Emperor Namgung Mu of the Thousand Years - Chapter 37

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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#037

 

“Nothing has been resolved yet.”

 

I pushed the golden toad in front of me back toward him.

 

“And while there may be talk in the world about the Namgung family being money-grubbers or whatever, I don’t know about such things, and I’ll certainly accept it. But I have no intention of accepting it without knowing the reason just because you’re offering it.”

 

“No matter how much money they have, our proposal was certainly something the Namgung family could have interpreted unfavorably. They could have ignored a proposal that they came barefoot all the way to this corner of Sichuan, thinking of old ties.”

 

“That’s too much of a leap.”

 

“Would someone with no such intention send Baekjao to explain the circumstances of being late?”

 

“….”

 

Ah, so this is how it connects.

 

“Seeing that, I thought to myself. The Namgung family outwardly values gold and acts like misers, but that’s all a misunderstanding by the world. They practice chivalry and rather than openly displaying it, they firmly carry out their will regardless of whether the world misunderstands or not.”

 

“…That’s… right. I suppose.”

 

“Anyway, this is my personal judgment, and I’m acting on my own, so please don’t refuse any further. It’s not like I’m giving you all three that were promised. I’d like you to accept at least one right away.”

 

“….”

 

I looked at the golden toad.

 

It’s larger than a fist.

 

I picked it up and put it down.

 

After thinking for a moment, I looked at Steward Gam.

 

“But now that I hear it, this isn’t even the Tang Family’s funds, but seems to be Steward Gam’s personal money.”

 

Steward Gam looks at me.

 

“…Yes.”

 

“And with this much weight, no matter how much you hold the position of steward in the Tang Family, it can’t be without burden.”

 

“I’m originally ignorant and weak in martial arts… an old man who knows nothing. And Elder Yi laughed at it as foolishness.”

 

Steward Gam smiled broadly.

 

“I couldn’t just helplessly watch my home crumble. No matter how foolish it might seem.”

 

…Home…?

 

I don’t know what expression I made at that moment.

 

No, it must have been expressionless.

 

Because I’m an assassin.

 

Because I’m someone who has lived my whole life without a home, and was certainly going to continue that way.

 

Therefore, I feel no emotions whatsoever.

 

I simply pursue practical benefits.

 

I don’t have the luxury of considering others’ circumstances.

 

Right.

 

…That’s all.

 

I nodded my head.

 

“I understand. I’ve also made a decision after hearing what Steward Gam just said.”

 

I pushed the toad back toward him.

 

“Please take this back.”

 

Steward Gam mercilessly pushed the golden toad back in front of me.

 

“Impossible. This is not only a form of contract money but also my pride.”

 

Steward Gam’s voice changes.

 

“Refusal is impossible, Young Master.”

 

“It’s not a refusal.”

 

After one breath, I continue speaking.

 

“I’m not that soft when it comes to money, and I’ve certainly gratefully accepted the one golden toad you gave me.”

 

“…Then?”

 

“Even if I don’t use it right away, I think I’ll need some preparation this time. Since meeting with Elder Yi is in the afternoon anyway, I have time.”

 

I looked at Steward Gam.

 

“I’d like to buy something with the golden toad.”

 

“…Buy something? It wouldn’t be clothes or food, are you talking about a sword? The Namgung family should have workshops for such things.”

 

“Bladed weapons are meaningless since I can’t use them anyway….”

 

I smiled.

 

“It’s been a long time so I’m not certain, but I understand there are workshops with various skills in the Sichuan backstreets. Like Munheon Workshop, Sahacheol Workshop, Taesim Workshop… Is that correct?”

 

Steward Gam’s eyes widened.

 

“…How do you… No, how do you know such local knowledge that isn’t even about official workshops…?”

 

“Whether it’s poison, medicine, or various other things, I’d like to do some business with them with an introduction from the Tang Family’s steward. As Steward Gam knows, if I, an outsider, just went to find them out of the blue, it would obviously be impossible to do business regardless of money.”

 

“What are you planning to do when you meet them?”

 

“Equipment.”

 

I spoke calmly under the blue winter sky, in the chilly air.

 

“I’d like to prepare some equipment ‘where their eyes cannot see.'”

 

***

 

“We have our dignity, so please wear these clothes at least while you’re our guest.”

 

I put on the high-quality greenish clothing that Steward Gam handed me.

 

The place we arrived at with Steward Gam’s guidance was a teahouse without even a sign, located in the most secluded part of the Sichuan backstreets.

 

When we stopped in front of the creaking door, faint sounds of metal hammering and the smell of medicinal herbs leaked out from inside.

 

I was about to grab the door handle but stopped and turned to look at Steward Gam.

 

“Steward Gam.”

 

“Yes, Namgung Hwi.”

 

“The items I’m about to order from the people I’ll meet belong neither to the Namgung family nor the Tang Family. They are solely my personal belongings. But since they’re somewhat unusual, I’m suddenly worried.”

 

I spoke to the puzzled Steward Gam.

 

“Could you promise not to mention what you see here today to others elsewhere?”

 

Steward Gam’s eyebrows twitched.

 

“I’m just an old man who manages household affairs. Being tight-lipped is basic. However… is this something illegal?”

 

“No. I just think it’s something like an embarrassing, childish hobby of a man that would be embarrassing if word spread. Of course, I couldn’t stop you even if you decided to talk about it. No, furthermore, I don’t mind if you do talk about it. However.”

 

I looked straight into his eyes.

 

“If you promise to keep your mouth shut about today’s events and keep that promise, I will also go beyond moving for the Namgung family’s benefit and do my utmost to help the Tang Family. I can promise you this.”

 

“….”

 

“I.”

 

I looked at Steward Gam.

 

“Want this incident to develop into a relationship where we can trust and care for each other in this harsh world, beyond documents, rather than ending as a one-time connection, while verifying our trust in each other.”

 

This contained many implied meanings. I didn’t think Steward Gam was someone who wouldn’t notice that.

 

Silence flowed. Steward Gam met my eyes without avoiding them.

 

“…Young Master, you make people quite troubled.”

 

After a moment, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

 

“As payment for my trouble, would it be alright if this old man took an additional leg or so from the golden toad?”

 

A chuckle burst out.

 

“Gladly.”

 

I opened the creaking teahouse door and stepped inside. Instead of fragrant tea aroma, the smell of damp paper and ink, and acrid charcoal smell stung my nose.

 

<Munheon Workshop>

 

And what unfolded inside was not the continuing interior of a teahouse.

 

It showed the form of a temporary building standing precariously with half the space cut away, and what continued beyond it was an alley.

 

The teahouse in front was meant to hide the entrance to the alley.

 

‘Unchanged.’

 

In my previous life, whenever I came to the Sichuan region, I always visited this place.

 

A narrow alley stretched out long.

 

The short distance where two adults could barely pass by shoulder to shoulder was packed full with dozens of different types of shops: alchemy workshops dealing with poisonous herbs, fabric stores, and various workshops.

 

While their outward appearance resembled the workshops and forges in the legitimate areas, the contents they dealt with were not focused on traditional swords and blades.

 

The Tang Family had developed throwing weapons and poisons, and influenced by their characteristics, the Sichuan region possessed several of the most active markets even in the underworld.

 

Among them, this Munheon Workshop district was the center of the surrounding underworld markets with the Tang Family’s tacit approval, and accordingly specialized in dealing with things from the darker world that were rarely seen in legitimate workshops.

 

Therefore, the customers who visited were always only those in the know, and there were many outsiders who didn’t even know of this place’s existence in the first place.

 

So it was no wonder that the craftsmen who emerged from inside the workshops cast openly wary glances toward me as I walked along the path.

 

“What’s some brat doing here…”

 

Right as I entered the alley and turned into the fifth shop, the bandit-like Saha Iron Hall Craftsman looked at me and muttered with displeasure.

 

I looked back at Steward Gam behind me.

 

When I nodded, Steward Gam cleared his throat dryly.

 

“It’s been a while. I’m Steward Gam of the Tang Family.”

 

One by one, workshop owners gathered around.

 

“…It really is. Aren’t you Steward Gam, sir?”

 

Another person beside him spoke bluntly.

 

“What business brings you here with an outsider in tow? This isn’t a place for half-baked young masters to come.”

 

“This person is an honored guest from the Namgung Family. He has agreed to assist with the Sacheon Party’s affairs for the time being, so his requests are equivalent to the Tang Family’s requests. Therefore, if there are any orders, please consider them as orders from the Tang Family and act accordingly.”

 

“…”

 

Even with Steward Gam’s words, the craftsmen’s wariness didn’t ease. The Taesim Hall Owner who had been trimming herbs in one corner snorted.

 

“Hmph, including the Tang Family’s own internal workshops, there are plenty of respectable workshops lining the respectable streets in broad daylight, so what brings you to such a shabby place? Our goods aren’t the sort meant for noble young masters’ games from the start.”

 

Steward Gam’s expression hardened at the sharp sarcasm.

 

“Don’t cross the line. This person is also my guest, so stop complaining and just take orders. All payments will be made in the name of the Sichuan Tang Family, so don’t even worry about unpaid debts.”

 

“…”

 

“I’m warning you.”

 

Steward Gam said quietly.

 

“No matter how much the Tang Family has declined, and how much we respect and overlook this world, everything has limits, so please refrain from further rudeness.”

 

“…Hmm.”

 

The craftsmen reluctantly grumbled at Steward Gam’s threat.

 

“To think I have to come down to this level and make toys for someone who’s obviously a rich family’s young master…”

 

“Now, now.”

 

“Fine, fine! Good grief, when a Tang Family elder even provides guarantee…”

 

I took a step toward them.

 

“Please take care of me. I heard this place has excellent skills, so I specifically pestered Steward Gam to bring me here.”

 

Then I looked directly at the bandit-like Saha Iron Hall Craftsman.

 

“I need to go to dangerous places, so I need something for self-defense.”

 

The workshop owner chuckled at the word ‘self-defense.’ His expression clearly showed he dismissed it as some brat’s pathetic bravado.

 

“Understood. So, what kind of blade should I make for you? Since you say self-defense, how about a silver dagger? There are some left over from selling to ladies over there.”

 

“Keke. Right. Maybe pinky finger length would be enough.”

 

The surrounding workshop owners snickered mockingly.

 

I answered with a gentle smile.

 

“I appreciate the consideration, but I can’t use bladed weapons.”

 

“Puhehe, of course you can’t.”

 

“Instead of a blade, please make me an awl.”

 

Suddenly, silence fell.

 

To that, I briefly added one more thing.

 

“Not something like a needle, but something thick and sharp, like what’s used in cattle slaughterhouses.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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