The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 362

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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 362

Chapter 362. The Baek Yeom Merchant Guild (3)

When I lifted my head, I recognized the face immediately.
It was Ho Gyeong, the grandson of Ho Ju-shin, the host of this banquet.
“Of course. Please, have a seat.”
*Scrape.*
At my words, he settled into the chair.
He was known to be quite shrewd.
Though the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild had weakened somewhat due to certain complications in the interim, their standing rose again once Ho Gyeong Prince became the guild leader, and they competed fiercely with us at the Eunhae Trading Company and the Three Great Trading Companies of the World for supremacy.
Now that I thought about it, Ho Ju-shin had truly cherished Ho Gyeong.
He had even said, “With Gyeong-i by my side, I can close my eyes in peace.”
But why of all places did he choose to sit here? There were empty seats elsewhere.
At that moment, Han Baek-geon Sub-Master spoke with a smile.
“It seems this seat caught your eye.”
“Ah, yes.”
He nodded in response.
“There are many people here I wish to become acquainted with.”
Everything was fine, but why was he looking at me while saying that?
The meaning of that gaze was unmistakable.
He wished to become closer to me.
That someone known for his acumen would seek my friendship meant I was valuable to him.
It was deeply gratifying to know our merchant guild had grown so much.
Ah, what happiness.
But I could not rest on my laurels here.
The position of the Greatest Under Heaven Trading Company in the future belonged to our guild.
“Please excuse us.”
Well-dressed Shop Attendants began placing dishes of food upon the dining table.
Dumplings made with fish meat.
Spicy clam stir-fry and mild clam stir-fry.
Sea cucumber dishes and shrimp dishes.
Duck dishes and roasted chicken.
And spicy steamed chicken.
“Ah? Isn’t this Xi Shi clams?”
“They are in season now.”
Indeed, Xi Shi clams were eaten from late autumn until just before spring.
Beyond these, more than a dozen other dishes filled the dining table.
“Please, help yourself.”
“I’ll enjoy this meal.”
I reached for the spicy steamed chicken dish first with my chopsticks.
I remembered the steamed chicken I’d eaten at Geumgyeru last time.
Let me give it a try.
I took a bite of the steamed chicken.
Hmm…?
It wasn’t bad, but it felt rather ordinary.
So the steamed chicken at Geumgyeru really was exceptional.
I should bring my parents there in a day or two.
With that thought, I reached for another dish with my chopsticks.
“It’s unfortunate that we cannot serve alcohol due to the prohibition edict.”
Han Baek-geon Sub-Master responded to Ho Gyeong Prince’s remark.
“I’ve also heard much about the famous wines of Shandong. They say the ones made from the clear waters of Noshan have a remarkably deep aroma, and the more you drink, the clearer your mind becomes.”
“That’s correct.”
Ho Gyeong Prince nodded with a satisfied smile.
“Please do visit us later. Once the prohibition is lifted, I’ll give you a proper reception.”
The meal continued for quite some time.
After all, today’s gathering served not only to deepen conversation and relationships, but also to exchange information.
In that sense, it was a very productive time.
The stories I heard from members of various merchant guilds with different primary goods were quite interesting.
Before long, lunch had passed, and it was nearing the end of the afternoon hour.
“Hahahaha!”
A hearty laugh echoed from where the merchant lords had gathered.
“I’ll show you all the Iron Tools Workshop of our merchant guild today!”
I had a good idea of who it was.
Ho Ju-shin, the merchant lord of the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild.
Ho Gyeong Prince responded with an awkward smile.
“Grandfather seems to be in a good mood.”
And then came a soft murmur.
“The atmosphere of the Iron Tools Workshop is being disrupted…”
I looked around, but the voice was so quiet that it seemed only I had heard it.
That’s how I came to understand.
Ho Gyeong Prince was a man with his priorities perfectly in order.
He treasured the Iron Tools Workshop above all else.
He understood it well.
The Iron Tools Workshop was what had created the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild, and it was the true essence of the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild.
That’s how, in his previous life, when the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild had wavered, he was able to restore it to normal operations.
“Come now! Those curious about the Iron Tools Workshop, follow me! Hahahaha!”
Someone responded to his words.
“Then is today’s banquet concluded?”
“Eh? Ah! That’s right!”
He went to where the drum was and struck it.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Thus the Hundred Great Merchant Guild Meeting came to an end, and I glanced down at my waist.
The silver token still gleamed brilliantly.
I’ll put it to good use.
I grinned and quickly tucked it into my pocket.
“Then let’s go!”
“Ah, forgive me, but I’m afraid I must take my leave. The Deputy Officer mentioned there’s an urgent matter….”
“Ah, my apologies. I seem to have gotten a bit carried away. If anyone has pressing business, feel free to depart first.”
“Then I shall also….”
At those words, several Merchant Guild Leaders bowed and took their leave.
And well they should, for they were all busy people.
Some had to return to their quarters to handle affairs, or perhaps meet with others.
Moreover, I was well aware that Ho Ju-shin became fond of boasting about his Iron Tools Workshop whenever his spirits were high—which meant most of these Merchant Guild Leaders had likely toured it countless times already.
Father approached me and asked.
“Seo-ho, what will you do?”
I had to go, of course.
There was a high likelihood that someone sent by the Murim Alliance would cause trouble when we toured the Iron Tools Workshop.
Besides, the Iron Tools Workshop was not a place outsiders could freely enter at other times.
“I would like to visit it.”
“Very well. Enjoy the tour then. Oh, and if you don’t mind, leave your outer robe with Palgap. It’s rather cumbersome.”

A moment later,
Ho Ju-shin followed by several Merchant Guild Leaders and most of the Small Merchant Guild Leaders and Princes.
And Namgung Kang excused himself, citing pressing matters.
Since the actual execution would fall to those he’d bribed, he likely wanted no association with it.
He wouldn’t want even the slightest suspicion cast upon him.
Ho Gyeong Prince and his father followed directly behind Ho Ju-shin.
With the Merchant Guild Leader going, the son and grandson had no choice but to follow.
Ho Gyeong Prince issued instructions to his attendant, who immediately rushed off somewhere.
Clearly toward the Iron Tools Workshop.
I could discern this without even concentrating my hearing.
He was likely ordering that all confidential matters be hidden away since guests would be touring the facility.
Watching Ho Ju-shin, eager to showcase what he’d accomplished, I felt a twinge of sympathy.
How much contempt must he have endured in his youth to develop such habits….
I heeded Father’s advice and entrusted my outer robe to Palgap.
Though truthfully, I would have removed it anyway, advice or not.
Following my lead, those who had dined at my table also removed their outer robes and handed them to attendants.
“This is the Iron Tools Workshop.”
After walking roughly a quarter of the way into the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild, a door made of black iron came into view.
“By any chance, is that door made of Hyeonchel?”
Ho Gyeong Prince nodded at my question.
“Your discernment is indeed remarkable.”
Impressive.
To craft such a massive door from Hyeonchel was extraordinary!
It must signify the importance of this place.
“Open the door.”
“Yes!”
As the sturdy Gate Keeper manipulated the mechanism, the Hyeonchel door swung open.
And we stepped inside.
But only the invited could enter within.
Thus the attendants and guards had to remain outside.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
The sound of hammers striking metal echoed from all directions.
The acrid smell of iron and something burning assaulted my nostrils.
In truth, the smell of smelting iron was hardly pleasant.
This place resembled what I had witnessed in my previous life.
Since I had seen this location later in my past life than now, it was only natural.
Ho Ju-shin began his explanation.
“This is where we smelt iron. The products are manufactured here.”
Placing production closest to the entrance meant we could transport goods swiftly while keeping the more sensitive operations deeper inside hidden from prying eyes.
Several Small Merchant Guild Leaders and princes gleamed with anticipation, but thanks to Ho Gyeong Prince’s quick intervention, they would have difficulty seeing anything classified.
We ventured deeper inside.
“Phew, I’m glad I followed the Eun Small Merchant Leader’s example and removed my outer robe.”
The others nodded at Bok Yun Sub-leader’s remark.
Indeed, this was a metalworking workshop.
No matter how hastily they had cleaned, proper organization was impossible.
Everyone had arrived in expensive clothing, and if it caught on anything, their garments would be ruined entirely.
Already three people had collided with something and suffered embarrassment.
Moreover, smelting iron required fire, so sweat flowed despite it being early in the eleventh month.
The blacksmiths working here now wore sleeveless garments.
“It was thanks to Father’s advice.”
Of course, I felt no heat, but I should thank Father for his guidance later.
We proceeded deeper inside, eventually arriving at the location where molten metal was poured into molds to take shape.
The craftsmen brought metal forms, placed them in boxes, and covered them with fine earth.
They were now creating the molds for pouring molten metal.
The earth used to create molds cannot be just any soil.
Extremely fine sand must be used—what they call alluvial soil.
This material is abundant at the confluence of rivers and seawater.
That is why the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild established itself in Shandong Province, where alluvial soil is easily obtained.
And Shandong also has abundant iron ore.
Of course, all mines in the Empire belong to the State, so the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild procures iron ore by purchasing mined ore.
“Wow! Is that molten metal?”
“It’s absolutely fascinating.”
Ho Gyeong Prince spoke to the Small Merchant Guild Leaders and princes who were watching with wide eyes.
“It appears simple, but pouring molten metal is actually the most delicate and strenuous task.”
“Why is that?”
“The molten metal contained in that ladle alone weighs well over ten jin.”
“Hmm… it didn’t look that heavy.”
“If you try lifting it yourself, you’ll gasp.”
At that moment, I caught sight of a man’s face among those present and flinched.
It was the same man I had met with Namgung Kang at the Geumgyeru.
According to the Jin Yu Warrior’s intelligence, that man’s name is Mak-du, one of the foremen at the Iron Tools Workshop.
I observed him carefully.
Just then, someone called out to the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild Leader.
“Guild Master! Guild Master!”
“Hmm? What is it?”
“Someone from the Imperial Authority has arrived regarding the mine.”
“Now? Surely they know today is the Hundred Great Merchant Guild Meeting?”
“Yes. They said it was an urgent matter and couldn’t be helped.”
He furrowed his brow, then apologized to the other merchants.
“I apologize for this inconvenience. My son will guide the rest of you. It has been a pleasure today.”
“Ah, they’re looking for both of you.”
“…?”
For some reason, I felt that this visit from the Imperial Official was also part of a scheme orchestrated by the Murim Alliance.
It was suspicious enough that they came knowing full well today was the Hundred Great Merchant Guild Meeting.
Of course, it could be an urgent matter.
But the fact that they were looking for both men simultaneously, combined with my instincts, told me otherwise.
“Grandfather, Father. Please don’t worry and go ahead. I can guide the guests.”
“Yes, with Gyeong-i here, I’m assured. I’ll leave it to you.”
With that, the two men left the Iron Tools Workshop, and Ho Gyeong Prince guided the guests around the facility.
“This is where we melt the metal, and over there is where we extract iron from the ore.”
He pointed to one more location as if nearly finished.
“And that area is off-limits.”
“That suggests there’s something confidential inside.”
At one merchant guild leader’s remark, Ho Gyeong Prince shook his head.
“Confidential? There’s nothing particularly like that.”
“Then why restrict entry?”
“If you wish to see, you’re welcome to enter… but the interior is extremely dangerous.”
“Dangerous?”
“Yes. Even a stray spark could cause severe burns or ruin your clothes. Moreover, when burning away impurities during the ore-smelting process, tremendous soot is generated. The smell is incomparably acrid compared to now—your eyes will stream with tears.”
He continued.
“Still, is anyone interested in going in?”
To be honest, I wanted to see it.
The essence of working with iron lies in how well one can refine high-quality steel.
Even if a foreman handles iron masterfully, it’s useless if the metal itself is defective.
But I didn’t want to stand out here and draw attention.
Besides, observing that man Mak-du took priority.
No one raised their hand.
“Very well. Since you’ve seen everything, shall we head back?”
As he led them back, he provided additional explanations.
But I couldn’t help but smile inwardly at those explanations.
Though his explanation seemed considerate on the surface, it conspicuously lacked any substantive details.
I began to understand why Ho Ju-shin held him in such high regard.
As we retraced our steps back the way we came, we arrived once more at the Molten Metal Casting Foundry.
It was then.

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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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