The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 231

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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 231

Chapter 231. My Elder Brother Jin-ho’s In-laws (1)

I was left speechless by Elder Brother Jin-ho’s response.
Yes, I should pay my respects to Mother-in-law. That much is true, but….
The place where Mother-in-law resides is none other than the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
Since I had traveled to the Northern Sea once before on Master’s request, I knew just how treacherous that journey was.
For that reason, I couldn’t readily agree.
“Listen, Elder Brother… Mother-in-law would understand even if you couldn’t pay your respects.”
“Yes, she would understand. But I myself cannot accept that. There are things I must tell Mother-in-law directly.”
….
Sigh. Yes, this Elder Brother has always been stubborn as an iron wire.
And he is someone who steadfastly upholds his convictions once he believes something is right.
That was partly why Elder Brother Jin-ho was called the Transport Master of Hubei in my previous life.
I, his understanding and kindhearted younger brother, must accept this.
“Phew… So it’s just you and me going, right?”
“No, of course my wife will come with us.”
Ah, Second Sister-in-law is also going… what did you say?
I slammed my hand on the wooden table and cried out.
“What? Elder Brother! You’re going to that dangerous place with Sister-in-law?”
Elder Brother Jin-ho caught the teacup that was about to spill and answered.
“What’s the problem with going to see my mother?”
….
There isn’t one.
But….
Goodness! Really! I’m going to lose my mind.
“Listen, Elder Brother. That journey is truly perilous. Moreover, the Northern Sea is said to have all manner of malevolent spirit creatures. And it’s incredibly cold, and if a snowstorm strikes….”
“I understand your concerns. But Seo-ho, your sister-in-law is also a warrior.”
….
That’s true.
Second Sister-in-law has spent considerable years working as an Escort Master.
“And would I allow my wife to fall into danger?”
That would be true.
But didn’t you know that Elder Brother Jin-ho’s mother-in-law came to the wedding ceremony this time?
And since she came from the Ice Palace, she could handle her business and return.
We might end up making a wasted trip.
“Actually, I heard that Mother-in-law came and went during our wedding ceremony.”
Huh? You already knew?
“Father-in-law said that Mother-in-law had sent a pair of daggers through him, and he gave them to me.”
“….”
“Anyway, since she said she’d return to the Northern Sea Ice Palace right away, if we’re lucky we might meet her on the road, and if not, we can certainly meet her once we arrive at the Northern Sea Ice Palace.”
Jin-ho had his own reasoning behind this.
So Jin-ho’s mother-in-law had traveled all that distance merely to witness her daughter’s wedding….
Is that what a mother’s heart truly is?
“Understood. I’ll see if I can adjust my schedule.”
“Thank you!”
I exhaled quietly within myself.
There was an inexplicable sense of debt I felt toward Jin-ho.
The memory of how Jin-ho had pleaded for my life as he lay dying in my previous existence still lingered in my mind.
“By the way, Elder Brother.”
“What?”
“Did you get permission from our parents before saying all this?”
At my question, Jin-ho turned his head away sheepishly.
“…Go get permission from our parents first.”
.
.
.
Several days passed.
To be honest, I had thought Jin-ho wouldn’t be able to obtain our parents’ permission.
Yet somehow, through whatever means he employed, he had confidently secured their approval.
“Then what about Ha Pyo-doo’s permission?”
“Of course I got it!”
Damn.
There was no choice but to go.

That afternoon, I headed to Father’s office to report on matters related to Hyun Pung Country.
Father was busily processing documents.
It seemed he was handling matters that had been postponed due to Jin-ho’s wedding.
“Yes, what is it?”
“Father, I’ve improved the performance of the wind-generating device somewhat.”
“You’ve improved its performance?”
“Yes.”
This time, I had researched with Gong Mil and made improvements to the wind-generating device’s performance.
I made it capable of operating longer than before, and increased the blade size to make the wind force stronger.
“Now that many people have purchased the wind-generating device, we’re reaching the point where sales will begin to decline.”
“That’s true.”
“So I believe we must continuously release improved products to stimulate people’s desire to purchase.”
“And this is what you’ve created?”
“Yes.”
“How much additional manufacturing cost is required?”
“Approximately twenty percent of the basic manufacturing cost.”
“Not bad. This conversation seems like it will take a while, so sit down.”
“Yes.”
I sat before the wooden table, and Father also sat across from me, examining the documents I had submitted.
Thus we concluded our discussion about the new wind-generating device.
“By the way.”
Father set the documents aside and spoke to me.
“I’m entrusting Jin-ho to your care.”
“Yes.”
“You’re probably wondering why I permitted Jin-ho and his wife to go to the Northern Sea Ice Palace.”
“That’s true. I had told you how much I suffered during my time in the Northern Sea.”
“We also have things we wish to convey to the Master’s Wife. Though circumstances prevented us from raising her ourselves, how aching must that longing be? And though the Master’s Wife may think her daughter will live well after marrying, she must worry greatly.”
Listening to Father’s words, I suddenly recalled the look in Jin-ho’s Mother-in-law’s eyes that I had seen back then.
But if it were us….
“Could it be that Mother shares the same feelings?”
“Yes.”
Father nodded.
“And because you have been to the Northern Sea before, I am granting permission. You will endure some hardship, but I am confident you can return safely.”
Father’s gaze, conveying unwavering trust in me.
When he speaks like this, I have no choice.
“I will strive to live up to your faith in me.”
“Ah, and there’s something you must do while you’re going.”
“Yes?”
Father rose from his seat and retrieved a scroll from atop the wooden table.
Surely that isn’t all the tasks I’m supposed to complete?
*Whoosh.*
“Hmm, let me see…”
My suspicions proved correct.
I couldn’t help but think that Father had approved my journey to the Northern Sea precisely so he could assign me work while I was there—a rather irreverent thought.
My face must have fallen visibly, for Father cleared his throat and spoke.
“Ahem, I’ll make sure to send additional personnel to Hyun Pung this time.”
I accepted the proposal.
“I will do my utmost.”

* * *

At the entrance to Hubei Province.
A woman on a white horse rode through.
Her name was Bing Haerin.
She was the Lesser Palace Mistress of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
A letter had been delivered to her while she stayed in Hangzhou.
It was a letter brought by Xueying, one of the spirit creatures of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
Xueying was a spirit creature capable of delivering letters to any recipient, regardless of location, and could only be commanded by the Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.

[The Snowwind has ceased. Upon your return this time, bring back our benefactor, Eun Seo-ho, the Minor Escort Master.]
.
.
.
She moved swiftly and entered Chongyang County, where the main headquarters of the Eunhae Trading Company was located.
The sun hung high in the sky, and it was time for lunch.
‘It would be best to eat first before seeking him out.’
With that thought, she entered a suitable inn.
“Welcome. What may I serve you?”
“Noodles.”
“Yes, please wait a moment.”
People glanced at her cautiously.
She was beautiful in her white martial robes, but an icy aura emanated from her presence.
Thus, people dared not approach her carelessly.
However, there were always foolish individuals who failed to sense such a chilling presence.
While she waited for her noodles, a group of men sat down before her.
“It seems you’re new to these parts.”
“…”
Bing Haerin remained silent, as if she hadn’t heard.
“When someone speaks to you, you should answer.”
“Really, how difficult!”
Only then did Bing Hae-rin let out a soft laugh and open her mouth.
“Were there people in front of me? All I see in front of me are three rutting wild boars shamelessly thrusting themselves at a woman.”
“What?”
“What is this woman saying?”
“And here we thought she was pretty!”
Bing Hae-rin grasped her sword.
She was deliberating on how much force would be appropriate to use.
“Hey, you there! What do you think you’re doing?”
“Who is it? Again?”
“Gasp! C-Cham Ho Chang-woong!”
Bing Hae-rin tilted her head curiously.
She was curious about who this person was that they feared so greatly.
The man who had been sitting with a woman when she entered the inn was now approaching with a spear in hand.
“I believe I mentioned before that if I caught anyone harassing a woman, I’d break their legs. My words don’t seem to carry weight, do they?”
“H-Harassment? No, sir! Nothing like that happened!”
“Ha ha ha. It’s all a misunderstanding!”
They trembled and bowed their heads repeatedly.
“Get out of here before I run you through with this spear!”
“H-Hyeeek!”
“We’re s-so sorry!”
“We were wrong!”
They scrambled out of the inn, and the other patrons burst into laughter at the sight.
The man called Cham Ho Chang-woong approached Bing Hae-rin and cupped his fist in salute.
“I apologize for the unpleasant experience.”
“It’s fine.”
“Then I hope your stay in Chongyang County will be a comfortable one.”
Bing Hae-rin nodded at his words. Cham Ho Chang-woong then turned cleanly and approached the woman who was part of his group.
Bing Hae-rin tilted her head curiously.
The woman’s face seemed somehow familiar.
‘I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before.’
Now that she was back here after so long, she suddenly recalled the first time she saw Eun Seo-ho.
At that time, the Murim Alliance had been scheming about something, and she had been investigating it.
This led her to a gisaeng house called Yeonhwa House.
There, through a place called the Doun Trading Company, they were constructing a suspicious building.
While investigating that building, a group suddenly burst in.
A warrior rushed at her in surprise, and she quickly fled the place.
In a situation where it was still unclear whether they were enemies or not, she couldn’t afford to reveal her identity.
Fortunately, the warrior’s cultivation level was lower than hers, so she managed to escape successfully.
Later, through further investigation, she learned the truth.
The one who had startled her back then was Eun Seo-ho.
And he had brilliantly thwarted the Murim Alliance’s plan.
So I thought to myself.
He doesn’t seem to be aligned with those who support the Murim Alliance.

And our second encounter took place unexpectedly in the Northern Sea.
At that time, we nearly suffered great losses due to Hyung-su, who led blood-hungry spirit creatures in an attack.
Despite being male, Eun Seo-ho had passed through the Gate of Mist and entered the Ice Palace’s domain, providing invaluable assistance.
I recall offering an explanation to those who questioned this—that men with strong yin-based internal energy could also pass through the Gate of Mist.
‘Well, it wasn’t entirely false.’
I had heard this before from the Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
The Gate of Mist itself was created long ago by a former Palace Master of Snowwind Palace using the Silver Sword, and naturally, the gate opens for the Silver Sword’s wielder.
‘And to wield the Silver Sword, one must possess powerful yin-based internal energy.’
The blade Eun Seo-ho wielded differed in form from the Silver Sword I knew, yet through the icy aura emanating from it, I could be certain.
That his sword was indeed the Silver Sword.
And in our third encounter, I learned he was a disciple of Snowwind Palace.
‘The Palace Master of Snowwind Palace couldn’t possibly be unaware that his sword is the Silver Sword. Then could it be… the Palace Master is considering him as a successor?’
In any case, during our second meeting, Eun Seo-ho had asked her a question.
Whether they had perhaps met before.
She was genuinely startled by this. She had believed her identity was perfectly concealed beneath the mask and night robes.
Though she immediately denied it, she still didn’t understand how she had been discovered.
It was then.
“Pardon me, but aren’t you Miss Bing?”
“…!”
Hearing the sudden youthful voice, she turned her head and was utterly startled.
She had been thinking about Eun Seo-ho, and now he had appeared before her.

* * *

I scratched my cheek sheepishly.
Why are you so surprised?
The reason I came here today was because Elder Brother Jin-ho said he’d buy me delicious food.
Hubei Province is famous for lotus root, so there are many restaurants specializing in lotus root dishes, and Youyou Fragrance is one of them.
The lotus root spare rib soup here was one of my favorite dishes, and Elder Brother Jin-ho called me here to treat me to it.
So I came to the inn, and when I caught the familiar orchid fragrance that I’d grown accustomed to, I greeted her as if I knew her.
I thought she was still in Hangzhou or had returned to the Northern Sea, so her sudden appearance here caught me off guard.
“Ah, I apologize for startling you.”
“No, it’s fine. But what brings you here?”
“My Elder Brother and his wife said they would treat me to delicious food, so I came along.”
“I see.”
Elder Brother Jin-ho tilted his head curiously.
“Oh? Do you know her?”
“Yes. Well…”
I tried to introduce her, but seeing her shake her head vigorously, I fumbled my words.
She didn’t want me to mention she was from the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
“We had some connection in the past.”
“I see.”
My brother greeted her politely.
“Forgive my late introduction. I’m Eun Jin-ho, Seo-ho’s second elder brother. And this is my wife.”
“I’m Ha Su-min.”
I turned to Bing Haerin, Young Palace Master with a question.
“But what brings you here?”
“Ah, I came to take Eun Seo-ho with me.”
“…What?”

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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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