Chapter 713
Chapter 713
Chapter 713. Shandong Ak Clan (5)
At my reaction, the martial artist beside me asked.
“What is the matter?” (Martial Artist)
“Ah, well……” (Eun Seoho)
He rose from his seat, approached me, and asked.
“By any chance, are you Young Captain Eun Seoho of the Eunhae Trading Company, known as the Chivalrous Immortal Pretty Boy?” (Gil Jiyang)
“That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
He clasped his hands to me and bowed his head.
“I never imagined I would meet my life-saving benefactor here like this. I heard that you saved my life from the Green Forest Bandits. I am truly grateful.” (Gil Jiyang)
He was Gil Jiyang of Ssanghwa County, the man I had saved.
“Not at all. I am glad to see you looking so healthy. I was very worried because you had not regained consciousness.” (Eun Seoho)
“I regained consciousness the very next day after you left, Master. According to the physician summoned by the county magistrate, my body was not restored by ordinary medicinal herbs or anything of the sort.” (Gil Jiyang)
He asked cautiously.
“Um…… by any chance, did you use some spiritual medicine?” (Gil Jiyang)
At that, I smiled and answered.
“Your condition was far too poor, so there was no other way. As it happened, I had a spiritual medicine good for external wounds, and surely it must have been meant to save you, Mister.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he looked at me with reverent eyes.
Mm, this is somehow quite embarrassing.
Then the young man of imposing build beside him said.
“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Ak Yu, second son of Ak Dohyeui, thirty-first-generation descendant of the Shandong Ak Clan.” (Ak Yu)
After hearing that sort of introduction a few times, I could tell that this was the Shandong Ak Clan’s way of introducing themselves.
Since Aktaga was a clan village, it was difficult to understand unless they introduced which generation they were and whose child they were.
There were many people with the same names, too.
“I heard you saved my close friend, so I had intended to repay you personally, but I did not expect you to be here.” (Ak Yu)
“I was moving urgently under an imperial command, so it could not be helped.” (Eun Seoho)
I changed the subject.
“But to think that Mister Gil, whom I saved back then, was Mister Ak’s close friend. This must be why they say fate is truly mysterious.” (Eun Seoho)
At that, Mister Gil Jiyang answered.
“In truth, I had received word that a book I was trying to obtain had arrived at a bookshop in Beijing, so I was on my way back from Beijing. I had to attend my father’s birthday banquet, so I hurried on the road, and then……” (Gil Jiyang)
“I see. You truly went through a hardship.” (Eun Seoho)
“I thought it would be all right since I was accompanied by a martial artist from my family. Hoo……” (Gil Jiyang)
He let out a sigh and clasped his hands to me.
“I can only thank you as well for collecting even the body of the family martial artist who died, so that he would not become a wandering vengeful spirit roaming the nine heavens.” (Gil Jiyang)
“I, too, am in a position where I travel all over the empire as a merchant. I only did so because I know how sorrowful it is to die away from home in such circumstances.” (Eun Seoho)
“This must be why the world calls you the Chivalrous Immortal Pretty Boy, Master.” (Gil Jiyang)
“It is too great a name for me.” (Eun Seoho)
By now, even when I heard the words Chivalrous Immortal Pretty Boy, I no longer choked up and could respond naturally.
Kkui?
Are you asking if I like that?
You really leave me with nothing to say.
Mister Ak Yu said from the side.
“This friend is no different from a childhood friend to me. Since you saved such a friend, I, too, wish to repay my debt to you, Master.” (Ak Yu)
“Not at all. A debt, you say? I merely did what ought to be done.” (Eun Seoho)
“I believe repaying your grace, Master, is also something that ought to be done.” (Ak Yu)
In truth, I had been at a loss as to how I should persuade Mister Ak Yu, so this situation where he first asked if there was anything he could help with was truly welcome.
“In truth, I heard about it from the Clan Head. He said you were skeptical about going as an instructor to the martial arts academy.” (Eun Seoho)
“……” (Ak Yu)
“In fact, I am the one in charge of establishing and operating that martial arts academy.” (Eun Seoho)
“What? Is that true?” (Ak Yu)
I nodded.
“However, the Principal of that martial arts academy is His Majesty the Emperor. What do you think that means?” (Eun Seoho)
“……” (Ak Yu)
“It means that martial arts academy exists for His Majesty the Emperor and for the empire. I had been deeply troubled that a child of the Shandong Ak Clan, said to be second to none in loyalty to His Majesty the Emperor, would refuse to go as an instructor to such a martial arts academy.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is, well……” (Ak Yu)
Mister Ak Yu looked troubled and broke into a cold sweat.
Depending on how my words were interpreted, they could sound as though he was committing disloyalty.
“What is the reason? Why are you refusing both to go as an instructor to the martial arts academy and to transmit the Twelve Spear Technique?” (Eun Seoho)
He agonized for a long while before barely choosing his words.
“In truth, I…… wanted the Shandong Ak Clan to become an even more outstanding family through my spear technique. But if that spear technique becomes the martial arts academy’s…… would that not mean that opportunity disappears?” (Ak Yu)
“Did you tell the Clan Head that reason as well?” (Eun Seoho)
“I did. But the Clan Head told me not to worry about that and to go as an instructor.” (Ak Yu)
I let out a sigh.
“It is irreverent to say so, but the Clan Head did not explain enough.” (Eun Seoho)
“What do you mean by that?” (Ak Yu)
“I mean that teaching the Twelve Spear Technique at the martial arts academy does not make it cease to be the Shandong Ak Clan’s spear technique. The students will learn it knowing that it is the Shandong Ak Clan’s Twelve Spear Technique.” (Eun Seoho)
“……” (Ak Yu)
“Then what sort of response will come from among the students learning the Twelve Spear Technique? Would there not be praise such as, ‘Wow! As expected of the Shandong Ak Clan’s spear technique! Incredible!’ or ‘To reveal such an amazing spear technique to the students of the martial arts academy! How magnanimous!’?” (Eun Seoho)
“That…… would be so.” (Ak Yu)
“Furthermore, as more people graduate from the martial arts academy, pass the examination, and enter the military, the Shandong Ak Clan’s fame will naturally rise.” (Eun Seoho)
I grinned.
“In that case, between simply leaving the Twelve Spear Technique to gather dust in the family and revealing the Twelve Spear Technique to the students of the martial arts academy, which of the two would raise the family’s name higher?” (Eun Seoho)
“……The latter.” (Ak Yu)
“That is right. Moreover, sending you, Mister, the founder of the martial arts the students will learn, as an instructor at the martial arts academy makes the intention clear.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah……” (Ak Yu)
Only then did Mister Ak Yu look as though he understood.
“This humble one was foolish. Without knowing that the Clan Head had such a deep intention, I only put my stubbornness first.” (Ak Yu)
“Then are you permitting both going as an instructor and transmitting the Twelve Spear Technique to the students?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, he nodded.
“That is correct.” (Ak Yu)
He turned his head, glanced at Mister Gil Jiyang, then looked at me and continued speaking.
“These are also the words of the person who saved my close friend, and the matter aligns with what I pursue, so how could I refuse?” (Ak Yu)
“Thank you for your bold decision.” (Eun Seoho)
I clasped my hands and bowed my head as I spoke.
“That decision will be a great strength to the martial arts academy. And I will inform the Clan Head of this.” (Eun Seoho)
“No.” (Ak Yu)
He shook his head.
“I will tell him myself. I think that is how it should be.” (Ak Yu)
“Then I understand.” (Eun Seoho)
Hoo, I have solved that difficult assignment this way.
I had not expected today’s events at all.
Only today could I understand why the Hyeonro Map had guided me down that road.
The Hyeonro Map guides its user down the safest road.
In other words, it also means that it guides the user along the optimal route.
Looking at this journey as a whole, the optimal route was to persuade Mister Ak Yu and return after obtaining the best result.
On the way here, I met Green Forest Bandits, dealt with them, and while collecting the bodies of those sacrificed by them, I saved Mister Gil Jiyang’s life. In the end, that helped turn Mister Ak Yu’s heart.
If I had not been Mister Gil Jiyang’s benefactor, Mister Ak Yu would not have opened his heart and listened to me.
No matter how much you speak to someone who has not opened their heart, the words will not reach their chest.
I think I understand why the Hyeonro Map was an imperial treasure, and why the Emperor regretted giving it up.
Kkui……?
Are you asking if I will not praise you?
Geumnyeong. You are not an artifact, are you?
At that moment, the martial artist who had guided us and had been standing beside us spoke carefully.
“Warrior Ak Yu. Should you not serve tea to the guest even now?” (Martial Artist)
“Huk! Goodness! I committed a discourtesy without even realizing it.” (Ak Yu)
“It is all right.” (Eun Seoho)
I waved my hand.
“I am sorry to trouble you, but I would like you to inform the Clan Head immediately. I apologize, but I have a great deal of work piled up, so I must hurry back.” (Eun Seoho)
“I understand. As it happens, I must go see the Clan Head today, so I will tell him immediately.” (Ak Yu)
Mister Gil Jiyang added an explanation.
“I came to express my thanks for the congratulatory letter sent for my father’s birthday, so I am planning to go with him.” (Gil Jiyang)
“Are you not still at a time when you should be nourishing your body, Mister?” (Eun Seoho)
“Thanks to the spiritual medicine you gave me, Master, I am in the best of health, so you need not worry.” (Gil Jiyang)
Thus Mister Ak Yu and Mister Gil Jiyang headed to the Clan Head, and I returned to my quarters.
After eating dinner, drinking tea, and reading a book, someone came to see me.
“The Clan Head is looking for you.” (Martial Artist)
“I understand.” (Eun Seoho)
I had thought the Clan Head would look for me and had prepared in advance, so I immediately followed him out.
After waiting for a moment in the reception room I had come to before, the Clan Head entered.
I rose from my seat and greeted him, and the Clan Head accepted that greeting.
“Sit comfortably.” (Clan Head)
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
“So, I heard it from Yu. That you persuaded that fellow.” (Clan Head)
“Rather than persuading him, I simply explained the existing facts well.” (Eun Seoho)
When I explained everything that had happened, the Clan Head smiled awkwardly.
“My explanation was lacking.” (Clan Head)
The Clan Head drank tea and continued speaking.
“And I also heard that you saved Mister Gil. After carrying out such chivalry, did you not say a single word about it?” (Clan Head)
“I did not do it in order to boast.” (Eun Seoho)
“Huhuhu. It is just as Yeonggyeong said.” (Clan Head)
“Yes?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is nothing. At any rate, is Yu to go directly to Beijing?” (Clan Head)
“No. It is not something that begins immediately, so if he comes to the Eunhae Trading Company’s Beijing branch by around the tenth month, that will suffice.” (Eun Seoho)
“I understand.” (Clan Head)
“Then, I intend to leave this place tomorrow morning.” (Eun Seoho)
“So quickly?” (Clan Head)
There was regret in the Clan Head’s words.
“I, too, wanted to stay a few more days and feel the vital energy of Mount Tai, but…… I do not have that leisure. Since my marriage is this autumn, I must quickly finish the work in Beijing and go to Hubei.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hoho, if there was such a joyous occasion, you should have told me earlier!” (Clan Head)
“I apologize for not telling you in advance.” (Eun Seoho)
I smiled and continued speaking.
“So please understand that I must leave this place early.” (Eun Seoho)
.
.
.
The next dawn.
Our party packed our luggage and mounted our horses.
The reason we set out this early at dawn was to avoid a situation that would be burdensome in many ways.
If I exchanged greetings with Mister Ak Yu or Mister Gil Jiyang, the time would be delayed……
“Are you leaving without even seeing anyone else off?” (Ak Jin)
“Yes, the time is somewhat…… I ask for your understanding.” (Eun Seoho)
“Then allow me to see you off at least as far as the castle gate. If I do not even do that, I will later be severely reprimanded by the Clan Head, so I ask this of you.” (Ak Jin)
“I understand. Let us go together.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Ak Jin)
Hall Leader Ak Jin also mounted a horse.
Judging from how a horse had been brought and left beside him, he had clearly prepared in advance.
Thus we rode our horses and passed through the castle gate.
When we had ridden some distance, I spoke.
“This is far enough.” (Eun Seoho)
“I understand. Then I hope you have a comfortable journey.” (Ak Jin)
“Please tell the others that I am sorry for leaving so suddenly.” (Eun Seoho)
Having said that, we rode our horses again.
“Geumnyeong. Tell Jugangma that we should go quickly.” (Eun Seoho)
“Kkui! Kkukkuik!” (Geumnyeong)
Geumnyeong said something to Jugangma, and Jugangma’s speed gradually increased.
Since I had come to Shandong anyway, I wondered whether I should stop by the quarry before going, but this time I decided to skip it.
If I stopped by the quarry, I would also have to stop by other places, and if I did not, not only the Hwangbo Clan but also Mister Hogyeong of the Baekyeom Trading Company would certainly feel disappointed.
So if I said I was busy with work and only stopped by the Shandong Ak Clan, they would understand too.
Thus, riding our horses while sleeping outdoors, we soon reached the foot of the Taihang Mountains.
I had guessed because the road the Hyeonro Map showed me was the same as the road I knew, but the road that had been cut off by a landslide had already been completely restored.
It had collapsed quite badly, so it was not yet the time for it to have been restored, but seeing that it had already been restored, it seemed the Green Forest Bandits of the mountain keep had worked hard.
Thanks to that, I could travel comfortably.
And since not much time had passed since the road was restored, it seemed the mountain keep had not yet resumed business.
Well, I suppose they survived because they had at least that much tact.
Thus we rode our horses and arrived in Beijing.
“You’re here?” (Seo Hyang)
The first person to welcome me was Miss Seo Hyang.
“Yes. I have returned.” (Eun Seoho)
Seeing her made the tension leave me, and I felt that I had come home.
I exchanged greetings with the others and entered my room.
Miss Seo Hyang, who had followed me in, said.
“I am sorry to say this as soon as you arrived, but I think you must hurry and put your attire in order.” (Seo Hyang)
“Yes? Why?” (Eun Seoho)
“Because you must go to the imperial palace.” (Seo Hyang)
“……” (Eun Seoho)
Ah, of course he would know that I had arrived in Beijing.
Then he must be summoning me to receive a report on this matter.
Your Majesty the Emperor. Could you not have called me tomorrow?
“Kkui. Kkui.” (Geumnyeong)
As if telling me to stay strong, Geumnyeong patted my shoulder with her forepaw.