The Chairman of Pharmaceutical Company is a Poison King - Chapter 84
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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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Chapter 84: Victory Ceremony (2)
Even among the absolute masters of Gangho Murim, their auras vary greatly.
There are masters like those of Daoism and Buddhism who, as they reach higher realms, contain their energy inward and approach ordinariness, while there are also masters of the domineering path who openly and boldly radiate their presence without hiding it.
The Emperor of Samhan, Ryu Tae-hyeon, belonged to the latter.
Whether walking calmly, turning his head indifferently, or gazing intently, his aura flowed out continuously even from such everyday actions.
He wasn’t even drawing up mana.
He wasn’t manifesting any skills.
He wasn’t radiating killing intent or fear.
Just his mere existence dominated his surroundings.
Charisma itself.
There was no trace of the patient who had been coughing in the sickroom.
The Tyrant Emperor, the Emperor of the domineering path.
Grandmaster Ryu Tae-hyeon.
The absolute monarch who had ruled the Empire for 60 years.
Even Tae-ju couldn’t help but admire him.
Who could be found among masters of similar prowess?
Compared to the Heavenly Demon, he fell somewhat short.
However, he was far stronger than Paeng Do-jung, the head of the Paeng Family.
It wouldn’t be unreasonable to say he was at the level of sect leaders from the Old Sects.
How would he compare to himself?
Against the 9-star Honweonmusangdokryeongong, he was slightly lacking.
To properly engage in battle, one would need the 10-star mastery level Honweonmusangdokryeongong to compete.
After exchanging brief greetings with Tae-ju, the Emperor ascended the platform.
Toward the Crown Prince who still hadn’t regained his composure.
“Bring out the list of meritorious subjects.”
“Y-yes, here it i-is, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor took the list and stood before the podium on the platform.
Silence flowed through the event venue.
Only the sounds of people swallowing could be heard from here and there.
The generals, businessmen, and high-ranking officials gathered at the venue were extremely tense.
The victory ceremony was nothing.
What came after was the problem.
Now that the Emperor had revealed his robust health to the world, the Empire would have to bear the aftermath in some way.
The Emperor examining the list let out a hollow laugh.
“Heh heh.”
Then.
Riiiiip!
He tore up the paper in his hands.
“This is truly shameful. The Empire’s justice can crumble in an instant.”
The Emperor glared coldly at the Crown Prince.
“Jin-yeong.”
“…Y-yes, Your Majesty.”
“You’ve made a complete mess of the list of meritorious subjects. Did you truly not understand the importance of rewarding merit? You left out those who should be included, or buried them in 4th or 5th grade positions.”
“I-I’m sorry, Your Majesty.”
“I’ve come to realize anew how quickly a foolish monarch can ruin a nation. I’m tempted to change from imperial rule to a republic.”
Crown Prince Ryu Jin-yeong was also a Master.
But pressed by the Emperor’s aura, he was whimpering like a puppy that needed to relieve itself.
“This isn’t all. If I were to enumerate your mistakes one by one, it would only tire my mouth. Your actions are frivolous beyond measure, full of selfishness, and you only look after your own circle. Who would think of you as the Crown Prince of Samhan?”
“Uh…”
“Take responsibility.”
The Emperor pronounced his judgment.
“From today, I strip Prince Ryu Jin-yeong of his qualification as Crown Prince of the Samhan Empire.”
Queen Choe, shocked, jumped to her feet.
“Your Majesty!”
“What? Do you have complaints?”
“Of course I do. So suddenly? And don’t you bear any responsibility?”
“Because I know my responsibility, I’m doing this.”
“…”
The Crown Prince’s expression looked as if he had lost the entire world.
Meanwhile, the other empresses and princesses were cheering inwardly while managing their expressions.
The Emperor chuckled as he watched them.
“You’re all truly foolish. Did you think you’d just get away with it? The other princes and princesses are the same. From now on, I’ll cut off all support coming from the Imperial Palace.”
Expressions changed instantly.
Cutting off support meant…
“You’ve lived too comfortably receiving protection within the palace, haven’t you? From now on, you’ll all have to leave the palace.”
It meant being expelled.
“The Empire’s taxes are precious. Earn your own living. It would be good to look for jobs. Whether you join civilian guilds or enlist in the military, forge your own paths.”
This was also a form of stripping qualifications in a sense.
The Emperor didn’t stop there.
“Also, the so-called sponsors who have been clinging like rats to the princes and princesses are the same. Return all the privileges you received.”
The complexions of people gathered at the venue turned pale.
They were almost all backing factions of the princes and princesses.
“Starting with tax audits and going through police investigations, if there are any wrongdoings, I absolutely won’t let them slide. Think it’s unfair? Try pulling some tricks. I’ll show you clearly what real unfairness is.”
They wouldn’t even be able to resist.
Who was the Emperor?
He was someone who could make even large corporations collapse overnight.
There had actually been many such cases.
And the Emperor turned his gaze to Empress Yeon.
When his gaze suddenly turned to her, Empress Yeon couldn’t even look directly at the Emperor’s face.
“Listen here, Empress Yeon.”
“Y-Your Majesty!”
“Were Samhan’s principles so laughable to you?”
“…What do you mean?”
“Honda Kazuo, what did you promise that bastard?”
Empress Yeon rose from her seat, knelt on the floor, and bowed her head.
“I-it’s a misunderstanding, Your Majesty.”
“You didn’t think you’d be safe after joining hands with a traitor, did you?”
“Ah!”
The word “traitor” came from the Emperor’s mouth.
This was a form of judgment and branding.
“I have treated some Japanese-descended citizens of the Empire with pity. I wasn’t unaware of the sorrow of losing one’s land. But this time you crossed the line. Trying to seize the Paju Domain that I personally granted to my subject? If this isn’t rebellion, what is?”
Empress Yeon trembled violently.
She had become a rebel overnight.
“I will confine you to the Separate Palace. Don’t meet with anyone for at least 10 years.”
“…Y-Your Majesty! Please show mercy!”
“This is the best mercy I can show you.”
The Emperor didn’t even look at Empress Yeon.
To Third Prince Ryu Jin-pyo.
“Jin-pyo.”
“…Yes, p-please speak.”
“How truly disappointing. If we take away your prince status, what would be left of you?”
“Ahhh…”
“If you want to keep your name in the Imperial family registry, you’ll need to change.”
Third Prince Ryu Jin-pyo was half out of his mind.
It meant he could even be removed from the family register.
What little hope he had vanished like bubbles.
Who would extend a hand to a prince who heard such words?
“P-please have mercy.”
The Emperor turned his head as if it wasn’t worth considering and spoke to Geum Su-ho.
“Bring Kim Woong-bang from Paju Domain.”
“Yes.”
When Geum Su-ho gestured, General Kim Woong-bang entered through the open event venue doors and knelt before the platform where the Emperor stood.
“You’ve worked hard. I only feel sorry toward you. This is all my oversight.”
“No. It’s because I was lacking.”
“Your resolve to return Paju Domain remains unchanged?”
“I’ve already made my decision.”
“I see. Then what do you want?”
“Please send me to the frontier. I don’t mind not holding a command position. I just want to serve the Empire as a common soldier.”
“Serving as a common soldier… Very well. I’ll respect your choice.”
“Thank you.”
Tae-ju wasn’t surprised.
He already knew his father’s choice in advance.
That wasn’t bad either.
He had watched since childhood.
His father who had devoted his entire life to managing the domain.
But the results weren’t very good.
Paju Domain might have become shackles that held him back.
The cause of the tragedy he experienced was also because of the domain.
So throwing off those shackles and choosing a completely different life was perhaps a wise decision.
‘I should give him a gift before he leaves.’
So he could adapt to his new environment.
The Emperor’s sword dance continued.
Especially the judgment against the Japanese forces who had conspired with Empress Yeon and the Third Prince was merciless.
Just when this was starting to get boring.
“Chairman Kim Tae-ju of Taehong Bio, come up to the platform.”
If he calls, I have to go.
“Now let’s proceed with an event worthy of a victory ceremony.”
The Emperor spoke in a completely different tone than before.
It was very gentle.
“Without the new medicine you invented during the Great Wall of China Wave, we might have lost the war. Even though it was an action taken for profit as a businessman, the fact that it saved the lives of countless Imperial soldiers is undeniable.”
“Moreover, before that, through the mosquito poison antidote and cooperation with the Jirisan Masu Defense Corps, you succeeded in the great Jirisan masu subjugation operation, cutting off the seeds of Wave danger.”
“Is that all? You single-handedly eliminated the trio of Mages in Gurye, captured the Mage that appeared in New Seoul, and together with the Imperial Intelligence Agency caught the Mage at Hapbin Prison, contributing to the Empire’s peace.”
Hearing it all, I’ve done quite a lot.
“Therefore, by the authority of the Emperor of the Samhan Empire, I hereby grant you the position of Lifetime Mayor of Gurye.”
Lifetime Mayor.
A new position that never existed before.
I wasn’t surprised since I knew about this in advance.
“And I also grant you the vacant position of Lord of Paju.”
“…What?”
Suddenly?
“Although there were unfortunate incidents, the rightful heir to Paju was originally you, Chairman Kim Tae-ju. I hope you will take over what your father couldn’t complete and develop Paju Domain.”
This isn’t right, is it?
Tae-ju demanded an explanation from the Emperor with his eyes.
But the Emperor subtly avoided Tae-ju’s gaze.
“…Ahem, furthermore, I will also award you a medal along with a small prize. Secretary Geum Su-ho!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Geum Su-ho came up with a box containing medals and prizes, apparently prepared in advance.
The Emperor first took the medal and pinned it to Tae-ju’s chest.
Then Tae-ju brought his face close to the Emperor and whispered.
‘Your Majesty? I didn’t hear anything about Paju Domain.’
‘Come on, just go with it. Others go crazy trying to get land.’
‘I’m saying this because it’s burdensome, aren’t I?’
‘As I said before, you just need to use people well.’
‘Is that really so easy?’
‘Try it. It’s easier than you think. Su-ho will help you when things get difficult.’
Secretary Geum Su-ho, who had been listening to their conversation, also lowered his voice and joined in.
‘Please appoint me as Paju Domain administrator while you’re at it, Your Majesty.’
‘…Huh?’
‘Honestly, isn’t it overwhelming for Chairman Kim to manage two domains at once? So if I help from the side…’
‘Hehehe, do you think I don’t know your scheme? Trying to get some crumbs from the side?’
‘Hah! Why can’t you stand to see me do well?’
What would those crumbs be?
Seondo and elixir wine.
So the Emperor said.
‘How about Secretary Seo Pil-myeong? He’s much better than Su-ho when it comes to handling work.’
‘Hmm,’
‘I’ll send him on assignment to Paju for 5 years.’
Thinking about it, that seemed fine.
‘Well then, I’ll accept.’
‘Good!’
And the box placed in Tae-ju’s hands.
It didn’t seem to be a weapon.
It was very light.
‘What’s this?’
‘It’s a subspace magic bag. You wanted one, didn’t you?’
‘Oh!’
Perfect timing.
It was something I was planning to buy anyway.
Why would this be necessary when I have Infinite Space?
Actually, compared to subspace magic bags, Infinite Space, one of the immortal arts, is superior in every way.
Not to mention the size of the space, the convenience of storage, the size of objects that can be stored, and the fact that it’s not fixed but keeps growing.
However, ever since I started sending things to Danggumak, I always had the same thought.
The Shared Warehouse was too small.
They said it would grow if I waited, but there was never enough space.
But what if I had a subspace bag?
What if a bag filled with miscellaneous items could fit inside the Shared Warehouse?
Then I could send more things.
I need to test this quickly.
Please let it be possible.
But when will this victory ceremony end?
* * *
Heavenly Realm.
Among the dramas that the immortals watched, many were from Earth over 300 years ago.
Current Earth civilization had been developing by restoring and reviving the brilliant civilizations of the past.
So there wasn’t much difference between dramas from 300 years ago and Earth’s current culture.
The same went for TVs.
A massive 85-inch ultra-high-definition large TV made its debut in the Heavenly Realm.
The Great Tree Immortal hurriedly crafted three stands.
The immortals gathered around, watching Danggumak install the TV.
“What a large and beautiful TV.”
“We should mount it on the wall, but it’s a shame we only have a tent.”
“Let’s build a proper building quickly.”
“Right. We don’t need to build something grand from the start. Just better than a tent.”
“The chairs are too uncomfortable too. We should at least put some cotton padding to make them soft.”
Placing the TV on the stand, connecting the power, also connecting cables to the small smartphone Tae-ju had sent, and setting up the external input method.
Beep!
The screen turned on.
“It works!”
“Can we watch it now?”
“Let’s just play anything for now.”
The smartphone had videos stored that supported 4K UHD, fitting for the 85-inch screen.
Due to the large file sizes, there weren’t many content pieces.
Danggumak randomly played one of the stored videos.
Then a movie began.
“Ooooh!”
“It’s so clear!”
“It’s incomparable to the beam projector.”
“It truly deserves to be called ultra-high-definition.”
“But what’s that number up there? 18? Is that the title?”
The video started.
The characters appeared on screen.
“You can even see the moles on their faces.”
“They really look like living, moving people.”
“I’d believe there’s another world inside there.”
It had been a long time since they’d watched a movie.
The genre was a crime investigation thriller.
The sound bar must have been good quality too, as the audio was magnificent.
The main content was about detectives investigating and eliminating an organization trafficking drugs.
The immortals exclaimed at various points and engaged in heated discussions about the story while focusing on the movie.
Meanwhile, Danggumak left the TV on and fell into thought by himself for a moment.
The items he’d sent this time were a tablet containing demonstration footage of Seondo and the Swordsman’s demon-slaying sword techniques, and hidden weapons that Iron Seonin had made by type using Beyond Elite mana crystals as materials.
As a result, he hadn’t even filled the Shared Warehouse completely.
Yet they always sent things packed full from their side.
He wanted to give them more.
He should take a trip to the Heavenly Realm sometime.
Also to the Hwansu Realm where Yeongsu lived and the Yoma Realm where demons lived.
Having just ascended to immortality, he hadn’t properly explored this vast Heavenly Realm.
‘I just hope he wasn’t disappointed by these childish immortals…’
Immortals utterly faithful to their desires.
Well, these were beings who had lived here for hundreds of years at the shortest, thousands at the longest.
Part of him wanted to understand them.
How boring and tedious must their lives have been?
Seeing how they got so excited over movies that were common as dirt on Earth.
But then?
‘…Huh?’
Suddenly the immortals had gone quiet.
They were holding their breath, not saying a word to each other.
What kind of scene could have appeared?
“Gasp!”
A feast of flesh tones displayed on the 85-inch 4K UHD TV.
Naked men and women, suggestive moans.
Scenes too embarrassing to describe were spread across the entire screen.
“Damn it!”
Danggumak hurriedly grabbed the remote.
Click!
The screen turned off.
“Wh-who was that!”
“Dok-seon, was that you?”
“…Why did you turn it off?”
Danggumak said while breaking out in a cold sweat.
“That scene was embarrassing, so let’s skip it.”
Then complaints poured out.
“Come on! We can’t watch this? How old do you think I am?”
“Do you even know how important that scene is to the story flow?”
“Why do you think the director included that scene? There must be a reason for it.”
“We may look like this, but we’re immortals! Do you think we’d be shaken by watching that?”
“Tsk tsk, don’t just look at the surface, you need to understand the overall context.”
“Dok-seon! How disappointing. Acting like this when you don’t even know about movies.”
In the end, he had no choice but to turn it back on.
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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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