The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 150

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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 150

Chapter 150. Valuables Must Be Stored in the Warehouse (1)

I had finally arrived at the Eunhae Trading Company Headquarters.
Since I had sent word of my arrival in advance, Eun Jung-ho came to greet me.
“Brother!”
“You’ve had quite the journey.”
“Journey? I just came back from playing around. But where is Father?”
“He’s in his office right now. There’s accumulated work, and new projects starting up. All thanks to someone, of course.”
“Haha.”
I laughed awkwardly.
The new projects he mentioned were clearly about the Information Bureau centered around Chun-il, though I couldn’t speak of it explicitly with so many people around.
Eun Jung-ho asked, watching Heo Un Scholar descend from the carriage.
“Who is that?”
“Ah, someone who will be working for our Merchant Guild from now on.”
“I see.”
Eun Jung-ho nodded calmly.

Shortly after,
I asked Palgap to guide Heo Un Scholar to the Guest Reception Room, then headed toward Father’s office.
“Father, I have returned after completing my business in Luoyang.”
“Well done. You’ve worked hard.”
Father looked quite weary. Without meaning to, my heart ached at the sight.
“I thought you’d stay longer in Luoyang, but you’ve returned sooner than expected.”
“The longer I delay my return, the more hardship falls upon my future self, does it not?”
“That’s true enough.”
I broached the main topic at once.
“What has become of the Information Bureau matter?”
“At the meeting in the Eun-wol Pavilion, we made decisions regarding the Information Bureau, and for now, Chun-il has been appointed as an operative.”
“I see. Then where is he now?”
“He’s likely working on an assignment.”
“An assignment?”
“Yes. The Sefung Director proposed it, and everyone agreed. Before he begins full operations, we decided to give him daily assignments to control his kleptomania.”
I marveled at Father’s words.
Of course it was Jeok Gak-ju’s idea. How did he come up with such a thing?
“The method was inspired by your challenge to him, so there’s nothing particularly remarkable about it.”
As I scratched my cheek sheepishly, Father smiled gently and spoke.
“Very well, go and rest.”
“Father, there is one more matter I wished to discuss with you.”
Father’s expression grew puzzled, and I asked carefully.
“Are you perhaps acquainted with Heo Won Supreme Master of the Baekcheon Trading Company?”
“A man of considerable talent, indeed. He was instrumental in making the Baekcheon Trading Company what it is today.”
As Father recalled his memory of him, his expression grew wistful.
“I heard recently that he had passed away. A truly lamentable loss.”
“Yes, I understand he departed not long ago.”
“In truth, I once offered him a position with the Eunhae Trading Company, but he refused. He said he could not abandon those who believed in and followed him.”
That was why I could not recruit him.
In my previous life, I have memories of hearing about Heo Won Supreme Master from Father.
Because he was such a man, his quarters remained intact even after his passing.
But Heo Un Scholar, abandoned by the Baekcheon Merchant Guild Leader, was not the same.
“But why do you ask about Heo Won Supreme Master?”
“In truth, I have brought his son with me.”
I explained the entire matter to Father from beginning to end.
“Hmph!”
Displeasure crossed Father’s face.
“After all the hardship Heo Won Supreme Master endured for the Baekcheon Trading Company! To cast out his son so callously?”
“….”
“Namgung Kang—I have never cared much for that man, but this is truly beyond the pale!”
From Father’s words, I learned something for the first time: Father also despised Namgung Kang.
“So, bringing this Heo Un Scholar here means you wish to take him into our company. What duties did you have in mind for him?”
“For now, I believe it would be best to have him work in the Sangyu Division for several months.”
I have other plans for Heo Un Scholar, but others do not yet know of his abilities.
To have him gain recognition, he must be placed in an appropriate position.
If I were to seat him in a high position by my own authority, it would invite gossip and jealousy.
For someone already suffering from unkind remarks due to his appearance, such a burden would be unbearable.
But his talent is truly exceptional—a crane among chickens—so he will soon earn recognition from those around him.
Then I can employ him according to my plan.
“Very well, I understand. I shall consult with Yeon Gak-ju.”
Father asked again.
“Where is he now?”
“He is in the Guest Reception Room.”
Father rose from his seat and proceeded with me toward the Guest Reception Room.

A short while later, we arrived at the Guest Reception Room and found Heo Un Scholar sitting with Palgap, refreshments laid out before them.
“He is my father and the Merchant Guild Leader of the Eunhae Trading Company.”
At my introduction, he startled and tried to rise from his seat, but Father waved his hand.
“No need. Please, remain seated.”
“I apologize.”
Father sat across from him and offered reassurance.
“I heard the full account from Seo-ho. First, I offer my condolences for the departed.”
“Thank you.”
“You have endured much hardship.”
….
At Father’s gentle words, tears seemed to gather in Heo Un’s eyes for a moment.
There was something poignant about hearing words of sympathy not from the Baekcheon Merchant Guild Master, but from Father, the Merchant Guild Leader of the Eunhae Trading Company.
“So, you wish to work for our Merchant Guild?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“What work did you do at the Baekcheon Trading Company?”
“I organized ledgers and accounts.”
“I see. Our Merchant Guild has a division called the Sangyu Division that handles the distribution and sale of goods. I was thinking of entrusting you with work there. Would that be acceptable?”
“Of course. I will work diligently at whatever task you assign me.”
Father conversed with him on various matters for about an hour before rising from his seat.
For someone of the Merchant Guild Leader’s stature to spare this much time was a remarkable gesture of sincerity.
Heo Un Scholar seemed to recognize this, and spoke with deep emotion.
“I am overwhelmed by such a warm welcome. I scarcely know how to conduct myself.”
Father smiled and spoke.
“Not at all. There was a connection through your father, and if Seo-ho recommends you, I have no doubt in your abilities. I look forward to working with you.”

Heo Un Scholar’s quarters were temporarily arranged in the Guest House where visitors stayed.
Once he began working at the Eunhae Trading Company, he would receive work uniforms, but he couldn’t live in just those, so I should gift him several sets of proper clothes.
After entrusting this matter to Palgap, I headed toward the Inner Compound.
I needed to pay my respects to Grandfather and Mother upon my return, and I had to meet with my Elder Brother’s Wife.
After changing into fresh clothes, I first visited Grandfather, then made my way to Mother’s Quarters.
Whoosh—!
Swish, swish, swish—!
I heard the sound of something cutting through the air. The Yeo Eung-am Warrior following behind me spoke.
“That’s the sound of wielding a Soft Blade.”
“A Soft Blade… is it?”
“Yes.”
The Yeo Eung-am Warrior nodded.
“A Soft Blade is quite a distinctive weapon in itself, so it produces that particular sound when wielded.”
At those words, I smiled knowingly.
There was only one reason for hearing the sound of a Soft Blade being wielded.
I glanced toward the front of Mother’s Quarters.
Mother, dressed in light armor, was practicing with the belt-form Soft Blade I had gifted her.
Her movements were as elegant as a sword dance, and Mother’s expression appeared delighted.
Watching her, I felt inwardly that I had made the right choice in giving Mother the Soft Blade.
As I observed for a moment, Mother seemed to finish her training and put away the Soft Blade.
I quickly made my presence known as I approached.
“Mother.”
“Oh? Ah! Seo-ho has returned?”
“You were training, I see.”
“Yes.”
Mother nodded and spoke.
“I’m sure you gave me this Soft Blade thinking of my safety, but if I can’t wield it properly when the time comes to use it, what good would it be? That’s why I’ve been practicing.”
“I see. I’m even more pleased knowing you look so happy while training.”
“Hehe, I’m glad it appeared that way. Did your business go well?”
“Yes. Mother, I have returned safely.”
Mother nodded and, showing me the Soft Blade, spoke.
“You know, this Soft Blade you gave me—whenever I wield it, I have this strange feeling that whatever I wish to cut will surely be cut.”
Of course it would be.
It was an artifact with such properties.
“Is it perhaps a very expensive item?”
At that question, I smiled and replied.
“Isn’t the value of something dependent on the person, after all?”
“That’s true.”
“And Mother, that Soft Blade suits you remarkably well.”
At my words, Mother’s cheeks flushed slightly.
“How is it that you speak the very same words as your father?”
Ah….
Father had beaten me to it.

After exchanging various pleasantries with Mother, I went to find my Elder Brother’s Wife.
“I have returned safely from Luoyang.”
“I’m so relieved you made the journey without incident.”
“Is the child doing well?”
At my question, my Elder Brother’s Wife placed her hand upon her belly and spoke.
“As the birth month draws near, it seems our little pig grows restless.”
She had dreamed of a pig as a prenatal omen, so the child’s name was Pig.
My Elder Brother’s Wife was now nearly eight months along, so indeed the birth month was fast approaching.
“Now that I think of it, I realized I had never presented you with a congratulatory gift. So when I traveled to Luoyang this time, I purchased a gift for you.”
I withdrew from my pocket the pouch containing a hairpin that I had previously tucked into my sleeve.
But Geumryeong had seized the pouch in her mouth and hung from it limply.
Though this hairpin was made of precious metals, it was not meant to be eaten.
“Release it. Geumryeong.”
“Whimper….”
At my stern tone, Geumryeong had no choice but to release the pouch from her jaws.
“Ahem.”
A faint trace of saliva clung to one corner.
“My apologies. It must have looked appetizing to Geumryeong.”
“That’s quite possible. Hehe.”
I laughed awkwardly and placed the pouch upon the table.
“I hope it pleases you.”
My Elder Brother’s Wife untied the pouch and withdrew the hairpin within, then gasped in admiration.
“My goodness! Is this jade?”
“Yes. It is adorned with jade.”
It was one of two treasured items I had purchased from a shop belonging to the Baekcheon Trading Company.
Each treasured item carries a different influence upon its bearer.
That influence may be beneficial or detrimental.
The reason I had chosen to give this hairpin to my Elder Brother’s Wife was that its inherent essence brings peace and tranquility to heart and mind.
It has long been said that when the mother’s heart and mind are at ease, so too shall the child be healthy.
Of course, that was not all.
The pin portion of the hairpin was forged from ten-thousand-year cold iron.
Of course, it had been specially treated to suppress its unique properties.
The Master Craftsman who created this was not called the Artisan of Heaven for nothing.
My Elder Brother’s Wife, being the daughter of a martial family, would surely know what ten-thousand-year cold iron was.
Ten-thousand-year cold iron is cold iron that has aged for ten thousand years.
As iron so ancient and inherently hard ages for ten thousand years, its very nature undergoes a subtle transformation.
Firm yet flexible.
Thus it could not be cut by ordinary sword energy, and it could withstand direct clashes with inner force.
Naturally, it was extraordinarily expensive.
However, this hairpin was not a treasure merely because it was made of eternal iron steel.
Rather, it was because it allowed even those without inner force to wield sword energy.
In other words, it could be useful in urgent situations where one could not draw upon inner force.
However, I did not explain these details to my Elder Brother’s Wife.
If she became startled, it would not be good for the child in her womb, so I planned to explain later.
So I simply gave a brief explanation.
“This is made to function as a sword in emergency situations.”
“I see. That would be quite useful in times of crisis.”
My Elder Brother’s Wife, herself an accomplished martial artist, looked even more satisfied.

After concluding my meeting with my Elder Brother’s Wife, I made my way to the office.
With my absence, there would surely be considerable matters piling up regarding Hyunpung.
“I hope all of you have been well?”
At my greeting, the staff quickly rose from their seats to receive me.
“Lord, you have returned?”
It had been quite some time since I heard that title.
“Yes.”
I surveyed the staff.
Their complexions seemed healthier than before I departed for Luoyang.
.
.
.
The next morning.
I rose from my bed.
Whether I slept late or early the previous night, my waking time remained constant.
I had to practice martial arts in the morning.
After stepping into the courtyard, performing breathing exercises, and rising from my position, Master entered.
It had been a long time since I last saw Master.
And Master’s training was, as always, truly grueling.

“Then starting tomorrow, I shall teach you the ninth form of the Jinseol Twelve-Form Sword Technique.”
At last, I would learn my ninth form—Snowlight.
Snowlight was a martial technique conceived from the glimmer of snow, representing an advanced synthesis of the fourth form, Snowwind, and the fifth form, Snowflower.
“By the way, observing you these days, Lord, it grieves me that the martial arts of the Palace have been nearly lost.”
By “Palace,” he meant Snowwind Palace.
“As you may already suspect, when the Palace fell to ruin, everything was consumed by flames.”
“Then the Jinseol Twelve-Form Sword Technique…?”
“That is a martial technique I perfected myself. In truth, I was learning another sword method, but during the process of mastering it… in any case, I cannot transmit martial arts I have not properly mastered.”
My Master spoke with genuine regret in his voice.
“What I regret most is the profound insight left behind by the Ancestor who opened the path of Taeeum.”
Wait—now that I think about it, wasn’t the first passage of the secret manual I obtained in Luoyang titled “The Beginning of Taeeum”?

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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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