The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 149

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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 149

Chapter 149. Dabie Mountain (3)

I responded to the Min Estate Lord’s words with blunt directness.
“I want grain.”
“Grain… you say?”
“Yes.”
“Explain yourself more clearly. I cannot understand if you speak so vaguely.”
“For the next three years, give me one quarter of your harvest.”
The Min Estate Lord’s expression hardened.
As the owner of most of the farmland in this prosperous village, the quantity of grain he collected was staggering.
“Ah, there is no need to decide now. Your son has not yet recovered, and I am not so shameless as to demand payment before his illness is cured.”
I continued my explanation calmly.
“This Heavenly Fragrance Elixir is best administered at night. Once he drinks it, he will likely sleep deeply for two to four days. When your son awakens, all his ailments will have vanished. It would be best to discuss terms then.”
After cupping my fists in salute, I opened the window again and departed the Min Residence via the roof.

“You have worked hard.”
As I descended lightly beside the wall, I heard the voice of Jin Yu Warrior from beside me.
“Have you been waiting long?”
At my question, he simply smiled.
Seeing that, I was certain of it—he had concealed himself so well that even I had not noticed.

* * *

At that moment.
Min Ik rose from his seat and approached the table. His gaze fixed upon the narrow-necked bottle resting upon it.
“This is… Heavenly Fragrance Elixir Wine?”
He picked up the bottle and removed its stopper.
Pop!
In that instant, an exquisite fragrance spread throughout the room—so intoxicatingly sublime that words could scarcely capture it.
His hand trembled.
‘Is this… truly Heavenly Fragrance Elixir Wine?’
With shaking hands, he barely managed to replace the bottle’s cork and set it down.
Then he took a measured, deep breath.
“Exhale.”
As his composure settled, his thoughts turned to the identity of the Young Nobleman who had given him the elixir.
The fact that he came without concealing his face meant he had no need to hide it.
And it also meant he cared not if Min Ik discovered who he was.
Yet the manner of his nocturnal visit—slipping in under cover of darkness—suggested he wished it kept secret from the world.
“Hee.”
At his call, a black-masked warrior descended from the ceiling to the floor.
This was his Guard Warrior, and his presence was precisely why the surroundings remained undisturbed.
“You called, sir?”
“Did you see the young man who just entered the chamber?”
“Yes, I did.”
“What was your impression?”
“He was certainly no ordinary person. And he was aware of my presence here.”
“What?”
Min Ik asked in surprise, and the Guard Warrior named Hee continued.
“He kept his gaze directed toward where I was concealed.”
“…I see.”
“Moreover, I could not easily discern his level of martial skill. That means his martial prowess is equal to mine, or perhaps even greater.”
“…I understand.”
Min Ik nodded slowly.
“Is what’s inside this bottle truly Heavenly Fragrance Elixir Wine?”
“I too caught the scent just now. It bears striking similarity to the Heavenly Fragrance Elixir Wine I know of. Moreover, despite his remarkably distinctive appearance, he made no effort to conceal his face—which suggests considerable confidence on his part.”
“…Hmm.”
After a moment’s reflection, Min Ik spoke.
“Look into this matter.”
“Understood.”
He picked up the bottle.
Whether this was counterfeit or genuine, truthfully, all he could do was grasp at any thread of hope.
And if his son’s illness could be cured, he could certainly grant such a request.
With renewed resolve, he made his way toward his son’s quarters.

“You’re still awake?”
“Yes, Father.”
My son was nine years old now.
Though he usually breathed with difficulty, today he didn’t seem to be struggling quite as much as usual.
“Perhaps the cold weather agrees with you—you seem more comfortable.”
“About half a shichen ago, my body suddenly felt better. So I’ve been studying what I couldn’t before.”
“Is that so?”
Min Ik simply assumed his son’s health was better than usual today and continued.
“I’ve come at this late hour because I’ve obtained medicine that will cure your illness.”
But my son’s expression didn’t look particularly pleased.
After all, he had been deceived by countless false remedies.
He had even come close to death once, so he wasn’t particularly eager.
But knowing his father’s heart, he didn’t refuse.
“Please give it to me. I’ll take it now.”
At those words, Min Ik produced a gourd bottle, and my son opened its stopper.
“…!”
In that moment, the fragrance filling the room startled him.
The scent was unlike anything he’d ever encountered—so exquisite that it brought a sense of peace to both body and spirit.
“It’s called Thousand Fragrance Elixir Wine. Just as I read in the texts, the aroma is truly magnificent.”
At those words, my son’s heart began to race.
Hope surged within him that this time his illness might truly be cured.
Honestly, why wouldn’t he want his illness healed?
He was the one suffering most from the Sunpulse Vein Syndrome.
He’d wanted to give up honestly, but couldn’t because of his father’s tireless efforts.
He carefully tilted the gourd bottle and drank the Thousand Fragrance Elixir Wine.
As he emptied the bottle, the world began to spin before his eyes.
Overwhelming drowsiness took hold, and he closed his eyes.
Watching my son fall asleep, Min Ik turned his head to the side.
The Physician who had entered with him nodded and spoke.
“It appears to be the Luminous Manifestation phenomenon.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, it matches the Luminous Manifestation phenomenon of the Thousand Fragrance Elixir Wine that I know of.”
It was identical to what the Young Nobleman who had given this said.
But it was difficult to rest easy trusting only that.
So I laid my son on the bed and kept vigil beside him with an anxious heart.

* * *

I remain staying at the inn in Minjang Village.
I suggested we stay a few more days because the surrounding scenery is beautiful.
But the real reason I’m staying here is to finalize the transaction with Min Estate Lord.
It was certain that Min Estate Lord’s son’s solar plexus pulse condition would be completely cured from the Heavenly Fragrance Spirit Wine I gave him.
That moment would be when I conduct the transaction.
When the other party is moved with gratitude, I can gain the upper hand in negotiations.
I gazed out the window and spoke.
“Palgap, the weather is absolutely beautiful today. Shall we go for an outing?”
“Pardon? An outing?”
“Yes, the innkeeper mentioned there’s a wonderful place nearby for an outing. So…”
I couldn’t finish my sentence and burst into laughter instead.
Palgap was standing respectfully holding my clothes.
“What are you doing? You should change into these clothes at once.”

We arrived at a nearby valley.
It was called Danyeong Valley, and I finally understood what it meant that even the shadows were crimson.
The autumn leaves were strikingly red and beautiful.
“Wow! What a magnificent place this is.”
Palgap marveled continuously, and even my Guard Warriors nodded in appreciation at the scenery.
“How do you feel about coming to a place like this?”
“It’s wonderful. Thank you for bringing me here.”
Heo Un Scholar was quite pleased as well.
The reason I came here was partly for the scenery, but mainly because Min Estate Lord would come here today.
It was certain that Min Estate Lord’s son would recover from his solar plexus pulse condition, but one can never be too careful.
An incident involving Heavenly Fragrance Spirit Wine from my previous life had taught me never to let my guard down.
So I briefly explained the situation to Jin Yu Warrior and asked him to monitor Min Estate Lord’s movements.
So this was partly sightseeing, partly business.
How would he know where I am and find me here?
Minjang Village itself is Min Estate Lord’s territory. If he doesn’t know what’s happening in his own domain, maintaining his position would be difficult.
And the fewer people who know I’m meeting with Min Estate Lord, the better.
This remote location was perfect for that purpose.
As I stood in the pavilion admiring the scenery of Danyeong Valley, I sensed someone approaching.
Seo-woo Warrior and Jin Yu Warrior also seemed to notice, their eyes on me.
I had Palgap take Heo Un Scholar down below.
Soon, three figures approached.
Min Estate Lord, whom I’d seen days ago, a young boy, and a Guard Warrior.
I smiled faintly.
“We meet again.”
“Indeed.”
I greeted him and invited Min Estate Lord to sit.
“Would you care for some tea?”
“Yes, let’s have some.”
Min Estate Lord and the young boy climbed up to the pavilion and sat before me, and Palgap, who had returned, brought out the tea.
“This is Tieguanyin that our trading company distributes.”
“Indeed, it has a fine fragrance.”
I was certain now.
The fact that he showed no disturbance even when I mentioned the trading company meant he already knew who I was.
When I met Min Estate Lord, I deliberately did not hide my face. That was to give him trust.
If he had investigated me, he would have learned of my movements.
And I was confident that those movements would only raise his trust in me further.
“First, allow me to introduce. The child beside me is my second son, Min Yi-jun.”
“I am Min Yi-jun.”
The boy appeared intelligent, and he greeted me respectfully with a cupped-fist salute.
“Thank you for saving my son’s life.”
Min Estate Lord cupped his fists to me, and Min Yi-jun also paid his respects once more.
“My son awakened, and through the physician’s examination, his severed pulse condition has been completely cured.”
“I’m truly relieved to hear that.”
Min Estate Lord pondered for a moment, then instructed his son and the guard warrior to take a walk around the grounds.
Indeed, there was no benefit in the boy hearing what we would discuss from here on.
“Where exactly did you obtain that spirit medicine?”
Since it was a question I had anticipated, I answered smoothly.
“Manor Lord, I understand that in Kangho, it is customary not to inquire about the source of spirit medicines.”
“That’s true. My apologies. I spoke carelessly out of curiosity.”
I shook my head and spoke calmly.
“I simply happened to obtain it by chance, and I presented it as a valuable asset for our transaction.”
“I see. A transaction… you said you wanted grain?”
“Yes.”
“Should I send the grain we promised at that time to the Eunhae Trading Company over the next three years?”
“No.”
I shook my head.
“The spirit medicine I gave you, Manor Lord, was not the trading company’s but my personal possession. Therefore, the benefit from it should rightfully belong to me personally.”
“That’s fair.”
“I will send you word separately later. Then you may send the grain to that location.”
“Understood.”
I withdrew a contract from my garment and unfolded it.
Seeing it, Min Estate Lord let out an exclamation.
“Impressive! How thorough.”
“Thank you for the compliment.”
I asked him not to speak of today’s events to anyone.
I asked that our meeting today be treated as merely a courtesy visit from a stranger passing through his territory as manor lord, and Min Estate Lord readily agreed.
I watched the distant figures of Min Estate Lord and his son disappear from view, my thoughts growing heavy.
I cannot predict what role Min Yi-jun, whom I have just saved, will play in the events to come.
But one thing is certain—the grain I have secured from Min Estate Lord will save countless lives.
In approximately two years, a devastating famine will sweep across the entire Central Plains.
Though the Emperor performed sacrificial rites to heaven twelve times over, he could not prevent the masses from starving to death.
Among those who had grain stored in their granaries, a few opened their warehouses, but most refused to unlock them.
Some even held feasts right before their gates while people perished from hunger.
Ultimately, the people’s hearts grew deeply troubled, and peasant uprisings erupted in certain regions.
Though such a rebellion occurred in Hubei as well, our Eunhae Trading Company survived it unscathed because we distributed our grain.
And because of such circumstances, we could not celebrate Eun Jung-ho’s wedding ceremony grandly, so we held it quite simply instead.
At that time, given Eun Jung-ho’s age, we could not delay his marriage any further.
That is why, having felt regret about it, I proposed that we prepare his wedding banquet this time with great splendor and magnificence.
In my previous life, though our trading company survived the peasant uprising, business could hardly flourish during such a severe famine.
Of course, since the entire Central Plains faced such dire circumstances, we could not claim our losses were particularly severe.
Yet the fact that we could not relieve more people due to our limited resources remained a source of regret.
That is why I am preparing grain in advance this time.
Given Min Estate Lord’s character, he too will distribute grain to those around him, so considering his capacity, I asked for only one quarter.
I spoke to Palgap.
“Let us return now.”
“Yes, understood.”

The following morning, we departed for the Eunhae Trading Company Headquarters.
Through this journey to Luoyang, I had obtained everything I could.
My spirits were truly refreshed.

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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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