The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 291

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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 291

Chapter 291. The Poem Thief (4)

The next day arrived.
After breakfast, I sipped my tea and asked Yeo Eung-am Warrior about them.
“How are those warriors faring?”
At my question, he chuckled and replied.
“They are practically dying, sir.”
The punishment I had imposed on the five warriors who abandoned their posts to drink was the Three Fundamental Trainings.
The Three Fundamental Trainings referred to the daily regimen that all Eun Pung-dae Warriors must perform.
Running, push-ups, and holding the horse stance for extended periods.
Training to build endurance and strength.
The combined time required for these three exercises daily was one shichen, with anything beyond that being voluntary.
However, not a single warrior under my command completed only that prescribed time.
Even those who had reached the pinnacle of mastery devoted at least two shichen to fundamental training, despite being able to skip the basics.
In any case, I had ordered the five warriors to perform the fundamental trainings, but simply doing them wouldn’t constitute proper training.
So I had them train while wearing a total of one hundred thirty jin of iron weights distributed across their limbs and waist.
One hundred thirty jin was roughly equivalent to a sack of rice.
An ordinary person would collapse within half a shichen under such weight, but warriors trained in martial arts were a different matter entirely.
Isn’t that too harsh?
I know from my own training experience, having carried close to two hundred jin while training, that one hundred thirty jin won’t kill them.

“The training time each must complete is….”

Yet the expression on their faces was as if they were looking at a demon.
So I ordered them to train in all three disciplines for two hours each.
I had originally intended to command one and a half hours each, but I was wounded by their expressions, you see.
I’m a rather sensitive person, after all, and such things hurt me deeply.
In any case, those warriors who would now train for six hours—twelve hours total—would spend their entire days eating and training, living the truly ideal life of a martial artist.
“Still, after a few days they’ll adapt and find it manageable, won’t they?”
“That may be true, but I confess I don’t understand.”
“What don’t you understand?”
“Why did you give those warriors an opportunity for growth?”
What I had commanded the warriors to do appeared at first glance like punishment, but as Yeo Eung-am Warrior said, it was also an opportunity for growth.
Once I sent the letter, it would take approximately one month for new warriors to arrive.
If they trained according to my orders during that time, they would grow far beyond their current state.
Knowing this, Yeo Eung-am Warrior posed the question.
“What do you think will cross their minds as they carry out my orders? Without question, they’ll curse me terribly at first.”
That much was obvious.
Though they were being punished for their own mistakes, people naturally seek someone to resent when suffering, and that target is usually another person.
So it was certain they would curse me.
“But that doesn’t concern me. To hire people and expect never to be cursed by them is foolish talk.”
No matter how well I treated my employees, I could never eliminate all dissatisfaction.
As much as I gave them, many would be grateful, but others would still complain and want more.
Still, if those warriors possessed any sense, they would later understand my intentions and be grateful.
If they never came to understand, I could always force them to.
“But didn’t you, Young Master, increase the warriors’ training time because you were wounded?”
….
At Palgap’s words, I let out a dry cough. Yeo Eung-am Warrior then spoke to Palgap.
“Palgap.”
“Yes?”
“In moments like these, one must show some discretion.”
“Of course. Hehe. I should show discretion.”
Palgap was remarkably perceptive, but he pretended to lack it when teasing me.
“In any case, through such arduous training, they gradually stop thinking of anything at all, and eventually become introspective about themselves.”
“That’s true.”
“Then they become elite warriors with firm discipline, loyal to the Merchant Guild.”
I continued.
“Moreover, if they achieve results from that training, they’ll strive even harder. Warriors who grow stronger while remaining loyal to the Merchant Guild become invaluable.”
“Your wisdom is truly admirable, my lord.”
“And their struggles will serve as a warning to others.”
“And your fearsome reputation will only grow higher, Young Master.”
….
Palgap, you….
Just as I was about to say something, Palgap chuckled and spoke.
“It’s about time you were on your way, sir.”
Sigh…
I shook my head and rose from my seat, departing the temporary residence.
My destination was the Sebin Merchant Guild Branch where In Gye-sung, the grandson of the Sebin Merchant Guild Leader, was staying.
Though the Sebin Merchant Guild maintained its main headquarters in Beijing, like the Hebei Peng Clan, it was situated roughly a day’s journey from the Imperial Palace.
However, since frequent communication with the Imperial Palace was often necessary, they had established a separate branch villa nearby.
The Emperor had drawn the Sebin Merchant Guild into this Imperial Poetry Competition, and since both the Guild Leader and Sub-leader were occupied, I had heard that In Gye-sung had taken charge of the arrangements.
As it was a major imperial event, the Guild Leader should have attended personally, but through the Emperor’s consideration, outstanding direct members of the guild had been selected.
This decision was likely made with me in mind.
As I approached the Sebin Merchant Guild Branch, an attendant came rushing toward me as if he had been waiting.
“Are you Eun Seo-ho, the Small Merchant Guild Leader?”
“Yes.”
“The Lord has instructed me to escort you inside immediately. Please follow me.”
The attendant’s demeanor was remarkably attentive.
Under his guidance, we entered the branch villa.
Though called a branch, its scale was quite substantial. Truly worthy of the Greatest Under Heaven Trading Company.
The guest reception room was furnished with premium tea and fine pastries.
As we enjoyed refreshments and waited, In Gye-sung entered the reception room.
“My apologies for keeping you waiting.”
“Not at all! The pastries were so delicious I lost track of time.”
“I’m delighted they suited your palate. I shall have some wrapped for you to take along.”
We exchanged words with practiced courtesy.
The reason for today’s meeting was to discuss preparations for the Imperial Poetry Competition.
Of course, final decisions would be made after consultation with the Ministry of Household Affairs, but it was prudent to coordinate among ourselves beforehand.
There was nothing more unseemly than merchants raising their voices or flushing with anger before imperial officials.
“It is truly an honor to work alongside the hero of the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament.”
At those words, I waved my hand dismissively.
“Why do you say such things, Lord In? I merely happened to save some lives through good fortune. You’re being far too generous with your praise—it embarrasses me.”
“You deserve to take pride in it. I recognized your character from the moment you saved my grandfather’s life. I knew then that you would one day become a true hero.”
This referred to the incident when Geun Seong had disguised himself as Bok Yun Sub-leader and attempted the life of In Gang-su Head Merchant.
The culprit at the time was the Young’s Merchant House.
They had committed the act due to disputes over the inkstone production areas, or so I had heard.
In Gye-sung continued.
“Both my grandfather and father have instructed me to cooperate fully with the Eun Small Merchant Leader. I myself am grateful to you as well.”
“That matter involved an old friend of mine, so I merely did what was necessary.”
At my words, In Gye-sung smiled and spoke.
“At this rate, we’ll spend the entire meeting exchanging compliments and humble denials. Ha ha. I suppose I should be the first to stop.”
A wise choice.
“First, regarding the competition venue…”
Thus, we began to discuss and meticulously plan out the details, one by one.
“The greatest challenge is undoubtedly the judges. Since this is an Imperial Poetry Competition, all the renowned poets from around Beijing will gather.”
This was the most sensitive aspect.
They could award higher scores simply because someone was their disciple, or lower scores out of dislike for another’s student.
“We must prioritize fairness in the judging process.”
“Yet we cannot ignore their reputations either.”
As we discussed this, a brilliant idea suddenly occurred to me.
“Ah! What if we did it this way?”
“I am listening.”
“We could have the judges sit with their chairs turned away, facing away from the poets reciting their verses.”
“But couldn’t they still recognize people by their voices?”
“I have already considered that. We would have someone else read the poems aloud on behalf of the poets.”
“That is an excellent solution.”
After coordinating our opinions, we visited the Ministry of Household Affairs the next day.
Since the incident where I had previously been subjected to the Ministry officials’ “merchant discipline,” they had ceased such practices.
It was thanks to Dongchang—truly, I remain grateful to them even now.
Moreover, this matter concerned the Imperial Poetry Competition that the Emperor himself had commanded. Even if it hadn’t been me, anyone engaging in such misconduct would have lost their head immediately.
We were guided by a Ministry official to the conference room, and our discussions continued from there.
The day of the Imperial Poetry Competition drew ever closer.
.
.
.
The day of the Imperial Poetry Competition had arrived.
Just as I had anticipated, money was flowing abundantly through Beijing thanks to the competition.
The establishments that flourished most were the inns, taverns, and shops selling writing materials.
Those who had come from other regions had to stay in Beijing and eat, after all.
Many people were also purchasing fine writing materials for this competition.
Because the Imperial Poetry Competition was organized hastily, participation was unfortunately limited to poets from Beijing and its surrounding areas.
Still, given the purpose of this competition, we should be satisfied with this scale.
Once this Imperial Poetry Competition concludes successfully, the next one will become a grand event drawing poets from across the entire Empire.
When that happens, both our Merchant Guild and Master’s Pyoguk will benefit from the spillover profits…
The mere thought brings me joy.
However, there was one place experiencing unexpected prosperity due to this poetry competition.
Taverns and drinking establishments.
I wonder whether one needs a cup of wine to inspire the mood for composing poetry, or whether composing poetry makes one thirsty for wine…
Well, they might as well drink their fill while they can.
A prohibition on alcohol will likely be issued soon anyway.
With the famine already severe, conditions will become unbearable by spring.
I observed the Competition Venue.
Countless crowds had gathered at the Competition Venue.
Four contestants at a time took the stage for the poetry competition, separated by tall wooden dividers arranged in a cross pattern.
Thus, while they could not see one another, the spectators surrounding the arena could identify each participant.
The judges’ seats, meanwhile, faced away from the competitors.
Then the Tournament Announcer emerged and spoke.
“First, let us honor the Emperor who graces this occasion with his presence….”
Indeed.
The Emperor and Empress were present, along with numerous members of the Imperial Court.
Thanks to their attendance, this promised to be an exceptional spectacle.
“Now, allow me to introduce the esteemed judges who shall evaluate today’s poetry.”
The judges we had selected were individuals beyond reproach in anyone’s estimation.
They were either renowned Great Scholars or poets of considerable renown.
We had also invited Jegal Family’s Grand Elder to serve as a judge. At my request, he accepted with great enthusiasm.
He had ridden swiftly from Bok Ryong Mountain to attend.
They paid their respects to the Emperor and took their seats on the judges’ platform.
“Your Majesty, all preparations are complete.”
“Then begin.”
At the Emperor’s command, the Tournament Announcer called out.
“We now commence the first Imperial Poetry Competition sponsored by the Imperial Court.”
The first round of the poetry competition began.
The Emperor drew two slips of paper from the box beside him. The poem topics were being selected at random.
“The topic for the first round is: Tree and Moon.”
“Begin!”
A bell rang, and simultaneously, incense was lit. The burning incense would measure the time allotted.
Shortly after, the incense burned down to mark the end of the period.
Dong—!
With the bell’s chime, the contestants removed their brushes from the paper and submitted their work to the assistant announcers.
The assistant announcers glanced at the requests written at the top.
Each contestant could specify who would recite their poem.
They could not choose a specific person, but they could specify gender and age range.
A poem’s impact varies greatly depending on who recites it, and this choice was quite significant.
After the recitation concluded, the judges began their evaluation.
This was an occasion graced by the Emperor and the Imperial Court.
Thus, the judges could not afford to score arbitrarily or unfairly.
Even if they wished to do so, they could not identify the contestants, making bias impossible.
As the poetry competition continued, at last came Chu Il-gong’s turn.
He ascended the platform with the resignation of an ox being led to slaughter, taking his designated position.
Those in the audience who recognized him began to murmur.
“Oh! The Beautiful Poet is competing too?”
“To hear the Beautiful Poet’s verses in person! What an honor!”
Chu Il-gong had earned the epithet “Beautiful Poet” for his exquisite compositions, and his fame continued to grow.
Thus, the crowd’s curiosity swelled, and anticipation grew that they would soon hear his exquisite verses.
Chu Il-gong gazed out at the assembled spectators.
My mouth had gone completely dry.
That damned Old Friend who had submitted the competition entry on my behalf waved enthusiastically from the distance, cheering me on.
“You can do this! Make your name resound throughout the realm! Hahahaha!”
Chu Il-gong clenched his lips tightly.
‘Please, just shut up!’
I wanted nothing more than to strike that Old Friend.

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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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