The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 287

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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 287

Chapter 287. Bold Investment (5)

Following Palgap’s words, I stepped outside to find a familiar face waiting.
It was the Deputy Officer of the Peng Family Patriarch.
“He asked that you come to Byeokseong Hall.”
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Moments later, I found myself face to face with the Patriarch in Byeokseong Hall.
“You’re leaving today?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I suppose I can’t keep you any longer. You’re a busy man, after all.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
The Patriarch regarded me quietly.
“Though your actions were surely motivated by business, I’m grateful nonetheless.”
His words carried a weight that made me clasp my fist and bow respectfully.
“Should you require further dealings in the future, please seek me out.”
“Indeed.”
The Patriarch nodded, then suddenly flicked something from the wooden table toward me.
“Take it.”
Whoosh!
The internal energy infused in it seemed excessive—almost deliberately so.
Tap!
I caught it effortlessly.
It was a small box.
“What is this?”
“What do you mean what? A trade. You said to seek you out if I needed dealings, didn’t you?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“It’s a vital elixir. Potent enough to save your life even from the brink of death—at least once.”
An elixir of such caliber would be beyond valuation, yet he called it a trade?
I smiled wryly, clasped my fist, and asked.
“What do you require in return?”
“My second son, Peng Seong. Find him for me.”
“I’m sorry?”
I couldn’t help but echo his words in surprise.
It was a request I had never anticipated.
“If you’re the Second Son, then you were driven out by the Elder Son….”
“That’s right.”
The same commission as Peng Kang-un Minor Patriarch.
But there was a difference from when he had asked me to ‘find my uncle’.
Unlike him, who lacked certainty, the Patriarch’s eyes held something resolute.
“However, even if I search, I’m not certain I can find him. To be honest, he may have already….”
“No! That boy is alive.”
The Patriarch spoke with unwavering conviction.
What? Does he believe he’s still alive out of guilt toward his son?
My doubts were quickly answered.
“Because I’m the one who helped that boy escape safely.”
“Pardon?”
I truly hadn’t expected this.
I thought he was the kind of father who simply watched the conflict between his two sons without intervening….
“I remained silent despite knowing of Moon-i’s atrocities because Seong-i wished it. He said he didn’t want to stir up trouble in the family… that he simply wanted to disappear from this clan and live as though he didn’t exist….”
“Then you know where he is?”
“If I knew that, would I be giving you this jade pendant and entrusting you with this commission?”
“….”
The Patriarch exhaled deeply.
“One day, Seong-i vanished from the safe house I had prepared. And a warrior came to me with word. Moon-i had attacked, but Seong-i escaped safely.”
An attendant named Chu Seon was likely involved in that affair.
“And… he sent me a letter.”
The Patriarch sighed again.
“He asked for forgiveness for leaving without a proper farewell. He said that should we ever meet again, I might not recognize him—his appearance may have changed so much.”

In other words, he had decided to change his appearance.
“Then how am I supposed to find him? If even his family members wouldn’t recognize him….”
“First, you can look at his back. There’s a mark on his back that even he doesn’t know about—one that only I know.”
It seemed he had inscribed some kind of mark on his back when he was newly born.
“And there’s another mark he revealed to me. He said that mark was proof he was Peng Seong… He probably did that because he didn’t know about the mark I had inscribed on his back.”
“Then could you tell me what that mark is?”
He nodded and drew something on paper, then tossed it to me just as before.
Snap!
I caught it and unfolded it to look.
“You’ve seen it?”
After about ten seconds of looking, the paper in my hands caught fire along with the Peng Family Patriarch’s words.
“Peng Family Patriarch! That’s dangerous.”
“It’s more dangerous if that paper leaks out.”
“Ah… Yes.”
But what was his intention in revealing both the mark on the Second Son’s back and this promised mark?
Perhaps sensing my thoughts, the Peng Family Patriarch spoke.
“I trust you. Even under my pressure, you never revealed the details of your dealings with Kang Un-i.”
“That was only because you showed mercy, sir.”
“Showed mercy?”
The Peng Family Patriarch’s expression became as if he’d heard the most absurd joke in the world.
“I was genuinely releasing my power then. No matter how refined your realm was, normally you would have spilled everything you knew.”
Hah… This old man?
It was fortunate that Hyun Ryong moved then; otherwise I would have shown a pathetic sight.
Well, if I had opened my mouth then, I wouldn’t be standing here like this now.
But… even if Hyun Ryong hadn’t moved, I wouldn’t have spoken.
Trust is the lifeblood of a merchant, after all.
“You’re too harsh, sir. I’m merely an honest merchant.”
“How would I know whether you’re honest or merely pretending to be?”
“….”
I had nothing to say.
“In any case, I hope you’ll live up to my trust.”
“I understand.”
If this leaked out, I wouldn’t die peacefully.
Of course, I had no intention of doing so.
“So you believe he’s still alive.”
“Of course! With his skills, he’d be taking good care of himself and living well.”
“Then, should I bring the Second Son back once I find him?”
“No.”
What did he mean by that?
“What I want is to confirm that he’s living well and to deliver my message to him.”
“…?”
“What I have to tell you….”
The Peng Family Patriarch picked up an envelope that lay on the wooden table and tossed it to me.
Whoooosh—!
Thump!
“It’s written there.”
He’d now thrown it at me with inner force three times….
At this point, it’s hardly selfless, is it?
I muttered inwardly as I examined the envelope.
This time it was sealed so completely that opening it would definitely leave traces.
“Understood. And I have one question to ask.”
“What? What else are you curious about?”
“Have the interrogation results come in for those who were captured?”
“Why are you asking that?”
“Since I contributed to some extent in capturing them, I believe I have the right to hear about it?”
The Peng Family Patriarch nodded.
“That’s true. We haven’t learned anything yet, but when we do, I’ll have it relayed to you.”
“Thank you. And I have another question.”
“What now?”
“Where is the Warrior who delivered the Second Son’s letter at that time?”
“Haven’t you already met him?”
“Pardon?”
“The one attached to Kang Un-i’s side—that’s the Warrior.”
“….”
So that’s why Peng Kang-un Minor Patriarch treated that Attendant with such peculiar deference.
“I see. One last question, if I may.”
“What is it?”
“This pill—what is its name?”
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.
Leaving Biseong Hall, I had to exert all my effort to suppress the corners of my mouth from rising.
Having received an extraordinary medicinal pill as an advance payment, my mood was naturally excellent.
The name was Regulation Pill.
It was said to have been created by one of the Five Great Physicians.
It must have been difficult to obtain…but then again, the Hebei Peng Family Patriarch could manage it.
I returned to the Separate Pavilion of Peng Kang-un Minor Patriarch where I was staying.
Peng Kang-un Minor Patriarch was waiting for me, and I greeted him.
“I shall take my leave now.”
At my words, Peng Kang-un Minor Patriarch cupped his fist and bowed his head.
“I will never forget the kindness you have shown me.”
Many eyes were upon us. It would be unwise to speak of transactions in such a public setting.
I clasped my fists in return and replied.
“I merely showed my sincerity toward the hero who graced my birthday celebration with his presence.”
“I wish I could ask you to stay longer. It seems I have not treated you with proper courtesy.”
“Even so, I must decline. I have my own affairs to attend to now.”
“That is precisely why I cannot detain you.”
“Do not forget that the Eunhae Trading Company stands always behind the Minor Patriarch.”
I sent him a secret transmission.
– It means do not forget our transaction.
He flinched at my words, but soon smiled and met my gaze.
“Of course. I will not forget.”
Peng Kang-un Minor Patriarch’s eyes burned with resolve and conviction.
I turned from him and departed the Peng Family Residence.
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.
.
My temporary residence in Beijing was closer to the Peng Family than I had anticipated.
Thus, it took less than half a day to arrive.
Upon my arrival, I encountered an unexpected face.
“What? Jin Young Great Swordmaster?”
“Hahaha! You’ve finally arrived.”
“What brings you here?”
“The Emperor himself has commanded me to await your arrival and escort you directly to the palace.”
Could I not sleep for just one double-hour and wake refreshed?

Of course, I could only show my face briefly to Eun Jung-ho before heading to the Imperial Palace with Jin Young Great Swordmaster.
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.
.
As we entered the Imperial Palace, Jin Young Great Swordmaster asked me a question.
“This gathering you proposed this time—did you perhaps use us?”
Well, anyone who didn’t catch that would be a fool.
I admitted it readily.
“My apologies.”
“You should at least tell us beforehand! Do you have any idea how shocked we were?”
“I’m truly sorry. In return, this time I’ll host a genuinely lavish gathering with no ulterior motives.”
At my words, Jin Young Great Swordmaster chuckled.
Huh? Why is he laughing?
Smack—!
Then he struck my back with his palm and spoke.
“Ha! That’s not like you at all!”
“Pardon? Not like me?”
“Not like you? Well, shameless and cunning while never taking a loss?”
Is that an insult or a compliment?
“Hahaha. Cheer up. Because of this incident, we’ve brought great joy to His Majesty the Emperor—we wouldn’t hold a grudge over this, would we?”
“Still, I remain apologetic.”
“Hehehehe, that’s precisely why I like you. Despite everything, you’re a person of integrity. That must be why you’re called Seon Hyeop Mi-rang.”
Ugh!
That title struck me unexpectedly, and I couldn’t help but grimace.
“In any case, I suspect the reason His Majesty the Emperor is summoning you this time is likely related to this matter.”

Soon I arrived at the Emperor’s office.
The Eunuch Official announced my presence, and the door opened shortly after.
I entered slowly, maintained a respectful distance from the Emperor, and performed a formal bow.
“Small Merchant Eun Seo-ho pays his respects to Your Imperial Majesty. Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor!”
“Raise your head.”
“I am grateful for Your Majesty’s grace.”
I lifted my head and looked at the Emperor.
“So, what was your reason for going to the Peng Family this time?”
Straight to the point, I see.
“The truth is, Your Majesty. During my birthday celebration….”
I told the Emperor everything honestly.
Why? The Emperor has so many eyes and ears throughout the entire Empire.
He must already know everything.
As expected, he showed little surprise when I mentioned how I had placed a bounty to make the Assassin Group destroy themselves.
“So you managed to return safely with the Peng Family’s youngest son, and even mobilized the Geumui Guards in the process?”
“Nevertheless, Your Majesty has obtained the outcome you desired, has he not? All of this stems from my unwavering loyalty to you.”
“You rascal, you certainly have a way with words.”
Perhaps… what Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster said about me being audacious and glib might actually be true.
“So I intend to overlook this matter entirely. After all, you have presented me with an extraordinarily valuable gift.”
Indeed.
Thanks to this, the Emperor obtained what he desired with remarkable ease—the support of the Hebei Peng Family.
In truth, the Hebei Peng Family had been a faction that enjoyed the trust of the late Former Emperor, and they had not supported the current Emperor.
Moreover, when the current Emperor favored the Hwangbo Clan, they seemed to develop resentment and grew increasingly lukewarm toward his policies.
Of course, this did not mean they were plotting rebellion—merely that they withheld their support.
There were members of the Peng Family working in the Geumui Guards, but individual inclinations are beyond anyone’s control.
In any case, by using this incident as a pretext, the Emperor gained the support of the Peng Family, securing backing from both pillars of Beijing’s martial families.
Consequently, his authority was transcending mere invincibility and approaching absolute supremacy across the Realm.
“Therefore, if such matters arise in the future, give me advance notice. Had I been anyone less clever, would I not have squandered this opportunity?”
….
I found myself momentarily speechless at the Emperor’s self-praise.
“You appear quite exhausted.”
Yes, and whose fault is that for dragging me to the Imperial Palace without rest?
Besides, this remark is a harbinger of dismissal.
That won’t do!
I was dragged here the moment I arrived at my residence in Beijing, and I have no intention of leaving with nothing but empty praise.
I cupped my fists and spoke.
“I have been running about in all directions preparing a gift for Your Imperial Majesty, so fatigue has accumulated. Thus I must ask—did Your Majesty find the gift I presented to your satisfaction?”
“Yes, it pleased me greatly.”
I raised my head and smiled faintly as I spoke.
“Then… might there be a reward?”
“Hmm?”
“Even at the Gambling House, when someone wins money, they give a cut to those around them.”
“From what I hear, the reason people give a cut is because they’ll face retaliation if they don’t.”
“Surely Your Majesty doesn’t think I harbor such disloyal intentions?”
“Puhahahaha!”
The Emperor burst into hearty laughter as he looked at me.
“You’re the only one bold enough to demand a cut from me.”
The Emperor regarded me with amusement as he spoke.
“So then, what do you want?”
I feigned innocence at his question.
“Well, I believe that’s something Your Majesty should take care of on your own.”
“Audacious fellow.”
The Emperor, who had been pondering something for a moment, finally opened his mouth.

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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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