Chapter 709
Chapter 709
Chapter 709. Shandong Ak Clan (1)
My future after returning to Beijing was set.
I would be stuck like a post in my office.
“Young Captain, there is this document too.” (Miss Seohyang)
“This one is more urgent.” (Young Master Yeon Juhyeok)
How many days has it been since I returned to Beijing?
One day, two days, three days, four days, five days... no? I think it has been about four days?
I asked Miss Seohyang.
“How many days has it been since I returned to Beijing?” (MC)
“Four days.” (Miss Seohyang)
My thought was right.
“But during those four days, you have only slept five double-hours. Wouldn’t it be better to close your eyes for a bit?” (Miss Seohyang)
Miss Seohyang urged me to rest with a worried face, but I had no choice but to shake my head.
“I want to do that too, but these documents are not letting me sleep.” (MC)
At this, Young Master Yeon Juhyeok said,
“Even so, I think you should go to your quarters and close your eyes today.” (Young Master Yeon Juhyeok)
Then he whispered in a small voice.
“I heard earlier that Junior Palgap seemed to be debating whether to send a letter to Head Escort Kwak or not.” (Young Master Yeon Juhyeok)
“Ugh!” (MC)
In that instant, I flinched without realizing it.
Because the memory of Master knocking me out with his fist and forcibly making me sleep was still vivid.
I would rather work hard for another day or two than have that happen.
“I should go a little early and sleep today.” (MC)
“That is a good decision.” (Miss Seohyang)
Miss Seohyang said as if relieved.
“You also have to go to Shandong before long, so if you keep going like this, it will be too hard.” (Miss Seohyang)
Ah... come to think of it, I have to go to the Shandong Ak Clan because of the matter of inviting instructors for the martial arts academy.
Of course, Beijing to Shandong is not that far.
We do have to cross provinces, but to me, who has gone to Yunnan and the North Sea several times, it is a short distance.
But visiting another clan is something that requires attention in various ways.
Last time, I went with His Imperial Majesty’s imperial decree, and it would be better to do the same this time as well.
After all, they are one of the three great murim military clans.
About ten days passed like that.
At last, I was able to handle all the work that had piled up.
Of course, work was still coming in even now, but it meant I had reached the point where I could leave my seat to some extent.
I called Warrior Ipil and asked him to deliver a letter to Master Jinyoung.
That night.
Master Jinyoung came to the Beijing Branch.
“It has been a long time.” (Jinyoung)
“Have you been at peace? I apologize for not visiting you often.” (MC)
“Not at all. I know better than anyone that you are a busy man.” (Jinyoung)
Master Jinyoung continued.
“I received a report that the Eunhae Trading Company and Changin Escort Agency headed to the North Sea this time. It seems you are starting some new business.” (Jinyoung)
As expected, he knows.
A few days ago, the people of Changin Escort Agency and the merchants of the Eunhae Trading Company left for the North Sea.
Most of the materials were to be obtained in Liaoning, so I sent them with a letter asking Young Captain Bok Yun for cooperation.
I said casually.
“That is correct. I am thinking of starting an ice business and a new silk business.” (MC)
“I understand ice, but new silk?” (Jinyoung)
I grinned.
“For a merchant, matters regarding a new business are as important as his life.” (MC)
“Ah, that is true. I was discourteous.” (Jinyoung)
“Thank you for understanding. But you will see it soon. The first place it will be offered to is the Imperial Palace.” (MC)
“I look forward to it. Then let us go at once. His Imperial Majesty is waiting.” (Jinyoung)
A little while later.
Before the Emperor, I offered the highest form of courtesy in greeting.
“Raise your head and rise.” (Emperor)
“Your imperial grace is boundless.” (MC)
“Tsk, tsk.” (Emperor)
But the moment the Emperor saw my face, he clicked his tongue.
Why is he doing that?
“Just how much have you been overworking for your face to look so worn? Is it right for a groom soon to be married to look like that?” (Emperor)
“Ah, I apologize.” (MC)
“Why are you apologizing to me? You should apologize to your bride.” (Emperor)
Ah... now that I think about it, that is true.
“From Beijing to the North Sea, from the North Sea to Beijing, from Beijing to Hubei, from Hubei to Shaanxi, and from Shaanxi to Beijing... You have been moving very busily.” (Emperor)
As expected of His Imperial Majesty, he knows all my movements.
Well, it is not as if I traveled secretly or anything.
“The work of this junior merchant was busy, so it could not be helped.” (MC)
“That too is ability, so I have no intention of blaming you.” (Emperor)
The Emperor continued.
“So, what matter brings you to me this time?” (Emperor)
“I must go to the Shandong Ak Clan because of the matter of inviting instructors for the martial arts academy. Therefore, I request that Your Imperial Majesty grant me an imperial decree.” (MC)
“That is not particularly difficult. Very well.” (Emperor)
“Your imperial grace is boundless.” (MC)
“In return, nourish your body for three days before moving. If you go in that state, what would the Shandong Ak Clan think? They would think I am an emperor who wrings his subjects dry, would they not?” (Emperor)
...Are you not?
“The Shandong Ak Clan is an important family. So conduct yourself well.” (Emperor)
“Yes. I will do so.” (MC)
I bowed my head deeply.
Seeing the Emperor pay that much attention to them, it must mean the Shandong Ak Clan has that many talented people.
Is that it?
The Emperor is sitting before the cat called the Shandong Ak Clan, waving a fish as he speaks.
‘Becoming a subject of the Imperial Palace is very nice, so hurry and come. This looks delicious, doesn’t it? Huh! I told you I won’t eat you.’
Ah... I imagined that without realizing it.
“What is the matter?” (Emperor)
“I apologize. It seems I am a little tired.” (MC)
“Tsk, tsk. You may withdraw now.” (Emperor)
The Emperor gave the order to dismiss me, and I quickly left the place.
By the way, I wonder whether Brother Seonil and Sister-in-law arrived safely and are staying healthy.
As soon as I returned to the Beijing Branch, I headed to my quarters.
“Have you returned, sir?” (Palgap)
“Yes. Today was tiring too.” (MC)
As I was about to lie straight down on the bed like that, Palgap stretched out his arm and blocked me.
“Even if you are tired, I think it would be better to wash, change your clothes, and then lie down, sir.” (Palgap)
“...Yes, I suppose I should.” (MC)
With Palgap’s help, I changed clothes and entered the bed, and soon fell asleep.
.
.
.
The next day.
I woke up early, circulated my qi, trained, and then ate breakfast.
Then, as I was drinking tea and thinking about what I had to do today, I sensed someone running over.
It is a warrior of the Eunpung Unit. What is going on?
A little while later, Palgap hurriedly came inside.
“Young Master! I think you must hurry outside, sir!” (Palgap)
“Hm? Why?” (MC)
“Someone has come from the Imperial Palace, sir!” (Palgap)
Did His Majesty send the imperial decree already? How quick of him.
I quickly straightened my attire and went out. I was told the eunuch was waiting in the reception room.
That means it is not a public matter.
I immediately entered the reception room.
And I could tell that the visiting eunuch was not merely a eunuch, but a member of the Eastern Depot.
“This junior merchant greets the inner official.” (MC)
“It is good to meet you. I came under His Imperial Majesty’s command.” (Inner Official)
“Please sit.” (MC)
I offered him a seat, and Palgap came in carrying refreshments.
“First, this is what His Imperial Majesty issued.” (Inner Official)
I received it politely with both hands.
And when I unrolled the scroll, it was the imperial decree I had requested to take to the Shandong Ak Clan.
“And please receive this as well.” (Inner Official)
He held out the box that had been placed on the table.
“This is?” (MC)
“It is tonic medicine bestowed by His Imperial Majesty.” (Inner Official)
Pardon? To-tonic medicine?
“There was also a message telling you to replenish your body.” (Inner Official)
His words about nourishing my body before moving had not been empty words.
I respectfully accepted the box and said,
“Please tell him that I am grateful for his imperial grace.” (MC)
I saw off the eunuch and took the box containing the tonic medicine.
Hoo...
Seeing the tonic medicine, I somehow became a little afraid.
Even when making an ox work, one feeds it well before working it.
Just how hard is he planning to work me...
By the way, this is troublesome.
Usually, tonic medicine is taken to add yang energy. But tonic medicine that adds yang energy is not helpful to me.
It is because my constitution is unusual, but how should I handle this...
I opened the box with a sigh like that.
But inside the box, along with the tonic medicine, there was one sheet of red paper.
What is this?
Is it some instruction sheet for the tonic medicine?
[I received an explanation from His Imperial Majesty. Since you are someone who uses martial arts of yin qi, I judged that medicinal ingredients that supplement yang energy would not be good for you even though you are male, so I made the medicine with ingredients that supplement yin qi and help the body. So you may take it without worry. The points to be careful of when taking it are...] (Letter)
“......” (MC)
Why did a chill suddenly run down my spine and cold sweat flow?
As expected, His Imperial Majesty is a frightening person.
So I should eat it diligently without needless complaints.
When I came out holding the tonic medicine, Palgap asked,
“What is that, sir?” (Palgap)
“Yes, tonic medicine. His Imperial Majesty bestowed it.” (MC)
“To think that in my lifetime I would see tonic medicine bestowed by His Imperial Majesty! It is an honor for the family.” (Brother Jeongho)
At Brother Jeongho’s words, Sister-in-law nodded.
“It really is.” (Sister-in-law)
Meanwhile, Palgap’s pupils trembled fiercely.
“H-how should that be decocted, sir? I heard that if even one medicinal ingredient is dropped while decocting that, it will be a serious matter, sir.” (Palgap)
It is not to that extent.
By the way, this tonic medicine really does seem to have been made with precious medicinal ingredients.
Seeing how Geumryeong has been coveting it since earlier, I mean.
At that moment, Miss Seohyang said,
“Then I will decoct it for you.” (Miss Seohyang)
“Pardon? You will, Adjutant Kwak?” (Palgap)
“When medicine is bestowed by His Imperial Majesty, it should not be entrusted to a subordinate, but decocted personally by one’s wife or family.” (Miss Seohyang)
Come to think of it, she said that before. That was why she had learned how to decoct medicine from Mother.
And in truth, she did decoct medicine quite well.
Brother also nodded as if those words were right.
“That would be good. Since you are going to be married in a few months anyway, there seems to be no problem with Adjutant Kwak decocting it from now on.” (Brother Jeongho)
“That is true.” (MC)
I held out the box of tonic medicine.
“Then I leave it in your care.” (MC)
Like that, as ordered by the Emperor, for three days, I diligently took the tonic medicine, slept sufficiently, and worked hard to nourish my body.
“Now the color of your face has finally become somewhat worth looking at, sir.” (Palgap)
“Really?” (MC)
Listening to Palgap’s words, I looked in the mirror and examined my face.
Mm, this much looks all right.
Thanks to the Emperor’s grace, my face had become glossy and shining.
By the way, it was certainly good tonic medicine.
My body seemed to have become healthier, but my inner arts also increased a little.
Then I should slowly prepare to depart.
“Palgap. Tomorrow I am going to the Shandong Ak Clan. So prepare things.” (MC)
“Understood, sir.” (Palgap)
The next morning.
I headed to Shandong while being seen off by the others.
Miss Seohyang decided to stay in Beijing.
Since the marriage was not far away now, Sister-in-law dissuaded her, saying there were many things to prepare for the marriage.
And to handle my work in my place, Miss Seohyang also had to remain in Beijing.
The road to Shandong was comfortable compared to other journeys.
That was because the official roads were well maintained.
But since the empire is so vast, we sometimes encounter unexpected obstacles.
“You cannot go this way right now.” (Official)
“A landslide occurred because of the heavy rain a few days ago. So restoration work is underway now, but it will take several more days.” (Official)
“You either have to wait a while, or if you are in a hurry, take a detour by that road over there.” (Official)
At those words, Warrior Seou asked,
“What shall we do?” (Seou)
“We must go around.” (MC)
Rather than wait for several days, we should choose the detour even if it means moving a little farther.
I should have used Hyeonrodo’s help from the time we departed.
Grumbling inwardly like that, I took out Hyeonrodo.
I intended to use Hyeonrodo’s help even from now on.
I wrote the destination beside Hyeonrodo, and soon Hyeonrodo showed me the path.
“I will lead this time.” (MC)
“Yes. We will follow.” (Seou)
Like that, we rode our horses along the path Hyeonrodo showed us.
If we had gone through Cangzhou as originally planned, the road would have been flat, but because we were detouring, we had to cross Mount Taihang.
Mount Taihang is a rugged mountain, rugged enough that a hero from several hundred years ago wrote a poem called “Hard Road” about it.
Even so, there must be a reason Hyeonrodo is leading us down this path.
Before long, the day grew dark.
“It seems we will have to spend the night outdoors here.” (Seou)
“I see. I leave it to you.” (MC)
“Yes.” (Seou)
Palgap and the bodyguards moved busily, and before I knew it, a campfire was burning in front of me.
“Then for the meal, I will warm dumplings, sir.” (Palgap)
“Yes.” (MC)
Palgap gathered the burning ashes to the side and laid leaves over them.
Then, if dumplings are placed on top, the dumplings warm up nicely.
“Wait!” (MC)
“Why, sir?” (Palgap)
“Warm the dumplings later.” (MC)
I rose from my seat.
“Uninvited guests are coming.” (MC)
The bodyguards, understanding what I meant, gripped their swords. And Palgap quickly hid himself.
Palgap’s presence disappeared in an instant.
Why on earth did Hyeonrodo guide us here?
We stared tensely toward the place where killing intent was felt, and soon a group of people revealed themselves.
Eyes that appraised our value.
Their purpose is obvious.
“Who are you?” (MC)
At my question, one of them said,
“Well, well, it has been a long time since we caught a big fish.” (Bandit)
“Hehehe, thanks to the landslide, I thought business might pick up, but I had been disappointed because all the ones coming through were worthless fellows.” (Bandit)
At this, we drew our swords.
“Ho? Looks like you know how to use swords a bit?” (Bandit)
“I am warning you, you had better put those swords away. Our brother is none other than a master of the Transcendent Realm!” (Bandit)
I wondered what confidence they had to target us...
By the way, a master of the Transcendent Realm?
If so, this is a disaster. Damn it.
“Brother! Please!” (Bandit)
At those words, one man revealed himself.
“Hehehe, yes. Today I shall let you fellows see something rare!” (Man)
But the moment I saw that man, I became flustered.
What? Transcendent Realm? Transceendent?
Are you kidding me right now?