Chapter 700
Chapter 700
Chapter 700. Ice Palace Marriage (5)
At that time.
The Ice Palace Lord looked at the bridal chamber and gave a faint laugh.
“This is the second time I have seen that bridal chamber.” (Ice Palace Lord)
The first time was during the Ice Palace marriage of his close friend, the previous Snow Wind Palace Lord.
And now.
In truth, the fact that the current Snow Wind Palace Lord, Kwak Myeonghyeon, had been unable to hold an Ice Palace marriage weighed painfully on his heart.
“Please look after my unworthy son well.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Why say that all of a sudden? Like someone who has already received the date of his death?” (Ice Palace Lord)
“Indeed.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Is there truly some bad situation?” (Ice Palace Lord)
“I do not know yet. If it becomes certain, I will tell you.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
That had been the last conversation with him.
“I do not know what you think of your son, but at least to my eyes, he is an unparalleled fellow as Snow Wind Palace Lord. After all, you set someone so outstanding as your successor.” (Ice Palace Lord)
As he was thinking that, Young Palace Lord Bing Haerin came to visit.
“Palace Lord. I ordered the changing of those standing guard, and confirmed it.” (Bing Haerin)
“You worked hard. By the way, you were rather impressive.” (Ice Palace Lord)
“Yes?” (Bing Haerin)
“To settle the congratulatory money against Young Palace Lord Eun Seoho with ten nyang in gold, I mean.” (Ice Palace Lord)
“Ah…….” (Bing Haerin)
Bing Haerin grinned.
“I learned it from Young Palace Lord Eun. He said that even if the money is small, if meaning is placed into it, it appears abundant.” (Bing Haerin)
In truth, ten nyang in gold was not a small sum.
But as congratulatory money paid by the Young Palace Lord of the Northern Sea Ice Palace, it was not on the large side.
She had used the method she learned from Eun Seoho to maximize efficiency with a small congratulatory gift.
She winked one eye and continued.
“Ah, but this is a secret.” (Bing Haerin)
. . .
The next morning, I opened my eyes.
I feel quite refreshed for some reason.
Miss Seohyang was sitting beside me.
“Did you sleep well?” (Miss Seohyang)
“Ah! You woke early. For some reason, whenever I come to the Ice Palace, I seem to become lazy.” (I)
“Do not think that. It is just that I happened to wake particularly early.” (Miss Seohyang)
I got up and put on my clothes. Then we took turns standing guard for each other and finished our qi circulation breathing.
“In truth, I did not think we would come to hold the wedding this early.” (Miss Seohyang)
“Did I perhaps…… do something discourteous?” (I)
At my worried words, she gently shook her head.
“No. I meant that I liked it. I liked last night too.” (Miss Seohyang)
As she said that, both her cheeks became colored like roses.
It was the first time the plum blossom fragrance I always felt from her had seemed so dizzyingly rich.
“But Geumryeong is not sulking, is she?” (Miss Seohyang)
Because I had told her to go out for a little while last night.
I gave a faint laugh and said.
“It is fine. I made a separate negotiation with her.” (I)
“A negotiation?” (Miss Seohyang)
“Yes. I told her I would give her one silver coin in exchange for leaving her place for a while, and she left happily.” (I)
Seeing how she went out while wagging her tail, it was certain she was in a good mood.
Because if she is not in a good mood, she absolutely does not wag her tail.
“Then where might she be now?” (Miss Seohyang)
“Who knows? Still, when it is time for her to return, she will return on her own.” (I)
It was then.
Scratch, scratch, scratch.
What is that sound?
When I looked toward where the sound was coming from, a hole was being dug through the annex made of snow where we were.
And through that hole, Geumryeong slipped right in.
“Kui!” (Geumryeong)
“So it was you? Still, how could you dig a hole in the wall?” (I)
“Kui. Ku!” (Geumryeong)
She said there was no window, so it could not be helped.
And since it was made of snow anyway, would it not be enough to patch it roughly with snow?
That is not wrong.
Geumryeong held out something she had brought wrapped in her tail.
“Kui!” (Geumryeong)
“Hm? A gift?” (I)
I tilted my head and received it.
Huh? This…… could it be White Pearl Grass?
It is a spiritual herb of the Northern Sea with white leaves and fruit that resemble white pearls.
There are even fruits on it?
This White Pearl Grass is so precious a spiritual herb that its price is whatever the seller asks, and that is because of this spiritual herb’s special efficacy.
That is precisely…….
“Kui! Kui!” (Geumryeong)
The fruit is good for men and the leaves are good for women?
Do not think of selling it just because it is expensive, but eat it with Miss Seohyang?
I gently stroked Geumryeong’s head.
“Yes, I understand.” (I)
How commendable, even giving such a good gift.
“Then shall we go out?” (I)
“Yes.” (Miss Seohyang)
I pushed the door we had entered through.
Hoo, as expected, the door has frozen and will not open.
I think I understand why they call this room disposable.
I drew my sword, sliced along the door with it, and then pushed the door.
Srrrk. Thud!
The door opened. Strictly speaking, it had fallen downward, though.
I held Miss Seohyang and jumped straight down.
Tak!
Below, my guards were waiting for us.
“Did you sleep well?” (Guard)
“Yes.” (I)
“So, Young Master. Did you have fun last night?” (Palgap)
At Palgap’s question, I grinned and asked.
“Are you curious? You will know that when you marry Miss Hahwa.” (I)
“Wh-what, wh-what are, y-you s-saying?” (Palgap)
At the sight of him being so flustered, we all laughed.
As expected, teasing Palgap is the most fun.
The Ice Palace’s banquet was still going on.
They really have good stamina.
They said the banquet would last until today, so I suppose we can return tomorrow.
But before that, there is something I have to do.
Instead of attending the banquet, I went to the Palace Lord.
The door opened, and I entered the Palace Lord’s residence. Today as well, the Palace Lord was reclining at an angle with a languid expression.
“Where is the bride, and why are you alone?” (Ice Palace Lord)
“I came because I have something to say.” (I)
“What is it?” (Ice Palace Lord)
“I am curious about the gift you said you would give me when I became Young Palace Lord last time. And I am also curious about the wedding gift.” (I)
The Palace Lord gave a faint laugh and asked.
“Did you think I had forgotten?” (Ice Palace Lord)
“That is not it.” (I)
“In truth, I did forget.” (Ice Palace Lord)
“Yes?” (I)
At my flustered reaction, the Palace Lord wore a mischievous expression.
“It is a joke.” (Ice Palace Lord)
The Palace Lord soon became serious and said.
“First, the clue to the wedding gift is that ceremonial robe…… But judging by that expression, you still have not found out what silk the robe was made from.” (Ice Palace Lord)
“In truth, that is so.” (I)
“Follow me.” (Ice Palace Lord)
The Palace Lord rose from her seat and went outside, and I followed behind her.
The place we arrived at like that was…….
“Huh? Is this perhaps a farm?” (I)
That was because fresh plants were growing in rows.
“This is the secret of that clothing.” (Ice Palace Lord)
The Palace Lord plucked a leaf from that plant, then sliced the leaf crosswise as it was.
Seuk.
As her hand passed over it, the slightly thick leaf was smoothly cut away, and red juice flowed out from between it.
“If this is used to dye, it becomes silk of the same color as the ceremonial robe you wore.” (Ice Palace Lord)
“Can this shine be expressed too?” (I)
At my question, the Palace Lord nodded.
“If it were a dye that expressed an ordinary red, would we go to such trouble raising these?” (Ice Palace Lord)
“That is true.” (I)
I nodded and continued speaking.
“What is the reason you are showing these to me?” (I)
“I want to trade this. And I will gift thirty percent of the profit to you.” (Ice Palace Lord)
“Is that the wedding gift?” (I)
“It is.” (Ice Palace Lord)
I looked at the plants spread out before my eyes and asked.
“What is the name of this plant?” (I)
“We named it Green Wing Grass.” (Ice Palace Lord)
“Does that mean it is a plant that did not exist in the world before?” (I)
“It is a mutant plant that arose among other spiritual herbs. We discovered that it could be used as dye after the juice of that plant got on clothing and colored it.” (Ice Palace Lord)
But why did I not know about this in my previous life?
There is no way I would not have known of a plant that can produce such a beautiful, sparkling color without sprinkling silver powder.
Could it be……?
“Can this be eaten too?” (I)
“Of course. It is very delicious.” (Ice Palace Lord)
I think I know why this was not known in my previous life.
When the Northern Sea Ice Palace suffered a food shortage due to the Sura Blood Cult’s schemes, they must have eaten all of these.
When they were on the verge of starving to death right away, what use would dye have been?
But this time, thanks to my intervention solving the Northern Sea Ice Palace’s food shortage, it seemed these remained.
“With a dye like this, a considerable profit could be left. Giving me the right to trade it alone would be sufficient, so why are you gifting me even thirty percent of the profits?” (I)
Even if it is my wedding gift, it seems too much.
“There are several reasons. The first reason is that these were able to remain thanks to you. If you had not helped us, we would have eaten all of these.” (Ice Palace Lord)
As expected…… my guess was right.
“The second reason is that I have never seen a merchant as outstanding as you.” (Ice Palace Lord)
“Yes?” (I)
“You know better than anyone what I mean by saying this.” (Ice Palace Lord)
To be honest, there are too many examples.
“You will surely do your utmost to raise the value of that thirty percent. Then our profit will grow as well.” (Ice Palace Lord)
Well, even if both are thirty percent, thirty percent out of ten and thirty percent out of a hundred are plainly different.
She knows me too well.
“The third reason is…… this must be the most important reason.” (Ice Palace Lord)
She looked at me.
“This palace does not trade with rats or rutting beasts.” (Ice Palace Lord)
Ah…….
I nodded.
“That is a reasonable reason.” (I)
I clasped my hands and bowed my head.
“I will make sure you do not regret entrusting this trade to me.” (I)
“I believe you.” (Ice Palace Lord)
“Then allow me to ask just one more thing. It may be a slightly sensitive question.” (I)
“Speak.” (Ice Palace Lord)
“The fact that you are selling this Green Wing Grass dye seems to mean that you need money. To be honest, spiritual medicines are scattered everywhere here, so is there a reason you are trying to earn money through Green Wing Grass dye?” (I)
“Because turning spiritual medicines into cash is not very easy.” (Ice Palace Lord)
“Ah…….” (I)
“Through the last food shortage this palace suffered, I realized again. That the more money there is, the better, and that since one never knows when something will happen, cash must be piled up.” (Ice Palace Lord)
I gave a faint laugh.
“That is absolutely correct. Then what is my investiture gift for becoming Young Palace Lord?” (I)
“A wish right.” (Ice Palace Lord)
“Yes?” (I)
“If it is not something that brings great danger to this palace, nor anything strange, I will grant you one wish.” (Ice Palace Lord)
“Why, do you not like it? Then shall I just give it to you in money?” (Ice Palace Lord)
“No!” (I)
I hurriedly waved my hand.
Depending on how this was used, it could become a gift more precious than a thousand gold pieces.
It might even save my life.
“I will save it and use it.” (I)
That afternoon.
I discussed the sale of Green Wing Grass with those in charge of the Ice Palace’s businesses and finances.
Of course, the people who would actually proceed with this matter would be the people of the Northern Sea branch.
It was not as though I could remain here forever, and this item was expected to require a great deal of labor from the people of the Northern Sea branch.
They say the weather must be cold in order to produce color with Green Wing Grass.
Otherwise, not only would the vivid sparkling red, as if silver powder had been sprinkled, not come out, but in the worst case, the dye might not set properly at all.
It seems the Northern Sea branch will have to suffer quite a bit.
I wonder what the Branch Manager will think about the Northern Sea branch growing busy.
.
.
.
The next day.
Now it was the day our party would return to the Northern Sea branch.
Young Palace Lord Bing Haerin, along with about a hundred disciples, prepared to accompany me.
Some among them were people meant to specifically discuss the Green Wing Grass dye business at the Northern Sea branch.
And the rest were people meant to inspect the land I had prepared in Liaoning.
The Palace Lord truly handles matters thoroughly.
“Then, I look forward to the day we meet again.” (Ice Palace Lord)
“Thank you for the grace you have bestowed. Please stay healthy.” (I)
After giving such a respectful greeting, my party and I left the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
The disciples of the Ice Palace followed behind us.
A few days later.
We arrived at the Northern Sea branch.
“Welcome!” (Branch Staff)
The people of the Northern Sea branch, including the Branch Manager and the small unit leader of the Eunpung Unit, welcomed us gladly.
As it happened, the black iron hunter was also at the Northern Sea branch, and he welcomed me together with the Branch Manager.
“Hunter Heuk came here to help with harvesting ice.” (Branch Manager)
“That is something to be grateful for.” (I)
“It is a matter of helping the Eunha Trading Company. How could I spare myself?” (Heuk Cheol)
After we exchanged greetings like that, the Branch Manager looked at those who had followed behind us and said.
“Are you not Young Palace Lord Bing Haerin of the Ice Palace?” (Branch Manager)
“Gasp!” (Heuk Cheol)
At those words, Heuk Cheol quickly flattened himself on the spot and placed his head against the ground.
“This lowly body greets the successor of the Ice Palace Sovereign!” (Heuk Cheol)
The Branch Manager, who had been politely greeting her with clasped hands, wore a puzzled expression at that intense reaction.
Young Palace Lord Bing Haerin said.
“Rise.” (Bing Haerin)
“I can only be grateful that you permit me to rise before the Young Sovereign.” (Heuk Cheol)
In truth, that reaction was the common reaction in this place.
In these parts, the existence of the Ice Palace was an object of fear.
The reason the people of the Northern Sea branch found it puzzling was probably because they still did not truly feel that.
“Please come inside.” (Branch Manager)
“Thank you.” (Bing Haerin)
We did not remain long at the Northern Sea branch.
Because we had already delayed several days at the Ice Palace.
The main objective of this trip to the Northern Sea was to take ice, and only by taking it quickly could we sell off as much as possible.
Because nothing is as affected by the weather as ice.
Thus, after entrusting the detailed discussion regarding Green Wing Grass dye to the Branch Manager, we departed at once with the ice.
With the people of the Northern Sea Ice Palace accompanying us, the road to Liaoning went smoothly.
Having arrived in Liaoning like that, we headed to the Gwangjun Trading Company.
Because only with their help would we be able to go smoothly as far as Beijing.
“Welcome!” (Gwangjun Trading Company)
At the visit of Young Palace Lord Bing Haerin and the disciples of the Northern Sea Ice Palace, the head of the Gwangjun Trading Company and Young Master Bok Yun came out in front of the main gate and welcomed them with utmost courtesy.
“B-but what brings you all the way here?” (Head of Gwangjun Trading Company)
I explained in her place.
“The reason I escorted the Young Palace Lord here is because of the farmland I purchased.” (I)
“……?” (Head of Gwangjun Trading Company)
“I have decided to trade all produce from that farmland with the Northern Sea Ice Palace.” (I)
“Huh…… Is that true?” (Head of Gwangjun Trading Company)
“Yes. Thus, they have agreed to patrol the surroundings of that land irregularly.” (I)
“That is truly a welcome thing.” (Head of Gwangjun Trading Company)
If the Northern Sea Ice Palace patrolled this side even irregularly, public security would improve, and the Gwangjun Trading Company would also be able to enjoy reflected benefits from that.
As we were speaking in such a harmonious atmosphere, there was someone running hurriedly toward us.
Huh? That person is?