The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 257

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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 257

Chapter 257. Is It Luoyang Again This Time? (1)

We arrived in Beijing.
First, we stopped by the Yeonjun Trading Company, which was my aunt’s residence, to inform them of our safe return.
My Grandfather was still staying at my aunt’s place, after all.
“Young Master, I have returned after completing the task.”
“Good. I heard from Eun Jung-ho about it. There was apparently a scholar from Apricot Flower Academy who faced some difficulties?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“Looking at your face, it seems the matter was resolved well.”
“Yes, it was resolved satisfactorily.”
My Grandfather withdrew a letter from a drawer and handed it to me.
“Fortunately so. This is a letter that came from your father.”
“From Father?”
“Read it.”
I unfolded the letter right there.
“….”
It was a letter stating that this gathering of the Top Hundred Merchant Guilds would be held in Luoyang.
“However, it seems earlier than expected, doesn’t it? I recall the Top Hundred Merchant Guilds gatherings usually took place around autumn each year.”
“The Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament is not being held this autumn.”
“Ah!”
The Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament is a martial arts competition held once every five years by the Murim Alliance.
“So holding the gathering in Luoyang at an earlier time must be for the sake of securing venues… I see.”
“Precisely.”
Countless people gather in Luoyang to participate in or witness the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament.
And where people gather, money follows.
Merchants would never let such an opportunity slip through their fingers.
Since so many merchants converge, the Murim Alliance conducts venue allocation in advance.
The representative of each merchant guild had to attend without fail, but they were all inevitably busy people.
Thus, the idea emerged: “Let us gather in Luoyang and accomplish two things at once.”
I finished reading the letter.
It was clearly written—that I would be attending this gathering of the Top Hundred Merchant Guilds.
In truth, I had wanted to go since I had promised to meet with Bok Yun Sub-leader of the Gwangjun Trading Company.
However, since this was the time to establish Eun Jung-ho as the formal successor, I had resigned myself to yielding, though reluctantly.
Usually, attending the Top Hundred Merchant Guilds gathering signified being a promising successor.
Yet I was going!
With that understanding in mind, I looked at my Grandfather, and he smiled faintly and spoke.
“You’ve already made that trip before, so this time it should be Eun Jung-ho or Jin-ho’s turn. But circumstances are different this time. As I mentioned, there’s the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament, isn’t there?”
Grandfather continued speaking.
“After discussions at the Eun Wol Pavilion, the consensus was that since the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament is a place where situations change rapidly, someone capable of responding with agility should go if we’re to seize our share of opportunities. That’s how the decision was made.”
“….”
“Isn’t there no one at the Main Branch who can match you in strategy?”
That must be praise.
“So begin your preparations soon. A letter will arrive for you shortly.”
After concluding our conversation, I withdrew from Grandfather’s chamber. As I turned toward Eun Jung-ho’s quarters, I paused mid-step.
“You’ve arrived?”
“Elder Brother.”
Having heard news of my return, Eun Jung-ho was waiting for me outside his quarters.
“It’s hot out here… wait inside.”
“It’s even hotter inside.”
“That’s true enough….”
I scratched the back of my neck.
“I heard… that I’m the one going to this Top Hundred Merchant Guilds gathering.”
“I heard as well.”
“I’m sorry you have to miss this one too.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for. Truth be told, I was hoping you’d be the one going this time. I don’t possess your ability to respond with such agility.”
“That’s not true. You’re quite nimble yourself, Elder Brother.”
“Compared to you, I’m a slug. That’s why I even considered yielding the Merchant Guild Leader position to you.”
“….”
The same words Eun Jung-ho had spoken in my previous life.
“I’m not going to push it since you dislike it.”
“How did you know I dislike the Merchant Guild Leader position?”
At my question, Eun Jung-ho chuckled softly.
“I can just tell at a glance. You’re someone who enjoys running about freely and unrestrained.”
“It’s not that I particularly enjoy it…?”
“Then do you enjoy being cooped up in a room staring at documents and having uncomfortable conversations in uncomfortable positions?”
“No, I hate that even more.”
Eun Jung-ho gazed up at the sky as he spoke.
“So I’ll become the Merchant Guild Leader as you and Jin-ho wish, since I’m good at bearing that kind of weight. In exchange, I hope you’ll lead the Eunhae Trading Company to even greater heights.”
“Of course, that goes without saying.”
At my words, Eun Jung-ho smiled.
“Ah, but there’s something else… I have good news.”
“Hmm? Good news?”
“This time, ten successful candidates passed the civil service examination from Apricot Flower Academy. Among them were Man-suk Scholar and Yun Byeok Scholar.”
“Really, truly?”
“Yes.”
Ah….
Everything worked out perfectly.
“And the final examination is said to be in two weeks.”
The civil service examination is essentially concluded at the provincial level. The final examination merely determines the rankings.
“Once the final examination is over, I intend to gather all the Academy’s teachers and treat them to a fine meal at an excellent restaurant.”
“That’s a splendid idea. They’ve all worked hard.”
.
.
.
Two days had passed since I returned to Beijing.
And Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster visited my temporary residence in Beijing to collect me.
He told me that the sentence had been confirmed for both the pirates who had been running rampant in Man-suk Student’s hometown and Jihyeon, who had been backing them, but execution had not yet been carried out.
During major state affairs—such as the civil service examination—it was customary to postpone capital punishment.
“They’ve decided to behead him and display his head, and he’s currently hanging upside down awaiting execution.”
“Pardon? He’s still alive?”
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster nodded at my question.
“The Emperor was quite furious. So even after arriving here, he remains hanging upside down.”
“….”
This is why people should live righteously.

Shortly after, I was granted an audience with the Emperor.
“So-sang, Eun Seo-ho respectfully presents himself before Your Imperial Majesty, the supreme ruler of the realm.”
“Raise your head.”
“Your benevolence is boundless.”
“Yes, you have done well again. Thanks to you, I was able to save the innocent people who nearly suffered unjustly.”
“I was merely fortunate and simply discovered this matter. All credit belongs to the Two Officials who informed Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster and those you sent, Your Majesty.”
I quickly redirected all the credit to others.
The Emperor laughed at my response.
“Yes, I knew you would say that. Isn’t that why I had the Two Officials deliver the letter?”
“….”
How perceptive he is.
“By the way, those Two Officials are truly talented individuals. I heard they passed the provincial examination with excellent scores.”
“They are also graduates of Apricot Flower Academy.”
“Yes, I have not forgotten the promise I made when establishing Apricot Flower Academy. It seems that promise is now being fulfilled.”
The Emperor’s expression showed great anticipation.
“Those two fellows who made great contributions by delivering the letter this time are particularly promising.”
I suddenly felt concerned about the Two Officials receiving the Emperor’s favor, but it was still a good thing in its own way.
“And the proposal to operate a gambling house under the Imperial Court… it was truly audacious yet wise.”
“I am honored that you view it so favorably, Your Majesty.”
“I hope you will continue to be my strength in the days to come.”
At those words, goosebumps suddenly erupted across my entire body.
“Why is that?”
“Well, I was so moved by Your Majesty’s words that I simply….”
“….”
But the Emperor’s eyes seemed to say, ‘You? Are you that kind of person? Stop making excuses.’
“Then you’ll be focusing on establishing the Beijing branch for a while?”
“Ah, actually, it seems I won’t be in Beijing for some time. Due to the Top Hundred Merchant Guilds conference and the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament, I’ll be heading to Luoyang.”
“Luoyang… that place where those displeasing fellows have made their nest.”
“….”
There is only one Emperor in this world.
And only those appointed by the Emperor can become kings and princes.
Yet when I see martial artists calling themselves Sword Kings and Sword Emperors among themselves, it must be quite the spectacle from the Emperor’s perspective.
If they simply kept to themselves within the martial arts world, he might overlook it, but the Murim Alliance has been gradually inserting their people into the Imperial Court to expand their influence.
However, to suppress all of this might throw the empire into chaos, so he simply watches and waits.
“Go safely and return well.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I quickly bowed my head and withdrew from the Emperor’s presence.
Yet as I left, a doubt lingered in my mind.
Strange.
I told him I was going to Luoyang, so why did he simply let me go without giving me any tasks?

Several days later.
A letter arrived from Father.
It said there was a residence already prepared in Luoyang and to come there.
The journey from Beijing to Luoyang is far longer than from Hubei to Luoyang.
The Murim Alliance was established in Luoyang in the first place because it was a prosperous place with smooth logistics flow, but also because it was quite a distance from Beijing.
In any case, the conference was scheduled for the end of the eighth month.
So I had to depart within four days at the latest to meet the deadline.
And since the location was Luoyang, Jin Yu Warrior’s range of action would inevitably be restricted.
Thus, good news reached me as I pondered this.
It was the news that Yeo Eung-am Warrior had fully recovered.
“I request to return to your service, my lord. The Physician said I may now take up my sword again. Please allow me to stand by your side and protect you.”
I smiled and nodded.
“I’m truly relieved you’ve recovered like this. Now you can come with me to Luoyang. I look forward to working with you going forward.”
“The honor is mine.”
“Well then, since Yeo Warrior has returned, shall we celebrate and go get something delicious to eat?”
“That sounds wonderful!”
“Glad to hear it.”
Thus we headed to the Dining Hall, and I heard Jin Yu Warrior’s voice transmission.
– I was worried about my absence, but I’m truly relieved that Yeo Eung-am Warrior has returned.
– Indeed.
– I’ve been thinking about it, and it occurred to me that even if I wear a mask in Luoyang, shouldn’t I still remain at my lord’s side?
At those words, I shook my head.
– You don’t need to push yourself that hard. And if you don’t wish to go to Luoyang, it’s perfectly fine to stay here.
“….”
Jin Yu Warrior regarded me with an intent gaze.
– Why do you look at me that way?
– My lord is truly a benevolent master.
At those words, I felt a wave of embarrassment and scratched the back of my neck.

* * *

The Luoyang Martial Alliance.
The League Master sat in his office, examining documents.
“So, how is the construction of the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament arena progressing?”
“Smoothly, sir.”
“I recall you mentioning a shortage of timber beams before?”
“As stated in that report….”
“I see. Let me have a look.”
The League Master, who had been busily handling affairs, was startled by what he saw reflected in the mirror—his own eyes.
“…!”
He quickly covered his eyes, and moments later, his pupils returned to their natural black color.
“This old fool should have given up by now….”
He muttered with displeasure, his gaze falling upon the letter resting on the wooden table.
A crimson letter.
It was an official missive from the Imperial Court.
The contents stated that a man named Yang Eun-jik had been implicated in the recent rebellion with sufficient evidence, and that he had been murdered by someone.
The court was requesting his opinion on the matter.
‘He was quite useful, that one….’
The letter carried an implicit suggestion—was it possible the Martial Alliance had deliberately eliminated him?
Yet as League Master, he had no answers to give.
It was not his doing.
‘In other words, someone interfered with this plan….’
In any case, this entire affair was a complete failure.
Originally, the plan had been to incite a rebellion, cause countless deaths, and offer a blood sacrifice, but instead, the Emperor’s prestige only grew stronger.
Moreover, he had only earned the Imperial Court’s suspicion and lost a valuable asset in the process.
‘A total loss from beginning to end.’
Regardless, he had to set aside this failure. There were many other matters in progress, after all.
‘I do hope this martial tournament will yield some capable individuals.’
After all, it was a pleasure to make the unsuspecting young talents of the martial world work for his purposes.

* * *

My party and I finally arrived in Luoyang.
This time, we lodged at a different place than our previous stay.
“Where should we look now, sir?”
“The Yeon Pung Inn. Find that.”
And I already knew where the Yeon Pung Inn was located.
“This way.”
I pointed in one direction and led the way, and we soon arrived at the Yeon Pung Inn.
“My goodness! How did you know the Yeon Pung Inn was in this location, sir?”
At Palgap’s exclamation, I smiled bitterly to myself.
I couldn’t very well tell him it was my regular inn whenever I came to Luoyang in my previous life.
“I saw it when I came before. You know I have a good memory.”
As I approached the inn with those words, the members of the Eunpung Corps recognized me and greeted me.
“We pay our respects to the Third Sub-leader.”
“Welcome. Are my parents inside?”
“Yes, they are within.”
I entered the inn, straightened my appearance, and paid my respects to my parents.
“Father. Your son has arrived. Has all been well with the company?”
“Yes, welcome home. All is well.”
“I’m relieved to hear it.”
“By the way, I heard you were quite active in Beijing as well. You rescued Seon-mi’s husband when he was kidnapped?”
Grandfather and Eun Jung-ho must have written about this in their letters.
“And you made great contributions in suppressing the rebel forces?”
“….”
“I heard you also eliminated the pirates.”
“….”
Wait, Father. Even Grandfather and Eun Jung-ho don’t know about that—how on earth do you know all of this?

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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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