The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 125

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Trading Company – Chapter 125

Chapter 125. Apricot Blossom Academy (1)

That night.
Lee Pil Warrior approached me as I stood in the courtyard.
“My lord.”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for today.”
Lee Pil Warrior bowed deeply before me.
“Thanks to you, my lord, I was finally able to reveal the truth and clear my name. And I even received an apology.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I can’t ask you to forget all the pain you’ve suffered—that’s not something one can simply do. Still, I hope you won’t remain shackled to the past and will move forward with me.”
At my words, Lee Pil Warrior prostrated himself before me.
“…?”
“This humble Lee Pil swears to follow my lord with my very life.”
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The next day, as I was busily packing my belongings, a visitor arrived at the Separate Pavilion.
“Master!”
It was Manjol Physician.
He had disappeared after the Punishment Assembly ended yesterday, and now he had come to the Separate Pavilion.
“I never would have imagined that you were the Grand Patriarch of the Sichuan Tang Family.”
“Tsk tsk, you’re duller than I thought.”
“Sir?”
“If I weren’t from the Sichuan Tang Family, how would I have known that the Inner Qi Plague and the Seven Treasure Mountain Poison were the Sichuan Tang Family’s poisons?”
Ah.
Now that I think about it, that’s true.
“Ah, but didn’t Lee Pil Warrior know that you were the Grand Patriarch of the Sichuan Tang Family?”
“In truth, I didn’t know much. I only saw him once when I was young, and much time has passed since then.”
“I see.”
Manjol Physician spoke with a smile.
“Besides, since I was concealing my energy, he wouldn’t have noticed.”
That’s why I also failed to recognize that the master was from the Sichuan Tang Family.
“I heard the whole story from my grandson. I came to see what interesting developments might unfold, but this turned out to be quite a significant matter. I’m truly grateful.”
Sincerity emanated from Manjol Physician as he spoke.
“Ah, I have something to give you, Master.”
I handed him the real evidence that the Blood Poison Ghost Bae Du-gap had planted, which I had been keeping.
“What is this?”
At my explanation, Manjol Physician gazed at me with eyes full of admiration.
“In any case, please handle that matter as you see fit, sir.”
“So you’re dumping the troublesome task on me.”
“Yes, that’s correct. However, I do have one request.”
“What is it?”
“Please keep it secret that I gave you that.”
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Yeo Eung-am Warrior, Lee Pil Warrior, and I received a document from the House Master.
It was the document we had promised before—one containing his guarantee that he would provide assistance only in matters that caused no loss to the Sichuan Tang Family and where their help would be appropriate.
After receiving that document, I encountered Dang Dae-jung on the way back to the Separate Pavilion.
“I pay my respects, Lord Dang.”
“Yes, you’re leaving today, I hear?”
“Yes. I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused during my stay.”
“Not at all. The main house has received considerable kindness from you. I should be the one thanking you.”
Dang Dae-jung spoke those words, then asked me in a subtle tone.
“By the way, do you perhaps have someone special in mind, or are you already betrothed to someone?”
“No, sir? I don’t have anyone yet, but….”
“I see. Very well.”
What was that about? I feel like I made some kind of mistake.
In any case, when I returned to the Separate Pavilion after our conversation, Dang Su-bin and Tang Jo-ung had come to see me off.
And there were unexpected visitors as well.
Dang Su-bin’s three elder brothers.
No, why did the Third Young Master, whose body still isn’t fully recovered, come here?
I departed from the Sichuan Tang Family Estate while receiving their farewells.
Though I was exhausted from all the complicated matters, I felt immensely pleased by the fact that I had once again thwarted the Murim Alliance’s plans.

I arrived at the Eunhae Merchant Guild Sichuan Branch in a comfortable carriage, escorted by the Sichuan Tang Family Warriors.
“I’m back.”
“Good, did you have a safe journey?”
“Yes, Uncle.”
I greeted my Uncle, Aunt, my Elder Brothers, and Ryeo-ok before retiring to my quarters.
I exhaled deeply and spoke to Palgap.
“Palgap, we depart for the Eul-jin Trading Company tomorrow.”
“What? Honestly, shouldn’t you rest for a day or two, at least for your own sake?”
“I want to rest too.”
But I had no time for it.
There was much to accomplish here, and the Dang Family had consumed far more of my time than anticipated.
The year’s end was drawing near.
“Still, I should welcome the new year with my family, don’t you think? Geumryeong?”
At my question, Geumryeong chuckled softly from within my sleeve.

* * *

The Murim Alliance.
Dang Du-jeong, who served as an instructor for covert techniques there, received a letter from the Sichuan Tang Family.
Its contents were deeply bitter to him.
Lee Pil—his son, born of the woman he had loved.
Evidence of the abuse inflicted upon him had come to light, and those responsible had been sentenced to five years of imprisonment in the Punishment Hall.
He closed his eyes and sighed.
It was a sigh laden with regret for days past.
He had been consumed by martial arts, neglecting his family as he should have.
Only when Lee Pil fled the family later did he finally learn what had transpired.
Thus, he had asked his Elder Brother to refrain from issuing a search order for Lee Pil and to allow him to sever ties with the family.
Yet he had not known the cruelty with which Lee Pil had been tormented.
It was remarkable that he had endured and survived.
He felt profound remorse toward Lee Pil.
Had he shown more care, perhaps Lee Pil would not have fled the family bearing nothing but wounds.
He continued reading the letter.

[And though I had intended to send Su-bin to the Murim Alliance, I have decided against it. It is not that I forced her to stay, but rather she has chosen not to go of her own accord.]

At those words, Dang Du-jeong tilted his head in confusion.
Just recently, the letter he had sent was filled with expectations for her to flourish at the Murim Alliance.

[Come to the Main House soon. Father has returned, and he wishes to see you.]

My eyes widened at the news that Father, who had been away on extended travels for years, had finally returned home.
It seemed I would need to visit the Main House soon.

[Your son Lee Pil has grown into a truly remarkable man. And working as a Guard Warrior under such an excellent lord, he has already reached the pinnacle of mastery. It reminds me of seeing you in your youth.]

I couldn’t help but smile at those words.
It pained my heart that my wife and three sons were confined to the Punishment Hall, and I hoped they would repent for their sins during this time.
Yet I found myself believing that someday I would be able to see my son—Lee Pil—again.

* * *

I quickly wrapped up my work, returned to the Trading Company, and spent the New Year with my family.
Before long, the time came when I had to travel to Beijing.
I needed to report the results of my investigation into the Eul-jin Trading Company to the Emperor.
So I was organizing my affairs to ensure that my absence would cause no disruption.
“Lord.”
Looking up, I saw Yeochang’s Deputy approaching me with an exhausted expression.
“Yes.”
“Please take a look at this.”
Yeochang’s Deputy shuffled over and handed me some documents. I examined them and issued the appropriate instructions.
Watching him shuffle back to his seat, I turned my gaze to the workers laboring like stone sentinels at the wooden table beside me and scratched behind my ear.
Currently, only two people, including Yeochang’s Deputy, were handling administrative duties in Hyun Pung.
But as the workload increased, they were becoming overwhelmed.
I would need to recruit a few more staff members.

A few days later.
The day of departure for Beijing had arrived.
With four Guard Warriors attending to me, there was no need for additional warriors to protect my person.
Moreover, Seo-woo Warrior and Jin Yu Warrior were masters at their peak.
They were on par with the elders or dharma protectors of most sects, so there was no cause for concern about my safety.
“Go and convey my regards to your aunt and her family.”
At Father’s words, I nodded.
“Yes, I understand.”
This time, I planned to stay at my Aunt’s Residence while in Beijing.
“Travel safely.”
I departed for Beijing, seeing everyone off.
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Upon arriving in Beijing, I made my way directly to the Yeonjun Trading Company.
My Aunt came out herself to greet me.
“Welcome, dear.”
“It has been a long time since we last met.”
“Indeed, it’s been quite a while since I saw you when Seon-il passed his examination.”
“Is Uncle in good health?”
“Of course.”
“And Seon-il Elder Brother and Seon-mi are well?”
“Naturally.”
“I’m relieved to see that you’re looking well, Aunt.”
“Yes, you must be weary from your long journey. Go wash up and rest.”
“Thank you. Oh! These are letters from Grandfather and Father.”
My Aunt set the letters aside and guided me to my quarters.
There had been a time when the Yeonjun Trading Company nearly faced ruin due to the Murim Alliance’s underhanded schemes against Seon-il Elder Brother.
At that time, I had mobilized my connections in Beijing to establish new trading partners for them.
As those partnerships flourished, the Yeonjun Trading Company grew alongside them.
Perhaps because of this, my Aunt treated me with the affection of a doting relative, adding her gratitude to her kindness.
Though such courtesy was hardly necessary.

After washing up at my quarters, I joined my aunt’s family for dinner—a rare occasion.
It was there that I learned of Seon-il Elder Brother’s recent circumstances.
“So you’re currently working at the Hanlin Academy?”
“That’s right.”
The Hanlin Academy was where imperial edicts were refined, where books were published by imperial decree, and where counsel was provided to the Emperor himself.
As it handled classified documents, those who achieved exceptional results in the civil service examinations were typically assigned there.
From what I understood, even the tutors of the imperial princes belonged to the Hanlin Academy.
In any case, it was a place where promising talents gathered.
Naturally, the probability of rising to high office was considerable.
Currently, Seon-il Elder Brother held the position of Attendant Censor, a rank of the seventh grade.
It was a natural result, having achieved first place in the examination.
“Elder Brother, you’ve truly advanced in your career.”
At my words, Seon-il Elder Brother laughed with a hint of embarrassment.
“Well, is that so? But knowing that I contribute to bringing this nation into an era of peace and prosperity—each day brings me joy.”
The expression on Seon-il Elder Brother’s face as he spoke was genuinely radiant.
It was gratifying to see the fruits of my labor—when I had entered the lake to eavesdrop on secret conversations, and when I had petitioned the Emperor for a private audience and changed the format of the civil service examination.
Then Seon-mi spoke to me with a fresh expression.
“Why do you only show interest in Seon-il Elder Brother, Seo-ho Elder Brother?”
“Haha, my apologies. Though it sounds like an excuse, I’ve missed you greatly too. How have you been lately?”
“I’ll accept that excuse.”
Seon-mi continued, her voice slightly softened.
“I’ve been learning the ways of the trading company alongside Father recently.”
“Is that so?”
My uncle continued from there.
“Seon-mi resembles me, so she has a talent for commerce.”
I nodded at his words.
In my previous life, Seon-mi had followed in her father’s footsteps and devoted herself to the trading company’s affairs.
She had handled matters quite brilliantly and eventually became the successor to the trading company, inheriting her father’s position.
Though she sat demurely now, truthfully, no one was as spirited as Seon-mi.
As a child, she would wield a sword and play soldier games.
And whenever someone bullied the scholarly Seon-il Elder Brother, she would rush at them like a hawk and settle the matter.
Watching her, one might think she had a hot-tempered nature, yet that wasn’t entirely true either.
When calculations were needed, her mind would swiftly work through the abacus—she possessed a sharp intellect.
Later, when Seon-il Elder Brother’s personality became cynical, Seon-mi was deeply pained by the change.
In any case, knowing Seon-mi’s future as I did, I smiled and replied.
“You’ll do wonderfully. I’m rooting for you.”
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The next day,
I sent word to the Emperor of my intention to visit, then headed out to the marketplace in Beijing.
Beijing has a famous Book Street.
Since Beijing is where the most literate people gather, it’s where all manner of books converge—and I intended to visit that place.
The erotic collection that had proven useful at the Sacheon Tang Family Estate had arrived mixed in with books I’d ordered from this very bookstore.
Since I couldn’t return the mistakenly delivered book, I felt I needed to pay for it before I could sleep soundly again.
Besides, I could browse for new books while I was at it.
Book Street, unlike other places, was remarkably quiet—no hawkers calling out to passersby.
Likely because those who sought out Book Street preferred to avoid such bustling commotion.
I entered the bookstore where I had placed my order.
“Welcome.”
The Shop Attendant greeted me.
“If you’re looking for any particular books, please let me know.”
He returned to his work, probably because standing nearby would make customers uncomfortable.
I approached him.
“Who handles book orders here?”
“May I ask what this is regarding?”
“Last summer, when I ordered books from this shop, a book I didn’t order was mixed in with my delivery.”
“Ah, is that so? I apologize for the inconvenience. Please wait a moment. The owner handles those matters.”
He promptly summoned the Shop Manager.
Having heard the explanation from the Shop Attendant, the Shop Manager opened his ledger and asked me.
“I apologize for the trouble. May I ask your name and affiliation?”
“I am Eun Seo-ho of the Eunhae Trading Company in Hubei Province.”
In truth, I could have asked those from the Eunhae Trading Company who traveled to Beijing to procure books for me.
Though the Eunhae Trading Company had no branch in Beijing yet, we still came here more than six times a year for business.
But I didn’t want to trouble others with my personal affairs.
Running errands for someone else is such a burdensome thing.

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