The Granddaughter of Manhyang Escort Bureau Hides Her Magic - Chapter 120

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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 120

 

Before departing on her escort mission, Shin Ah visited Wolhwa Hall.

 

This was because So Hyeokho had earnestly requested that she come see him once before leaving.

 

“Chang’an Branch Master, you’ve arrived.”

 

As always, Jang Mu came out to greet Shin Ah.

 

“Yes, how is Grandfather feeling?”

 

Not long ago, Shin Ah had declined a proposal that So Hyeokho had made separately.

 

When Shin Ah’s escort mission was decided, So Hyeokho had told her to take Jang Mu along as a porter. Though he called it a porter position, it was really meant to be Shin Ah’s personal guard.

 

For So Hyeokho to offer Jang Mu, his closest confidant, to Shin Ah was deeply meaningful.

 

Depending on how one interpreted it, it could be seen as So Hyeokho cherishing Shin Ah as much as his own life.

 

At the time, So Hyeokho had been so disappointed by Shin Ah’s refusal that she couldn’t help but ask about it.

 

“If you’re worried about the Lord of the Nation’s feelings, why don’t you accept his proposal?”

 

“Oh no, I can’t make you suffer because of me.”

 

“I’m fine with it. Actually, I’d like to go with you.”

 

“I’m fine too. So if Grandfather brings up that topic again, you’ll take my side, okay?”

 

The two were having a quiet conversation.

 

“If you’re here, come inside quickly instead of chatting outside!”

 

A stern command came from inside So Hyeokho’s bedroom. Jang Mu smiled faintly and quickly opened the door.

 

Shin Ah strode inside and greeted him.

 

“Grandfather, I’m here.”

 

So Hyeokho put down the documents he was holding.

 

“Good. Come sit down.”

 

“What were you reading?”

 

“A letter from the Geumwa Trading Company Master. He says he’s planning to go buy some precious fur pelts soon. It’s a request for escort services.”

 

Shin Ah immediately understood what those fur pelts were. Thanks to Yuhyeon driving out Oh Bangja and taking control of the trading company, it seemed they could move faster than in her previous life.

 

They would need several skilled guards, but if this job was completed properly, Geumwa Trading Company would more than regain its former reputation.

 

Hyeokho glanced at Shin Ah’s expression and changed the subject.

 

“More importantly, I hear that boy Mugyeol is going along as a porter this time?”

 

“Yes. So don’t worry.”

 

At Shin Ah’s answer, So Hyeokho squinted one eye.

 

“Your mind still hasn’t changed? If you’ve had a change of heart even now, feel free to tell me.”

 

Shin Ah, who had been sitting properly and drinking tea, slightly furrowed her brow.

 

“You still haven’t given up on putting Jang Mu in my escort group? Don’t you trust me that much? Brother Cheondo and I are enough. And Mugyeol is skilled too.”

 

“How could I not know your cleverness? I know Cheondo’s abilities too. I heard from the Biwongak Master that your porter Mugyeol hasn’t been wandering the Central Plains carelessly either. But would he be as good as Jang Mu?”

 

“If Jang Mu comes with me, what about you, Grandfather? Who will protect you?”

 

Hah, So Hyeokho let out a hollow laugh.

 

Living this long, he had come to see everyone worry about his safety as the head of the So Family and master of Manhyang Express.

 

Especially when he hadn’t gone on escort missions and had stayed within Manhyang Express for so long.

 

“I know Grandfather’s skills are excellent too. But you’re getting on in years now.”

 

“Besides Jang Mu, how many other guards are there at the Escort Agency?”

 

So Hyeokho was confident in his safety within Manhyang Express.

 

However, Shin Ah, who had experienced his suspicious death in the past, thought differently.

 

You never know what might happen in this world. That’s why Jang Mu needed to stay by his side.

 

‘How can I break Grandfather’s stubbornness?’

 

After thinking deeply, Shin Ah puffed out her cheeks in a fake pout.

 

“Did you do this when Brother Mando went on missions too?”

 

“Hm?”

 

“When Brother Mando went, you just gave him encouragement money and told him to have a safe trip. But why are you assigning Uncle Jang Mu to me? You say you trust me, but deep down you don’t believe in me, do you?”

 

Hyeokho was left speechless.

 

Mando and Shin Ah’s escort missions were on completely different levels.

 

Mando had gone on an escort mission to a city in Gansu, which wasn’t too far from Chang’an where Manhyang Express was located.

 

Moreover, he had gone with a whole bunch of skilled Escort Warriors from Yuwon Pavilion.

 

On the other hand, Shin Ah had to go all the way to the edge of Seomsu where the Murim Alliance was located, right at the border with Hanam. And her escort group was extremely modest.

 

So aside from Shin Ah being his beloved granddaughter, it was only natural for him as the Lord of the Escort Agency to want to provide her with more support.

 

But the child coldly rejected his help.

 

She even misinterpreted his concern and got sulky about it!

 

“If Grandfather trusts me, please just let me go. I want to complete the escort mission with my own strength. So there won’t be any gossip.”

 

As Shin Ah continued to succeed, forces that envied and resented her had emerged. Shin Ah was aware of this too.

 

“Just who exactly is spreading such gossip?”

 

Seeing Shin Ah’s serious expression, So Hyeokho’s eyes turned sharp.

 

‘It must all be because the Lord of the Agency is helping her from behind. Without the Lord’s power, how could that young miss have built up the Chang’an Branch? What skills does she have?’

 

‘She’s using her childhood illness to her advantage. When things don’t go well, she puts on a pitiful face and goes to Wolhwa Hall. Then the Lord of the Agency feels sorry for her and gives her more support. Only the young master of Yuwon Pavilion is pitiful. Is being born healthy a sin?’

 

The words slandering Shin Ah strangely flowed toward pitying and praising Mando.

 

Shin Ah knew that someone was systematically spreading words to undermine her behind her back, but she let it be.

 

Because the mastermind was obvious.

 

It had to be So Mando of Yuwon Pavilion, or perhaps Dang Mihee or Baekrim’s doing.

 

It was a waste of attention to pay any mind to those who resorted to scheming because their own abilities were lacking.

 

And it was still at a level that could be ignored.

 

Unless you were someone like Danmi who kept her ears open to even the lowest levels throughout the Escort Agency, you wouldn’t hear about it.

 

So So Hyeokho didn’t know about it either.

 

‘There’s no need for Grandfather to know about this anyway. He must have a lot on his plate these days.’

 

Shin Ah shrugged her shoulders.

 

“It could happen. It’s because I’m too outstanding. So Grandfather, if you really want to help me, give me something else.”

 

“What should I give you?”

 

“What do you think I want?”

 

So Hyeokho narrowed his eyes, then soon burst into a hollow laugh.

 

“Alright, just return safely. I’ll forgive debt worth 2 gold ingots.”

 

“Please give me three.”

 

“Jang Mu isn’t that bad.”

 

A delightful tug-of-war between Hyeokho and Shin Ah began.

 

“Uncle Jang Mu, don’t be so hurtful!”

 

“Jang Mu, are you hurt?”

 

Jang Mu joined in on the amusing conversation between granddaughter and grandfather.

 

“Yes. I suppose I am.”

 

Jang Mu took Shin Ah’s side.

 

“There’s no one on my side around here.”

 

So Hyeokho muttered as if dejected, but his true feelings were different. He was only proud of Shin Ah for winning over an important figure of Manhyang Express to her side.

 

“Three!”

 

Shin Ah demanded confidently, and once again So Hyeokho pretended to give in reluctantly.

 

* * *

 

Escort missions were complicated up to the point of gathering packages and selecting courier workers to form teams, but once preparations were complete, departure was quick.

 

Juhwa, who had clung to Shin Ah’s skirt hem saying she wanted to go together until the very end, ultimately decided to guard the Chang’an Branch.

 

‘You need to stay here so I can travel comfortably. From now on, you’re the temporary Chang’an Branch manager.’

 

‘M-me?’

 

‘Don’t you want to?’

 

‘No! It’s an honor. I’m so happy. But still, I want to go too. Going on escort missions with you, Miss, has been my dream ever since I took the courier worker test at Manhyang Express five years ago!’

 

‘You’re the only person I can trust to manage our branch, so please do this for me.’

 

Shin Ah could truly trust Juhwa to manage the Chang’an Branch.

 

Since she was well-informed, she could handle things in advance even if Yuwon Pavilion tried anything foolish.

 

Instead, Shin Ah promised to definitely go on the next escort mission together with Juhwa.

 

Now it was truly time to depart.

 

Courier workers Mugyeol, Chilseon, Dolsoe, and Malseok shouldered their bundles. Cheondo stood alongside Hyeong Daegwang, who was the package, and Shin Ah took the front position.

 

“Have a safe trip.”

 

Cheonrim came out as the escort agency representative to see them off.

 

This was the result of Shin Ah firmly stopping So Hyeokho, the Chief Jangwe, the general manager, and even Jang Mu from coming out.

 

Cheonrim raised his hand to embrace Shin Ah, then forced himself to clasp his hands behind his back.

 

Since she was departing on an escort mission not as his daughter but as the manager of Chang’an Branch, he had to give an appropriate farewell.

 

His farewell as a father was conveyed through his eyes instead.

 

Shin Ah and Cheonrim’s gazes met.

 

‘You must be careful.’

 

‘Yes, Father.’

 

Shin Ah smiled and called out spiritedly.

 

“We’ll be back!”

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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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