The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 377

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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 377

Chapter 377. A Letter from the Northern Sea Ice Palace (1)

Spring was drawing near.
Last year, I had focused on strengthening the company’s foundations rather than pursuing growth.
If we pursued growth without solidifying our foundations, we would become nothing more than a hollow shell, destined to crumble.
When crisis struck, we would lack the resilience to overcome it and would collapse entirely.
The establishment of the Beijing Branch, which had consumed most of my attention last year, was one of those foundational endeavors.
Yet seeing that the company had risen to twenty-fifth rank suggested I was on the right path.

I was now heading to Seo-u Warrior’s House and Lady Hong Geum-so’s residence.
At the end of last year, Lady Hong Geum-so had safely delivered a son.
Now that the period of restricted outside visitors had passed, I was going to offer my congratulations on the birth.
Seo-u Warrior had remained at home continuously.
Though he had insisted on staying by my side as my guard, how could I not understand his concern for his wife and unborn child?
Especially after the grave danger Lady Hong Geum-so had faced before, his anxiety was only natural.
So I had issued him an order.

“Lady Hong Geum-so is a key talent in the production of Jamu Dolls. Therefore, I command you to protect her as her guard warrior.”

At those words, Seo-u Warrior had departed for home with a moved expression, remaining steadfastly at her side without venturing outside.
For the sake of the newborn, we could not allow any external contamination to reach the child.
Of course, I had prepared provisions and medicinal herbs in advance for their needs.
When I saw Seo-u Warrior yesterday for the first time in nearly three months, I had never seen such joy radiating from his face.
Indeed, having safely obtained a child—what greater happiness could there be?
He had informed me that outside visitors were now welcome, and I had said I would visit today.

Soon we arrived at Seo-u Warrior’s House.
The sacred rope that had been hung at the gate was nowhere to be seen now.
“Welcome!”
A servant who recognized me hurried over to greet me.
“I heard about your visit from the Great Hero yesterday. Please, come inside.”
“Thank you.”
We followed the servant into a chamber.
As we waited there for a moment, I heard Seo-u Warrior’s voice from outside.
“My lord, I’m coming in.”
“Yes.”
The door opened and Seo-u Warrior entered with Lady Hong Geum-so, who cradled a newborn infant in her arms.
“We greet you, my lord.”
“We greet you, Small Merchant Guild Leader.”
They bowed respectfully to me, and I received their greetings with a smile.
“I’m relieved to see both the child and the lady in good health. And I congratulate you on the safe delivery.”
“Thank you.”
We took our seats, and I withdrew an envelope from my pocket and offered it to them.
“Please accept this. A gift for the birth.”
“You didn’t need to prepare such a gift….”
At Lady Hong Geum-so’s words, I chuckled softly.
“I can see you’re delighted.”
“My, am I? Hehe.”
“Open it, please.”
At my words, Seo-u Warrior opened the envelope. Their eyes widened immediately.
“This, this is….”
“A deed to a house?”
Yes, a house deed.
And a deed to quite a substantial residence at that.
“I was deliberating over what gift would be most suitable, and I decided on this. I thought that the incident you experienced before ultimately stemmed from your living quarters being too cramped.”
At my words, Lady Hong Geum-so lowered her head and spoke.
“I’ve been reflecting on it.”
Of course she had. She was shocked herself, but she knew how much Seo-u Warrior had worried about it.
That’s why I wanted to resolve this fundamental problem for them.
“So please, accept it without hesitation.”
But Seo-u Warrior shook his head, looking uncomfortable.
“I’m grateful, but it seems too generous a gift. We’ve already saved enough money, and we were planning to move to a larger house anyway.”
Of course, with their monthly wages, they could certainly afford a better house than their current one.
After all, I was their employer.
Seo-u Warrior received a substantial monthly salary as my personal guard, and Lady Hong Geum-so earned a considerable sum managing the clothing for the Jamu Doll Company.
But raising a child requires a great deal of money.
Moreover, the child was born with some exceptional talent thanks to the fruit that Geumryeong picked for Lady Hong Geum-so.
I still don’t know what that talent is.
But this much is certain.
That talent can only truly flourish with money behind it.
How many people possess talent yet fold their wings because they lack funds or circumstances don’t favor them?
I hoped that the child of Seo-woo Warrior and Lady Hong Geum-so wouldn’t experience such hardship, even if they had to stretch themselves a bit to buy a house this time.
And honestly, the fact that the child was born with this talent is because of Geumryeong, whom I raise.
As Geumryeong’s master, I should bear at least that much responsibility.
“You should use that money for the child’s sake.”
I said this while observing the baby.
The sight of the child sleeping peacefully seemed remarkably clever and spirited.
“What name have you given the child?”
Seo-woo Warrior answered my question.
“Please give the child a name, my lord.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Honestly, without you, my lord, this child would never have been born. Therefore, I believe it would be most meaningful for you to bestow the child’s name.”
What? You want me to name the child?
I pondered with an awkward expression before answering firmly.
“I must decline.”
“My lord?”
His eyes widened at my words. A look of bewilderment.
Yet he, so devoted in his loyalty, pressed the request upon me again.
“Please, I implore you.”
“I cannot. It’s impossible.”
“Why do you refuse? Have I perhaps done something displeasing to you, my lord…?”
Looking at me with those eyes makes this even more difficult for me.
“Sigh!”
At that moment, Palgap, standing behind me, sighed as if exasperated and spoke.
“It’s because you care for Seo-woo Warrior, sir.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, our young master’s naming skills are absolutely terrible, and he knows it all too well himself, so that’s why he’s refusing.”
Hey, hey, Palgap?
Don’t be so blunt—you’re hurting my feelings.
Then Palgap mentioned several names.
What? How did he know?
I had indeed considered such names…
“Surely our young master would come up with completely dull, peculiar, and awful names like these.”
“…”
Palgap… I’m genuinely hurt.
Thinking such thoughts, I observed the expressions of Seo-woo Warrior and Lady Hong Geum-so.
Hmm, I made the right call refusing to name the child.
Their expressions look identical to mine from earlier.
But I have my reasons—it’s not my fault that my naming skills are poor.
“Yes, well, that’s how it is.”
I nodded.
“This is a name the child will carry for a lifetime. I wish to avoid a situation where the child curses me every time their name is called. Haha.”
I continued speaking.
“And I understand that a name, being spoken aloud, profoundly influences a person’s entire life. So for the child’s sake, I would prefer to request this of someone else.”
I bowed respectfully as I spoke.
“This is my sincere wish.”
At that, Seo-woo Warrior flustered and waved his hand.
“Ah, I understand. Please, raise your head. Why would my lord bow to me?”
“Do you understand my intention?”
“I do.”
Seo-woo Warrior answered with a wry smile.
“Well then, I shall seek out a renowned naming master.”
“A wise decision.”
“And now I believe it appropriate to return to my duties as your guard. I humbly request your permission.”
Now would be acceptable.
“Very well.”
.
.
.
The next morning, at dawn.
I came out to the courtyard of the Separate Pavilion for martial arts training.
“Good morning.”
And Seo Hyang was already waiting for me.
What impressed me was that she had arrived at the Separate Pavilion before me—which meant she had woken quite some time earlier.
Compared to me, who simply threw on clothes upon waking and came out, she must have needed more time to prepare.
“Then, let us begin our training.”
“Yes.”
She and I sat facing each other.
And we began our breathing meditation.
I cultivated the Taiyin Ice-Sea Divine Art, while Seo Hyang practiced the Heavenly Stream Ice Sword’s core technique, the Heavenly Stream Art.
I had previously received my Master’s permission to teach Seo Hyang the Heavenly Stream Ice Sword.

“Since she is my niece, she must master at least this much to evade their scrutiny.”

Nearly three months had passed since I began instructing Seo Hyang in the Celestial Flow Ice Sword technique.
Thanks to learning the Celestial Flow Ice Sword directly from the Palace Master of Northern Sea Ice Palace, teaching Seo Hyang presented no difficulties.
After completing my breathing exercises, I rose from my seat. Shortly after, Seo Hyang also finished her breathing exercises and opened her eyes.
“Now, please review what you learned yesterday.”
“Yes.”
Since dawn was the time I received training from my Master, I primarily taught Seo Hyang sword techniques during midday hours.
And dawn was when she reviewed what she had learned.
As Seo Hyang headed toward one corner of the courtyard, my Master entered the Separate Pavilion.
“I bow to you, Master.”
“Yes, good morning, Small Merchant Guild Leader.”
The fact that I was the Lesser Palace Mistress was a matter kept secret from the outside world.
Therefore, my Master called me by my usual titles—either Lord or Small Merchant Guild Leader.
“Then, I shall begin my training.”
.
.
.
Today’s training with my Master was relentless as always.
Since becoming the Lesser Palace Mistress, the difficulty had increased absurdly.
Ugh, I’m really going to die at this rate.
Honestly, there have been countless moments when I thought I’d perish, yet somehow I’ve managed to survive.
Perhaps that’s possible because of my Master’s remarkably precise control of pace and intensity?
And I myself could feel my skills improving, so I silently accepted the training.
Considering my targets for vengeance, I needed to become far stronger than I currently was.
“With this, today’s training concludes.”
Once again, I had survived.
I forced strength into my trembling legs and barely managed to stand, then performed the respectful salute.
“Thank you for your instruction.”
I couldn’t bow while lying down. After all, I was someone who maintained proper etiquette.
Thump.
I promptly collapsed back to the ground—there was no helping it.
Hmm?
Usually, after training ended, my Master would turn sharply and leave the Separate Pavilion…
But today he wasn’t doing that, which suggested he had something to tell me.
“Do you have something to say to your disciple, Master?”
“Sigh, actually, an urgent message arrived from Yangyang Martial Hall last night.”
“From Yangyang Martial Hall?”
What could it be?
Did something go wrong with constructing the new Martial Hall building?
Or perhaps an attack?
If it were neither, there’d be no reason to send an urgent message.
“The Lesser Palace Mistress of the Northern Sea Ice Palace has come to the Yangyang Martial Hall.”
Bing Haerin, Young Palace Master, has come to the Yangyang Martial Hall?
It’s not an everyday occurrence, but is it urgent enough to warrant an express message?
Didn’t she visit before?
As if answering my doubts, my Master continued speaking.
“It seems the Northern Sea Ice Palace is currently facing some difficulties. She appears to have come to request our assistance.”
If the Lesser Palace Mistress came in person, the situation must be quite serious. But what could we possibly help with?
As if reading my unspoken question, my Master withdrew a letter from his robes and handed it to me.
“Read it.”
Ah…
This is a letter sent directly by the Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace?
As I read the letter, I let out an involuntary whistle of admiration.
I began to understand why the Palace Master had sent this letter personally.
“Currently, the Seolpung Palace receives assistance from the Northern Sea Ice Palace, but in truth, one of the fundamental purposes of the Seolpung Palace is to protect the Northern Sea Ice Palace.”
My Master continued.
“I believe that with your capabilities as the Small Merchant Guild Leader, you would be more than capable of resolving this situation. What do you think?”
I smiled with confidence.
“Of course. This is precisely my specialty.”
The Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace must have anticipated that this letter would reach me and sent the Lesser Palace Mistress accordingly.
However, to resolve this matter, I’ll need to travel to the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
Just when the weather has improved, it looks like I’ll be going on another field assignment.

A moment later,
I ordered Palgap and the Guard Warriors to prepare for our departure to the Northern Sea Ice Palace, then headed to the Dining Hall for breakfast.
As I took my seat, Father entered.
Perfect timing.
I greeted Father and spoke.
“Father, I’ll be making a trip to the Northern Sea Ice Palace.”
“What? The Northern Sea Ice Palace?”
“Yes.”
At my response, Father chuckled.
“You’re the only one who speaks of visiting the Northern Sea Ice Palace as casually as visiting the next village.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“Think of it however you wish.”
Father wore a wry smile.
“So, what’s the matter?”
“The people of the Northern Sea Ice Palace appear to be starving. I must go to provide assistance.”
That was when it happened.
“What did you say? What do you mean by that?”
A voice from behind.
Jin-ho’s voice. He rushed toward me and asked.
“Answer me straight! What’s happened to where my mother-in-law is!”
“Well… that is…”
Would I have said such a thing without noticing Jin-ho approaching the Dining Hall?
“The truth is, the Northern Sea Ice Palace isn’t receiving proper food supplies right now, so the people there are starving. That’s why I’m planning to take provisions and go directly to the Northern Sea Ice Palace.”
Jin-ho cried out solemnly.
“You fool! If something like this happens, you should have told me first! I’m coming too! Don’t try to stop me!”
I averted my gaze from Jin-ho’s eyes slightly. Inside, I smiled with satisfaction.
Why would I try to stop him?
I’d planned to go with him from the start.
Jin-ho had bitten firmly onto the bait I’d cast.

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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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