarily discussed at the imperial palace last night.
For this purpose, officials including the Minister of Works were scheduled to visit our Beijing branch.
The reason we did not do it at the Ministry of Works was simple.
Because for the Eunha Trading Company’s working-level staff other than me to enter the imperial palace, the procedures were complicated and took time.
The same went for the process of bringing in the whetstones brought as samples.
The Ministry of Works wanted to proceed with this matter as quickly as possible, so the location was set as the Beijing branch.
Because there was no particular procedure needed for officials to enter the Beijing branch.
“Please give me the materials on this.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Employee)
“What should we do with this?” (Employee)
“Ah, you can give that to me.” (Eun Seoho)
While I was working hard like that, Father visited the office.
“You are working hard.” (Father)
“You came at just the right time.” (Eun Seoho)
“I should.” (Father)
And those who came with Father were Chief Merchant Seong and the merchants who would be in charge of this whetstone business.
“Huff, huff! I am sorry I am late.” (Eun Jeongho)
And Brother Jeongho, who hurriedly ran in afterward.
“It is fine. We also just arrived.” (Father)
The reason we had gathered like this was to prepare in advance for today’s matter of supplying whetstones.
It is true that I won the whetstone supply matter, but I will not continue to be in charge of it.
As the ruler of Hyeonpung Nation, I must handle various tasks and move around from place to place.
Should I call myself a kind of troubleshooter?
And the matters I bring in like this are finished and managed mainly by Father and Brother Jeongho.
That is why today’s discussion too should proceed centered on Father, Brother Jeongho, and Chief Merchant Seong’s party.
“These are the matters roughly discussed yesterday. And today, after discussing these in detail, they will likely be finalized.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see.” (Father)
Father sat before the tea table, looked at the materials I held out, and nodded.
“You did this quite neatly and well. Thanks to this, today’s meeting will end early.” (Father)
“Hahaha. Thank you for the compliment.” (Eun Seoho)
After eating lunch, I worked while waiting, and the officials from the Ministry of Works visited the Beijing branch.
The Minister of Works and officials from the Ministry of Works.
We courteously welcomed them.
“This small merchant, Eun Gilsang, greets the lords.” (Eun Gilsang)
“Hoho, thank you for welcoming us like this.” (Minister of Works)
The Minister of Works smiled and returned Father’s greeting.
“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am So Daewon, Minister of Works. Thank you for inviting us to your Trading Company.” (Minister of Works)
“We welcome your visit. Please come to the meeting room.” (Eun Gilsang)
Like that, we moved to the meeting room.
Once everyone was seated, the maids placed refreshments in front of each person and then withdrew.
At that moment, one official looked back and forth between the refreshments of the other officials and his own, then asked,
“Excuse me, but why are only my sweets different?” (Official)
At this, I answered.
“Ah, the sweets prepared today contain chestnuts. We made yours separately so that you would not eat chestnuts, my lord, and decorated them with jujube to mark them.” (Eun Seoho)
“How did you know that I break out in hives when I eat chestnuts?” (Official)
“That is how sincere our Eunha Trading Company is about this matter.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, the Minister of Works smiled and said,
“To think you would pay attention to us to this degree. I offer you my thanks.” (Minister of Works)
“Not at all.” (Eun Seoho)
This was something I had deliberately arranged so that such a question would come up.
It meant that they should not look down on the Eunha Trading Company.
And it was also a warning that, since we already knew everything about them, they should not think of playing any tricks.
But…… their reaction was a bit different from what I had intended.
“As expected! It truly is the Eunha Trading Company.” (Official)
“Indeed.” (Official)
Father looked at me and smiled faintly.
Why? (Eun Seoho)
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After the meeting ended, our family had dinner separately.
As a matter of courtesy, we said we would treat the officials who had attended the meeting to dinner, but the Minister of Works politely refused.
“I am grateful for the offer, but I shall look forward to another time. Please understand, as it would be improper to receive entertainment from a contracting party before such a contract.” (Minister of Works)
True, His Majesty the Emperor is rather thorough about such things.
Especially since this matter was one he had directly summoned the Minister of Works and ordered, they would have no choice but to be even more careful.
“By the way, today felt truly new.” (Father)
At Father’s words, I could not help tilting my head.
“It is my first time receiving such treatment from a high official like the Minister of Works.” (Father)
In truth, the treatment merchants received from officials could not be called very good.
Being spoken down to was a given, and there were many cases where they were treated like wallets that produced money if shaken.
But it seemed that seeing a high official, not just an ordinary official but the Minister of Works himself, treat us courteously felt quite strange and moving to him.
“It is all thanks to having a good son.” (Father)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
I asked Father back.
“Not because our Trading Company’s status has risen?” (Eun Seoho)
“Our Trading Company’s status has risen, but it is still seventeenth. It is not one of the top ten Trading Companies that get summoned to the imperial palace and eat with the Emperor.” (Father)
Ah…… that is true. (Eun Seoho)
“The reason they were courteous to us was thanks to you, Seoho. Is there any imperial official who does not know that you are favored by His Majesty the Emperor?” (Father)
“……There is not.” (Eun Seoho)
Only then did I realize why the officials had not shown the reaction I had expected to the refreshments I had prepared to mean they should not disregard the Eunha Trading Company.
And also why Father had smiled.
That was right.
The reason they had been courteous was none other than because of me.
Furthermore, it was something the Emperor had directly summoned them and ordered, so they could not help handling it properly.
Suddenly, I felt a small sense of worth at having become His Majesty the Emperor’s loyal worker.
Every time I face the Emperor, I feel as if my lifespan is reduced by years, so there should at least be advantages like this.
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Two days later.
Father was moving busily because of the whetstone supply matter, and Brother Jeongho headed to the quarry in Jinan, Shandong, together with Chief Merchant Seong and the officials from the Ministry of Works.
Because an on-site inspection was necessary, and since it was a place that would supply the imperial palace, security for the quarry also had to be arranged.
Young Master Yeon Joohyeok handed me documents and said,
“It is getting hotter and hotter outside, but strangely, it is not that hot here.” (Yeon Joohyeok)
At this, I nodded and explained.
“That is probably because of my martial arts. As you know, my martial arts have a yin-natured quality.” (Eun Seoho)
Since it is publicly known that I learned the Heavenly Flow Art, there is no problem explaining this part.
“Now that I think about it, Vice Officer Gwak also learned the Heavenly Flow Art, did he not?” (Yeon Joohyeok)
“Yes. That is right.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“So that is why! Since two of you have learned the Heavenly Flow Art, this space must be cool. Everyone is having a hard time because it has suddenly grown hot right now.” (Yeon Joohyeok)
At times like this, drinking a cup of cool fruit punch would make one feel much better.
I stood from my seat and called Palgap.
“Palgap!” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes! Did you call?” (Palgap)
“Do a task with me.” (Eun Seoho)
“Just say the word, and I will do anything.” (Palgap)
As expected, he is reliable. (Eun Seoho)
I asked them to bring large jars from the kitchen and cleaned those jars thoroughly.
Then I had seasonal fruits cut into small pieces and placed inside.
“Now put honey inside, and pour in boiled water.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Palgap)
When the servants and maids saw me doing something with several jars, they stepped forward to help, so the work ended quickly.
Like that, we finished pouring boiled water into the large jars, and now it was my turn to step in.
Making the water inside the jars cold with ice arts.
Crack.
Soon, the honey water inside the jars became cold enough for a thin layer of ice to form, and the refreshing fruit punch was complete.
“All right! Then send people to each department and tell them to take one each.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood!” (Palgap)
I separately carried a bowl filled with cool fruit punch and went to Father.
“Father.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes, what is it?” (Father)
“I brought this so you could have some fruit punch.” (Eun Seoho)
“Fruit punch?” (Father)
Father looked at the fruit punch I brought and wore a slightly surprised expression.
“Ho, to think you put in this much precious ice!” (Father)
I smiled and shook my head.
“Do not worry. I did not pay expensive money to buy ice.” (Eun Seoho)
In this fifth or sixth month, ice is quite expensive.
So much so that even the imperial family or high officials who can harvest ice use it sparingly.
“Then how did you obtain ice?” (Father)
“Are the martial arts of Father’s son not ice arts?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah…… that is right.” (Father)
Father smiled faintly.
“Thanks to my outstanding son, I can eat cool fruit punch in this summer!” (Father)
Father lifted the bowl of fruit punch, drank deeply, and wore a satisfied smile.
“This makes my insides very cool.” (Father)
It probably does. (Eun Seoho)
Since I froze the ice with my inner arts, it will be even cooler. (Eun Seoho)
And since it also has the effects of detoxification and purification, it will likely feel even more pleasant.
After giving Father the fruit punch like that, I returned to the office and could see people cooling down as they ate fruit punch.
They discovered me and expressed their thanks.
This is small but not small worth. (Eun Seoho)
At that moment, Palgap approached me.
“Um, Young Master. Head Escort Gwak Myeonghyeon has arrived.” (Palgap)
“Ah! Really?” (Eun Seoho)
I thought he would come soon, and he finally has. (Eun Seoho)
I immediately headed to the reception room.
In front of Master was a bowl of the fruit punch I had made earlier.
“This disciple greets Master.” (Eun Seoho)
“It is good to see you. It has been a long time.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I nodded and said,
“Was the fruit punch all right?” (Eun Seoho)
“It was very refreshing. I could feel your achievement, Young Guildmaster.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
As expected of Master. (Eun Seoho)
He realized that it was ice I had personally frozen. (Eun Seoho)
I sat in front of him, took out the martial arts book Choseolhui, and placed it on the table.
“This is the Choseolhui I found this time.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
Master spoke calmly, but his hand moving toward Choseolhui was trembling.
Tap.
And when his hand touched Choseolhui, he bit his lip. As if trying to hold back tears.
“When I was young, I too first encountered martial arts through this Choseolhui. Perhaps that is why old memories keep coming to mind.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
Master raised his head and looked at me.
“In truth, you too should have encountered martial arts through this Choseolhui, Young Guildmaster…… but it is not too late even now. As you know from seeing it, this is not something that can be understood simply.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“That is right. It was indeed so.” (Eun Seoho)
“Starting tomorrow, I will teach you this Choseolhui.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
At those words, I could only scratch my cheek.
“Um, Master…… actually. I have already learned it.” (Eun Seoho)
“Pardon? You have already learned it?” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“There was an arrangement left behind by the Founder in this Choseolhui as well.” (Eun Seoho)
“In this martial arts book?” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I nodded, and told Master the story I had heard from the Founder.
“So she said she had left an arrangement in this Choseolhui.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see. You must have gone through hardship.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“No.” (Eun Seoho)
I shook my head.
“Hardship? I just played to my heart’s content and came out. And I realized that that joy is the foundation of Snow Wind Palace’s martial arts.” (Eun Seoho)
“As expected, you learned it well. Then, I will take this with me.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
“And tomorrow morning, I will come here.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
To me as I asked back, Master spoke with a smile.
“You must train.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“…….” (Eun Seoho)