The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 284

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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 284

Chapter 284. Bold Investment (2)

We entered the Hebei Peng Family Residence.
The Peng Family was in absolute chaos.
And for good reason—the Small Patriarch of the family had taken up arms and launched a surprise attack on the Geumui Guards who were gathered for a group gathering.
Such an unprecedented incident had thrown the entire family into a state of heightened tension.
Thus, it was only Peng So-hyup’s father who came to greet him upon his return.
“Father, I have returned safely.”
“Thank heavens you’ve come back unharmed. I was so worried—your timing couldn’t have been better.”
His name was Peng Mok.
He was the fourth child of the current Family Head and the third son.
His eldest sister stood directly above him in birth order.
Of course, she had already married and no longer resided within the Peng Family.
He too carried the blood of the Peng line, and while his frame was quite large, there was something lean and refined about his appearance.
From what I could gather from what he’d just said to Peng So-hyup, he seemed aware that his own elder brother, the Small Patriarch, was targeting Peng So-hyup’s life.
“And who might this be beside you?”
“Ah, this is the person who helped me return safely to the family.”
I bowed respectfully with clasped fists.
“I am Eun Seo-ho of the Eunhae Trading Company.”
“Kang Un-i’s father, Peng Mok, at your service.”
“It is an honor to meet one of the great pillars of the Peng Family.”
“A great pillar is too much praise. But aren’t you the renowned Seon Hyeop Mi-rang?”
Indeed, he knew of me.
He continued with an apologetic expression.
“Ordinarily, I would host a grand banquet to welcome you properly, but given the family’s current circumstances, I must ask for your understanding.”
“Please think nothing of it.”
After all, I created this mess myself.
While I feel somewhat guilty, if the Family Head becomes my father-in-law, it works out well for both of us.
At that moment, Peng So-hyup asked.
“And Mother…?”
“She’s likely with all the ladies right now—my mother has summoned them all. Go pay your respects to her later.”
“Yes.”
It seemed the Peng Family Matriarch had issued a summons for all to gather.
With the household in turmoil, the conduct of the ladies was equally important, and she likely wished to issue instructions on the matter.
Peng So-hyup’s father looked at me.
“Stay as long as you wish. As for your quarters…”
“I shall reside in my separate pavilion as well.”
“Very well, then do so.”
“Thank you.”
“I am grateful for your permission to stay.”
With those brief courtesies exchanged, we made our way to Peng So-hyup’s separate residence.
“I appreciate your willingness to stay in my separate pavilion, though I must confess the facilities are rather modest.”
“That is of no concern. But tell me—do you not maintain personal guards?”
He nodded at my question.
“No. After nearly being killed by my own guard, I have little inclination to employ one.”
“I understand. Yet guards are necessary. Unless you are a master of Hwagyeong’s martial arts, you cannot single-handedly defend against all threats.”
“You speak truth, Small Guild Master.”
“Furthermore, you must establish your own faction. Even if the House Master and the elders support your ascension to Small Patriarch, without a power base, everything can be overturned at any moment.”
“But… have we not already fallen behind?”
I nodded at his words.
“Truthfully, yes—Peng So-hyup is correct that we are behind. But I possess a method.”
I called quietly to Palgap, who had been standing beside me.
“Palgap.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“Starting today, find those within the Peng Family who meet the conditions I specify.”
“Understood. What are these conditions?”
“Those of integrity who are desperately in need of money.”
Palgap chuckled at my words.
“I understand perfectly.”
The Hebei Peng Clan is composed of those bearing the Peng surname. Yet not every member of a family can bear that name.
Servants and handmaidens who perform menial labor, and more than half the warriors, do not bear the Peng name.
Some hail from vassal families that exist to serve the Hebei Peng Clan, while others have simply pledged their service to earn their livelihood.
My first target would be these individuals.
And among those who do bear the Peng surname, there would surely be those in financial straits.
According to Peng So-hyup, family stipends are halved upon reaching adulthood.
And after thirty, most family support ceases entirely.
That revelation had sparked this very idea.
Those bearing the Peng name who lacked funds would be my second target.
.
.
.
Palgap executed my orders faithfully.
“Here is the list.”
I examined the roster Palgap presented. Palgap was truly remarkable.
In merely two days, he had compiled quite an extensive list of names.
I took it and made my way to Peng So-hyup.
There had been no threats against Peng So-hyup during this time.
This was because Peng Moon Family Head and the warriors under his command remained imprisoned in the Imperial Palace.
Peng Moon Family Head’s faction couldn’t act rashly, and the others were too preoccupied with their own safety to interfere.
“I shall enter.”
“Very well.”
I stepped inside and took a seat before him.
“Here is the list of those whom Peng So-hyup must bring into his faction.”
I handed it over.
“What comes next is what truly matters.”
As I glanced to the side and gestured, Lee Pil Warrior and Yeo Eung-am Warrior opened the chest they had carried together.
“…!”
At the sight, Peng So-hyup and his attendant’s eyes widened and their jaws dropped.
And with good reason—the chest was filled to the brim with silver.
It was heavy enough that two first-rate warriors had to carry it together.
“Use this silver to win the hearts of those names on the list.”
At my words, he closed his eyes briefly, then opened them.
His gaze held a brilliant light.
“I am grateful for your words, but I have a concern. If I buy people’s hearts with money, doesn’t that mean they could betray me the moment someone else offers them more? Wouldn’t they follow the money rather than me?”
A righteous man indeed.
“Your point is well taken, Peng So-hyup. People should look at each other’s hearts, not at money. But when you first meet someone, how can you discern their true heart?”
“….”
“People’s hearts naturally turn toward what they can see.”
I kicked the chest of silver lightly.
Clink.
“With this money, you first win their favor. And my assistance in building your faction ends here.”
“Then?”
“Yes. It is your task to transform the favor bought with money into genuine trust.”
Even if the connection is forged through silver, with Peng So-hyup’s righteous heart, he could certainly make them truly his own people.
Peng So-hyup nodded.
“I understand. I shall do exactly as you say.”
It was time for me to depart soon. But before that, there was one more thing I needed to do for Peng So-hyup.
“And I wish to meet with the Peng Family Head.”
.
.
.
Two days after I requested a meeting with the Family Head from Peng So-hyup.
Peng So-hyup was doing far better than I had anticipated. He had already met with one-third of those on the list and won their favor.
“I have secured their promise of support.”
“Well done.”
“And just now, a message came from my grandfather. He says to come to Byeokseong Hall after finishing dinner this evening.”
Byeokseong Hall is where the Peng Family Head resides.

That evening.
As I made my way to the appointed place, I recalled the visage of the Hebei Peng Family Head.
I remembered sharing a brief conversation over a meal during the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament, when I had inadvertently become a hero.
With his imposing frame and fierce countenance, he resembled a tiger incarnate.
Clang!
The warriors standing before Byeokseong Hall crossed their spears.
“What brings you here?”
“I am Eun Seo-ho of the Eunhae Trading Company. I have come to meet with the Family Head.”
“Please wait a moment.”
The warrior in the back entered and returned, then spoke.
“You may enter.”
Clang!
The warriors raised their spears again and bowed their heads to me.
“Forgive us.”
The sharpness in their bearing revealed their exceptional training.
As I stepped inside, an attendant approached me.
“Please follow me.”
Byeokseong Hall was honestly more of a palace than a pavilion in scale.
Yet this place lay mere steps from Beijing, where the Emperor resides.
One had to be cautious not to draw unwanted attention, so they had modestly named it Byeokseong Hall rather than Byeokseong Palace.
“Eun Seo-ho, Small Guild Master, has arrived.”
“Let him in.”
The door opened, and I entered. I could see the Peng Family Head seated before me.
When roughly ten paces remained, I clasped my fist and bowed my head.
“Eun Seo-ho of the Eunhae Trading Company pays respects to the master of the Peng Family.”
“…You’ve committed quite an audacious act.”
Ah, so he knew of my actions.
Of course—a great family of such standing could not afford ignorance of such matters.
I lifted my head and spoke.
“I’m not certain what you mean, sir.”
“Don’t play dumb! Didn’t you deliberately summon the Golden Robed Guard Warriors for a banquet? And that was your scheme, wasn’t it?”
“Ah… you speak of that?”
I countered the Family Head’s words.
“Family Head, if the Small Patriarch had not attended, if he had not disrupted the banquet, could any scheme of mine have succeeded?”
“….”
“And I had no choice but to protect my precious guest. Tell me—when an uncle comes charging to kill his nephew, should I simply accept his blade and perish?”
At my confident demeanor, the Family Head regarded me quietly.
“Hahahaha!”
Then, the old man burst into hearty laughter.
Why did this elder suddenly act like that?
“Yes! That’s right! Absolutely right!”
He had just heard that his own son had attempted to kill his grandson, yet his reaction seemed strange.
That response meant he already knew.
How could a father not know about his own son?
Moreover, the man before me was the Peng Family Head who led the Peng Family.
When he promised his grandson the position of Small Patriarch, he must have fully anticipated that his son would pose a threat to the boy.
Should I probe this lightly?
“Still, your grandson is facing a life-or-death crisis. Shouldn’t you be protecting him?”
The Peng Family Head answered with a faint smile.
“If he cannot overcome even this much, how could he ever surpass his uncle and claim the position of Small Patriarch?”
My suspicion was correct.
The Peng Family Head had deliberately made that statement to ignite the competitive fire within the Small Patriarch.
And he wanted to witness Peng So-hyup overcome that trial and seize the position of Small Patriarch through his own strength.
But, Peng Family Head.
Without me, Peng So-hyup would have died. And the Peng Family would have declined as it is.
It seemed the Peng Family Head had underestimated Peng Moon Family Head’s despicable schemes and his obsession with the Small Patriarch position.
I wonder what the Peng Family Head thought in my previous life when Peng So-hyup died?
Did he click his tongue and say the boy lacked the makings of a true patriarch? Or did he blame himself and harbor regrets?
“So, what did you receive in exchange for helping that boy?”
“What do you mean, sir?”
“You may be called Seon Hyeop Mi-rang, but I know your true nature. You are a merchant, and merchants never engage in unprofitable ventures.”
He continued.
“So I must know what deal you made.”
At those words, I cupped my fist and spoke.
“My apologies, Peng Family Head, but isn’t it basic principle that transactions remain confidential between the parties involved?”
“So you cannot speak of it?”
Of course I cannot.
I had spoken of trust with my own mouth—I could not be the first to break that trust. It would not be the way of a merchant.
“Yes. I cannot disclose it.”
“Is that so?”
In that instant, an overwhelming aura erupted from him.
That aura pressed down upon me like a boulder. Because I had reached the pinnacle realm, I felt that aura all the more vividly.
Drip. Thud.
Though the air had grown cold as winter approached, sweat streamed from my forehead and fell to the floor.
A crushing weight that threatened to swallow me whole.
But I could never yield. Because this was the Peng Family Head’s test.
If I failed this test, all the money I had spent would be wasted into thin air.
I clenched my teeth.
That was when it happened.
“…!”
A surge of energy erupted from within me. I could sense it clearly.
It was Hyun Ryong’s energy.
Hyun Ryong had opened his mouth and was devouring all the energy that the House Master was pressing down upon me.
Thanks to that, I could face the House Master with a composed expression.
It seemed my composure left quite an impression on him.
“Hahahaha!”
Seeing him burst into hearty laughter once more told me everything.
The oppressive energy that had been bearing down on me vanished.
“So Kang Un-i has found himself quite a capable ally. Truly, he is worthy of my endorsement as House Master.”
His eyes gleamed as he regarded me.
“And one who would catch the Emperor’s attention as well.”
“….”
He then released a long sigh.
“So then, what is it you wish me to do? Or rather, what must I do to help you extract that bastard?”
The way he addressed me had shifted from “you wretch” to “my friend.” It meant I had passed the House Master’s test.
I cupped my fist in salute and spoke to the House Master.

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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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