The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 278

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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 278

Chapter 278. An Unexpected Guest (2)

Father tilted his head at my words.
It was the first time I had actively expressed a desire for something on my birthday, so he found it curious.
“Very well, what is it that you wish for?”
“Father, I would like my birthday celebration to be held on a grander scale.”
“A grander birthday celebration, you say….”
Father murmured those words and smiled.
“Tell me, what is your true intention?”
He had seen through it. He understood there was a hidden purpose behind my request for a grand birthday celebration.
“It is the common people and the poor who suffer most from the famine.”
“That is true.”
“If we provide them with a generous meal, would our family not be protected when troubles arise in the future?”
I continued.
“As the saying goes, even a beast will not bite the hand that feeds it. When famine persists, civil unrest is bound to occur, whether great or small.”
In my previous life, quite significant uprisings had occurred.
This time, thanks to my counsel to the Emperor, the Imperial Court had made thorough preparations, but it was difficult for that aid to reach every corner of the Empire.
And there were always those who seized such opportunities to deceive the people with honeyed words.
“A single meal obtained at such times becomes a profound gratitude in their hearts.”
“However, there are those who cannot be said to possess such benevolence.”
“That is true. But there is nothing to be done about that, is there? Each person weaves their own fate.”
Father nodded at my words.
“That is indeed so.”
The Sefung Director and the others all burst into laughter and offered their praise.
“Haha, the Third Young Master of the Eunhae Trading Company even regards his own birthday as an opportunity for the company! I am so moved I could weep.”
“So this is why people speak of Seon Hyeop Mi-rang with such reverence.”
“Haha! Truly a hero born from the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament!”
“I have known this since long ago.”
The father of a hero, haha, how wonderful.”
….
Why were they so earnest in teasing me like this?
I wanted to complain, but seeing the pride in their eyes, I could only laugh bashfully.
.
.
.
Time passed, and my birthday drew near within just a few days.
During this time, I’ve been busy running around handling various matters, but the most time I devoted was to collaborating with Gong Mil.
I discussed the devices I’d been contemplating with Gong Mil, and received confirmation that manufacturing them seemed feasible.
And true to his action-oriented nature, Gong Mil brought me a prototype of the device I’d commissioned within just four days.
Truly, a genius.
To think such a genius was driven to death through overwork in that manner!
No matter how I think about it, the Jin-gyeon Trading Master seemed to have sent him to the afterlife far too easily.
Now that I think about it, Gong Mil probably needs apprentices or something similar soon, doesn’t he?
It was impossible for him alone to manufacture all those devices.
The problem is that secrets could leak….
Is there no way to reduce Gong Mil’s burden while maintaining confidentiality…
Pondering such matters, I walked along the street.
I was now heading to meet the General Store Elder who ran a shop on West Street.
The old man was sitting in front of his shop, basking in the warm sunlight.
“It’s been a long time since we last met.”
“So, how does it feel to have become a hero?”
“Sigh, why must you say such things too, Elder? I’ve already been teased relentlessly by those around me.”
At my complaint, the old man chuckled warmly.
I exchanged brief updates with him, then pulled an invitation from my sleeve and handed it over.
“I’m holding a birthday celebration this time.”
The old man tilted his head as he looked at the invitation I offered.
“You’re not unaware that the people’s hearts are growing uneasy due to the recent poor harvest… What are you thinking?”
Indeed, you are wise, Elder.
I smiled faintly and continued.
“For my birthday, I wish there were no hungry people in this nearby region.”
At my answer, the old man let out a quiet laugh.
“Cunning fellow.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Still, better than a hero with no substance.”
Indeed, Elder. It seemed you had seen through my intentions.
After thinking for a moment, the old man spoke.
“While you’re at it, make sure to feed the beggars well too.”
The Elder never speaks without reason. There must be a purpose behind it.
“Thank you for the advice.”
At my words, the old man nodded, then spoke.
“By the way, you’ve come at just the right time.”
The old man rose from his seat and went inside. A moment later, he returned carrying a pouch, which he handed to me.
“Take this.”
“What is it?”
“I heard that when the Former Minister of Household and the Minister of Works staged their rebellion last time, you accomplished great merit.”
Ah….
“And you also gave good suggestions regarding the Gambling House?”
I scratched the back of my neck.
“As a token of gratitude for that, he entrusted it to me.”
When I opened my pocket, it contained a considerable sum of promissory notes.
I asked carefully.
“Is it alright for me to accept this?”
“Of course. He doesn’t do anything for free.”
I pondered for a moment, then grinned and accepted the pouch, tucking it into my sleeve.
“Please convey my gratitude to him.”

* * *

On a day in the eleventh month.
Chongyang County in Hubei Province was unusually bustling today. It was because of the birthday celebration of Eun Seo-ho, the third Small Guild Master of the Eunhae Trading Company.
For several days prior, notices had been posted throughout the area inviting anyone to come and enjoy the festivities.
To be honest, even with such notices posted, ordinary people typically felt too intimidated to attend.
The Eunhae Trading Company, recognizing this, prepared separate venues for those who felt uncomfortable or couldn’t travel far, and held the celebration there.
Thanks to this, countless people throughout Chongyang County were able to eat and drink their fill.
Among the poor were tenant farmers.
Even in a bountiful year, the grain that reached their hands was meager.
So what of a famine year?
Those who barely scraped by with daily wage labor couldn’t even dream of attending such a celebration.
When they returned after a grueling day’s work, employees of the Eunhae Trading Company visited each home carrying warm food.
“W-what is this?”
“It’s from the Eunhae Trading Company.”
“Why would the Eunhae Trading Company send this?”
“Today is Small Guild Master Eun Seo-ho’s birthday, and he wished that on his special day, there would be no one going hungry within Chongyang County, so we’ve prepared this food.”
“Really, is it truly alright to accept this?”
“Of course. If you feel uncomfortable accepting it freely, then simply offer prayers for Small Guild Master Eun Seo-ho’s longevity and the prosperity of the Eunhae Trading Company.”
“I understand. I shall certainly do so.”
The tenant farmers’ eyes grew misty as they watched delicious food enter the mouths of their children, who had been going hungry.

* * *

The day was drawing to a close.
The only thing making my birthday celebration, which had begun that morning, lively was the music from the musicians.
I had saved money by not inviting Dancers, using those funds to prepare the food instead.
Moreover, thanks to the Emperor’s unexpected reward, I was able to prepare even more abundant provisions.
Still, no one would fall ill from the food I had prepared, would they?
This time, I distributed food to everyone, and following the General Store Elder’s advice, I even provided food to the neglected Beggars.
In truth, I would have done so even without that advice.
When people who haven’t eaten fatty foods for a long time suddenly consume them, they often fall ill, and in severe cases, they can even lose their lives.
That’s why eating foods that nourish the stomach can prevent such ailments.
So I prepared foods that were both delicious and could nourish the stomach.
“Happy birthday.”
“Thank you for coming.”
I exchanged greetings with proper courtesy.
“I heard you distributed food to everyone in Chongyang County.”
“It’s nothing special. I simply wished that no one would go hungry on my birthday.”
“That’s exactly like Seon Hyeop Mi-rang!”
“….”
By now I should have grown accustomed to it, but I still couldn’t get used to that name.
For merchants, a birthday celebration was an opportunity.
Especially for a large and renowned trading company like ours, numerous people would gather.
With influential figures from the surrounding regions coming together, I could gain the opportunity for meaningful conversations.
Moreover, thanks to obtaining the title of hero at the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament, more people than expected had gathered.
It was then.
“Gasp! That, that person!”
“No way! How did that person come here?”
I heard murmuring from that direction.
Though I couldn’t yet see the person, I understood the reason for the commotion.
I felt a familiar aura, one that shouldn’t be felt in this place at this time.
Having mastered the Taiyin Ice-Sea Divine Art, my sensitivity to detecting auras had sharpened.
Shortly after, Seo-woo Warrior and Jin Yu Warrior also seemed to realize what was happening.
Soon, a sturdy man appeared from that direction.
“….”
His name was Peng Kang-un.
The champion of this Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament.
Why would Peng So-hyup come here?
I couldn’t fathom any reason for his visit. No matter how I thought about it, there was no reason for him to attend my birthday celebration.
However, I didn’t let this show, and greeted him with a bright smile.
“It is an honor that the new hero of the Martial Arts World has graced this humble place with your presence.”
“Humble? What do you mean? This is where the hero who saved countless lives at the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament resides, and this is the hero’s birthday celebration. Please don’t call it humble.”
Peng Kang-un bowed to me with proper courtesy.
There was no pretense in his expression.
That made it all the more difficult to discern his true intentions.
Seeing how he extended his hand to Jegal Yu-ah and offered his foot to cushion her head when she stumbled suggested he possessed both consideration and courtesy, yet….
And the way he spoke to me just now…
Did he truly come merely to celebrate my birthday?
At that moment, Father approached and asked him with a smile.
“But what brings you here? Did I not say I would visit the Peng Family Residence myself?”
“Haha, that is true. However, how could I allow the father of a hero to make the journey to find me? Thus, I came to pay my respects directly.”
“I see. Come this way then.”
Father led him toward the Guest Reception Room.
.
.
.
I encountered him the following day.
He had formally requested a meeting with me.
After breakfast and attending the Eun Wol Pavilion meeting, I headed directly to the Guest Reception Room.
As I waited briefly, Palgap arrived with Peng Kang-un.
“Young Master, I have brought Peng So-hyup.”
“Show him in at once.”
“Very well.”
The door opened and Peng So-hyup entered, followed by the maidservant who managed the Guest Reception Room.
“If there is anything you would like to eat or drink, please let us know.”
“I am not particular about anything, so whatever you bring will do.”
At his words, the maidservant bowed and left, returning shortly with refreshments that she placed before us.
“Please, help yourself.”
“Thank you.”
At my invitation, he ate the refreshments while conversing with me about this and that.
During this time, I noticed something peculiar.
When he raised his arm, I glimpsed a skin rash on the inner side of his sleeve.
That was unmistakably an allergic reaction to food.
Among people, it was not uncommon to encounter those with allergic reactions to specific foods.
In severe cases, the throat could swell, leading to respiratory distress and mortal danger.
Common culprits included nuts such as walnuts or peanuts, or fruits like peaches.
The pastry I had served was made from peaches harvested this summer, preserved in alcohol, then stewed with honey and placed atop the confection.
It was such a precious delicacy that we had brought it out upon learning the champion of the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament had arrived.
Yet it seemed he had an allergic reaction to peaches, which he was merely suppressing with his inner energy.
That explained why his outer skin appeared unblemished while the inner skin was in such a terrible state.
Sigh. If he had an allergic reaction to peaches, why not simply say so instead of claiming he was not particular about anything!
The fact that he was suppressing the allergic reaction with his inner energy showed he understood peaches were dangerous for him.
Whether it was the practical combat prowess he displayed at the last Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament or the way he was now concealing his peach allergy…
I’m certain of it.
Peng So-hyup before me must have wandered the harsh Kangho without the protection of his family clan.
That’s why he refuses to reveal his weaknesses.
“Sigh….”
I exhaled deeply and pushed the plate of pastries topped with peaches to the side.
It was difficult to watch him consume something poisonous to himself with such an indifferent expression.
At my action, he tilted his head in confusion.
“Why are you removing the plate, sir?”
“My apologies. Upon tasting the pastry, I found it was not of the finest quality. It was unworthy of the champion of the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament. I beg your pardon.”
I then pulled the bell cord to summon a maidservant and had her clear the plate and bring out different pastries.
Watching my actions, Peng So-hyup’s expression became peculiar.
Then he let out a soft chuckle and spoke.
“You are a good person.”
“Pardon?”
“I noticed it even when you threw yourself forward to save the spectators back then, but now I understand why people call the Small Guild Master Seon Hyeop Mi-rang.”
“That is too great an honor for me.”
“No, it is not.”
He shook his head and continued.
“That is precisely why I felt I had found the right person to seek out.”
Now we come to the main point.
“The reason I sought you out, Small Guild Master, is because I have a request to make of you.”

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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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