The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 311

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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 311

Chapter 311. The Emperor’s Errand (2)

The day of departure for Beijing had arrived.
Since we were leaving early in the morning, I had already bid farewell to my family the previous day.
“Young Master, all preparations are complete.”
“Right. Let’s go.”
I headed toward Cha-jang with the Guard Warriors.
The members of Hyun Pung Bureau were already outside, bustling about as they made final preparations for departure.
During this meeting at Eun Wol Pavilion, we had formally discussed the placement of Hyun Pung Bureau, and it was officially decided that it would be established in Beijing.
Since Beijing was both the capital of the Empire and its most prosperous city, the fortunes of our Merchant Guild would rise and fall with the political situation there.
The Beijing Branch was not only essential for the further growth of our Merchant Guild, but also critically important.
In truth, hidden within this decision was my Father’s unspoken message to me.
“I’m counting on you, my son.”

“Lord, you’ve arrived?”
“Good morning.”
Those who saw me greeted me warmly, and I exchanged pleasantries with them before heading to a particular spot.
There, I found the Head of Changin Escort Agency and Jung Chung, the commander of Eunpung Guard Unit Three.
It had been a while since I’d seen Jung Chung.
“I’m counting on you today.”
“How could there be any doubt?”
Since building rapport with both Eunpung Corps and the members of the Escort Agency was crucial, I created a warm atmosphere as we exchanged greetings.
“Shall we depart now?”
At Jung Chung’s question, I looked toward Palgap, and he nodded.
“Yes. Everything is ready. We may depart whenever you wish.”
“Then let’s be off.”
“Understood.”
I confirmed that all the officers of Hyun Pung Bureau were loaded into their carriages before heading to my own.
“I’m counting on you.”
Seo-woo Warrior responded on behalf of the others.
“We exist only to serve our lord with utmost dedication.”
“That’s reassuring.”
As I boarded the carriage, Palgap followed and took his seat in front.
Through the window, I could see the guards mounting their horses one by one.
Whee-eek! Whee-eek! Whee-eek!
The sound of a whistle pierced the air, followed by the voice of the Head of the Escort Agency.
“Move out!”
The procession began its journey toward Beijing.
I unconsciously glanced toward Father’s office and my eyes widened.
What?
Through the office window, Father was watching our party depart from the Main Headquarters.
As a merchant guild grows larger, so too does the prestige of its leader.
For that reason, when the Merchant Guild Leader appears, complications inevitably arise. So he must have deliberately stayed away.
I waved toward Father.
I’ll return safely, Father.
This time, while you hold the position of Merchant Guild Leader, I will make you the Greatest Merchant Guild Leader Under Heaven.
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.
.
The road to Beijing had become so familiar now that I traveled it frequently.
Still, I remained vigilant.
One never knew when or where trouble might suddenly erupt.
In any case, the Geumui Guard’s Great Heroes had worked diligently this year breaking the ice in the upper reaches of the river.
Thanks to their efforts, no floods occurred in the lower reaches this season, and consequently, no displaced refugees emerged.
Had flooding struck, the spring harvest would have been… merely thinking of it was horrifying.
I felt a quiet satisfaction knowing that my intervention had prevented the massive civil uprising that had tormented everyone in my past life from growing to such proportions this time.
But when should I visit Hangzhou?
The taverns there still hold considerable wealth, so they’re unlikely to sell cheaply…
Perhaps I’ll visit next spring?
And by then, those I absolutely must acquire will be there as well.
Ah…
Now that I think about it, I still need to complete my training in the Imperial Palace martial arts once I reach Beijing.
.
.
.
We finally arrived in Beijing.
Thanks to our swift pace, we reached Beijing without incident.
And no matter how desperate people might be for food, there would be no one in the Beijing vicinity to incite rebellion.
“Welcome.”
Eun Branch Manager, newly appointed as the Beijing branch manager, greeted us.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
“You must be weary from travel. Please rest first.”
“I appreciate the sentiment.”
But I was in no position to leisurely recover from travel fatigue.
There was a mountain of work waiting for me here in Beijing.
“First, I’d appreciate a report on everything that has transpired. I’ll be at the Temporary Residence.”
“Understood.”
The Eun Branch Manager’s gaze held something that seemed almost pitiful. Did I really look that pathetic?
I immediately headed toward the temporary residence I had arranged at the Beijing Branch.

A short while later.
The Eun Branch Manager arrived at my temporary residence carrying an armful of documents.
“You’ve come faster than I expected.”
“I thought the Small Guild Master would likely request a report as soon as you arrived, so I prepared everything in advance.”
Ever since receiving a stern word from me before, he seemed to be handling his duties with genuine dedication.
I examined the documents laid out on the wooden table one by one and asked him for a verbal explanation.
He explained calmly, distilling only the essential points.
“…I believe that’s what led to the creation of this ordinance.”
“I see.”
His work ethic was truly impressive.
“You’ve worked hard. Let’s set a date soon and have a proper celebration banquet.”
I continued with a smile.
“Of course, even if you cannot drink alcohol, wouldn’t some sweet refreshments lift your spirits?”
“Haha, that’s certainly true.”
After the Eun Branch Manager left, I began examining the documents he had brought once more, this time with meticulous care.
This wasn’t because I distrusted the Eun Branch Manager, but rather to grasp the complete picture.
One of the lessons I learned in my past life was that when undertaking great endeavors, one must first sketch the entire landscape.
Only then could I determine what our Merchant Guild should seize and when we should act within that framework.
Failing to do so and missing out on potential gains would truly be lamentable.
But what mattered even more was understanding how much to take without inviting future complications.
If things went wrong, the entire Merchant Guild could be scattered to the winds.
The most critical issues at present were the crop failure, the alcohol prohibition, and the civil unrest.
That much aligned with my expectations…
I should be grateful that nothing lay beyond my anticipation.

That evening.
I sent a letter to Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster through Lee Pil Warrior.
Spring had arrived and I’d reached Beijing, so I inquired when I could resume my training in Imperial Palace martial arts.
However, Lee Pil Warrior brought unexpected news.
“The Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster is currently away.”
“Do you have any idea when he’ll return?”
“No. He’s been away for over a month now.”
Then I had no choice but to wait for Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster to return.
Though I was eager to learn Imperial Palace martial arts quickly, Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster was officially affiliated with the Geumui Guard and quite a busy man.
So I had to be understanding.
Still, the Emperor must know I’ve arrived—surely he won’t summon me early tomorrow morning?
Surely not….
Even so, he’d give me a few days to rest, wouldn’t he?
Or so I thought,

“The Emperor requests your presence.”
“….”
My hopes for a few days of rest were dashed.
The one who came to fetch me this time was an Eunuch Official. I’d seen him working near the Emperor a few times before.
“Prepare yourself and follow me.”
“Understood.”
After saying so, I hurried to prepare for the Imperial Palace. Since I was going to the palace, I dressed in clean clothes, but avoided anything too flashy since many eyes would be watching.
“I’m deeply grateful that you’ve come to fetch me personally, Eunuch Official. I hardly know what to say.”
I flattered the Eunuch Official’s face a bit. If he developed any negative preconceptions about me, it would cause problems in many ways.
Given that he worked near the Emperor, there was a high probability he belonged to the Dongchang.
If I handled him well, I might be able to obtain some useful information.
Of course, if he was part of the Dongchang, his lips would be quite sealed, but since I wasn’t after any important secrets anyway,
even the smallest details would suffice.
“Isn’t it rather modest of someone as renowned as Seon Hyeop Mi-rang?”
“Ha ha ha. It’s merely an undeserved reputation, so I’m embarrassed by such praise.”
“I merely follow the Emperor’s orders, and you, Small Merchant Guild Leader, are one of the few whom the Emperor personally summons to hear your counsel. So you can have more confidence in yourself.”
But why does it sound to my ears like “easy to manipulate”?
“Thank you. By the way, what is the Emperor’s mood like today?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Well, if the Emperor’s mood isn’t good, shouldn’t I avoid adding to his concerns in any way? I’m merely asking out of sincere devotion to the Emperor.”
“Hmm… Indeed, there are few as devoted to the Emperor as you, Small Merchant Guild Leader Eun.”
He nodded slowly and spoke quietly.
“The Emperor’s mood hasn’t been good lately. It’s rare for his mood to be good, but… as you know, circumstances aren’t favorable these days, are they?”
“That’s true.”
“Because of that, his mood is even worse. And on top of that, Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster has gone out of contact.”
“Pardon?”
The Eunuch Official tilted his head in confusion.
“You weren’t aware of this?”
“…Yes.”
“Ah, I see. It appears that contact with Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster has been severed for about three days now.”
Two thoughts struck me simultaneously.
If contact with Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster had been lost, didn’t that suggest something was terribly wrong?
And at the same time, why would this tight-lipped Eunuch Official from the Dongchang be sharing information about Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster with me?
But before I could unravel this puzzle, we arrived at the Emperor’s office.

Upon announcing myself, the door opened immediately.
I stepped inside and prostrated myself in proper salutation.
“Small Merchant Eun Seo-ho, pays respects to Your Imperial Majesty. Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!”
“Raise your head.”
“I am unworthy of such grace.”
I carefully lifted my gaze.
He seemed to have aged considerably in just a few months.
It spoke volumes about the dire state of the empire.
“I heard you arrived yesterday.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty.”
“You must be exhausted. I apologize for summoning you so hastily.”
What?
Did I just hear that correctly? The Emperor himself apologized?
The man before me is truly the Emperor, isn’t he?
Could some water demon have assumed his form?
Such thoughts crossed my mind, but recalling the Eunuch Official’s words, I tensed immediately.
And indeed, I could see the weight of worry etched across his features.
“It is no trouble, Your Majesty. Though it appears you have been bearing considerable burdens of late.”
“Has there ever been a time when my duties were light?”
Fair point.
Then could the Emperor’s troubled mood stem from Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster’s lost contact?
Could it be that the Eunuch Official mentioned Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster’s severed contact to me for this very reason?
Was he asking me to resolve this matter?
Then the Emperor continued.
“I summoned you because I have a request.”
The word “request” suddenly made me feel the weight of responsibility.
In this situation, a request surely meant finding Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster, didn’t it?
“I have an old friend and loyal subject. I need you to deliver a letter to him.”
“Your Majesty?”
For a moment, I nearly tilted my head in bewilderment.
So the Emperor wasn’t asking me to find the whereabouts of Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster, but simply to deliver a letter to someone who had been the Emperor’s friend and subject? Why would he ask me of all people….
“What troubles you?”
“Nothing of consequence, Your Majesty.”
“So, can you undertake this task for me?”
It wasn’t particularly difficult, but I couldn’t refuse an imperial command in the first place.
“As So-sang is Your Majesty’s humble servant, I need only receive your command.”
“Come closer.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I approached the Emperor at close range and knelt before him.
The Emperor withdrew a letter from his sleeve and extended it to me.
“Take it.”
“Yes.”
This was a letter the Emperor had written and sealed himself, not one delivered through an Eunuch Official.
That much made clear its importance.
“And here, his personal details and residence are written down.”
I received another sealed letter in turn and lowered my head.
“I shall devote myself entirely to this task.”
“Ah, and take care of yourself.”
Hmm? What did that mean?
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.
.
The moment I returned to my Temporary Residence, I spoke to Palgap.
“Palgap. Pack our belongings. We depart the day after tomorrow.”
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.
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That night.
As promised, I rented one of Beijing’s Gisaeng Houses and held a banquet for the Beijing Branch staff.
If not today, scheduling would become quite awkward.
After finishing my work, I made my way to the Gisaeng House where the banquet was being held.
But… I sensed something ominous in the air.
An ambush.
Seo-woo Warrior and Jin Yu Warrior, who noticed this, grew grave.
Soon, masked figures appeared and surrounded us.
“Formation Armor Type!”
Seo-woo Warrior shouted, and the six guards moved in perfect unison.
Normally they moved in pairs, but the Emperor had spoken words to me.
To take care of myself.
So I had brought all six guards with me, and now this had occurred.
Did I do well bringing all the guards with me?

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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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