The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 407

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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 Eun Hae Trading Company Chapter 407

Chapter 407. The Harvest I Awaited (2)

At my words, Wi Jun-deok Shop Owner blinked his eyes as if momentarily at a loss for words.
Then, collecting himself, he asked me.
“Did I just hear you correctly say ‘taverns’?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Then exactly how many are you planning to acquire?”
I answered with a smile.
“I haven’t decided on a specific number yet. It will depend on the negotiation results and circumstances.”
“As the Small Guild Master knows, acquiring taverns is a much larger undertaking than one might think.”
Wi Jun-deok Shop Owner continued.
“The taverns in this region have suffered no small losses due to the alcohol prohibition decree. And in a situation where we don’t know how long the poor harvests will continue, it also means taking on ever-increasing deficits.”
As he said, acquiring taverns in Hangzhou right now wasn’t merely a matter of acquisition itself.
What came after acquisition was also a problem.
Which is why taverns, which rarely came on the market under normal circumstances, were now appearing as available properties.
Which meant now was the opportunity to purchase taverns.
“I understand your concerns, Wi Shop Owner. But I’m not speaking carelessly or without thought either.”
“Of course I know. But I’m worried because….”
I spoke gently with a smile.
“I appreciate your concern for me.”
“Hmm, but does anyone know about the Small Guild Master’s plan?”
At that question, I shook my head.
“No one. You’re the first person I’ve told.”
At my words, his expression grew touched, and he spoke with solemn determination.
“I must live up to the Small Guild Master’s trust. So, what should I do?”
“Tell me about the situation of each tavern.”
I am a merchant who pursues profit thoroughly.
It’s only natural to purchase taverns as cheaply as possible relative to their value.
“First, which of the taverns in Hangzhou is in the best condition?”
“Pardon?”
Wi Jun-deok Shop Owner’s expression grew puzzled.
“You mean the one in the best condition, not the one in the worst condition?”
“Yes. I plan to begin negotiations from that one.”
“Why is that?”
“The one in the most difficult situation would be easiest to acquire cheaply, but that would cause difficulties later.”
I continued.
“The tavern keepers of Hangzhou are as sensitive to rumors as anyone in this city. So if one by one, the taverns begin to change hands, they will certainly feel a sense of crisis.”
“That’s certainly true.”
“Are the tavern keepers of West Lake ordinary people? Running a tavern requires more than just ordinary resolve. Given that, there’s a high likelihood they’ll band together and hold their ground.”
“That would be the case.”
“So that’s where I’m targeting their blind spot. If we acquire the tavern in the best position first, what do you think the other tavern keepers will think?”
At my words, Wi Jun-deok Shop Owner struck his knee as if enlightened.
“Ah, I see! Then they’ll think, ‘That place fell? If we hold out any longer, we’ll suffer even greater losses.'”
“Exactly.”
“I’m learning yet another lesson from you today, Small Guild Master.”
“I’m embarrassed. I’m merely repeating what my Father and Elder Brothers taught me.”
At my modest words, he nodded and wore a satisfied expression.
“Let me see… if you’re talking about the tavern in the best position right now, that would be the one.”
.
.
.
After finishing my conversation with Wi Shop Owner, I made my way back to Yangyang Martial School.
“Young Master, I’ve made a resolution again today.”
“What is it?”
“I will never make you my enemy.”
“What are you talking about? Why would you make me your enemy? Don’t tell me you’re thinking of quitting as my attendant?”
At my question, Palgap jumped up and spoke.
“That’s absolutely not it, sir! What I meant was that you’re that frightening.”
At those words, the guards and Seo Hyang nodded in agreement.
“What’s so frightening about me…”
I grumbled and started to pet Geumryeong, but stopped short.
For some reason, I sensed that Geumryeong was trembling.
“Stop talking nonsense and let’s get some rest.”
.
.
.
The next day, I headed toward one of the taverns at West Lake.
Cheongpa-ru.
In my previous life, it was one of the taverns that survived even during the five-year great famine.
That was because the food at this tavern was delicious and the quality of its courtesans was high.
So that’s why I said it was in the best position among Hangzhou’s taverns.
When we arrived, Palgap asked.
“Wait, isn’t this the place we visited before?”
“That’s right.”
When we came here, I brought everyone and we enjoyed the special dishes on the fifth floor.
“I still remember the magnificent scenery of West Lake that we saw back then.”
The Seo-woo Warrior’s words prompted the other three Guard Warriors to nod in agreement.
However, Myeong-jong Warrior, Chang-un Warrior, and Seo Hyang could not relate.
It was inevitable, since they had not yet formed connections with me.
That was fine.
We could create new shared memories together.
As we approached the tavern, the Shop Attendant hurried over to greet us.
“Have you come to dine? Then please allow us to welcome you to our Cheongpa-ru!”
Hmm, I liked the Shop Attendant.
He was quite enthusiastic.
“Is there seating available on the fifth floor right now?”
“Of course!”
He swiftly guided us to the fifth floor.
“Wow….”
Myeong-jong Warrior, Chang-un Warrior, and Seo Hyang gasped at the view visible from the fifth floor.
Not only they, but all the other guests present here also marveled at it.
Indeed, the view of West Lake from here was breathtaking no matter how many times one saw it.
“Will you be ordering?”
I spoke without looking at the order tablet the Shop Attendant offered.
“The house specialties.”
“Understood. What tea would you prefer?”
Despite being a tavern, the Shop Attendant asked only about tea instead of drinks, due to the alcohol prohibition.
I entrusted the tea selection to him as well.
“Bring your recommended tea.”
“Thank you. I’ll have it prepared right away.”
I handed over silver coins and spoke.
“I’ll pay in advance. And may I ask a personal favor?”
“Of course.”
I asked him to deliver food to the Yangyang Martial School.
He nodded brightly with a smile.
“Ah, so you’re that person! Wasn’t it about a year ago that you asked us to deliver food to the Yangyang Martial School?”
“That’s correct. You have an excellent memory.”
The Shop Attendant scratched his head.
“Not at all. It’s simply such an unusual request. It’s rare for someone to ask us to deliver tavern food in such large quantities to somewhere else, isn’t it?”
“That’s true.”
“You’re truly a kind person. Please wait a moment. I’ll have the food prepared shortly.”
“I’d appreciate it if you could bring the tea first.”
“Understood.”
With that, the Shop Attendant descended, and I stood beside the tavern’s pavilion.
The expansive West Lake stretched before me.
The landscape as May transitioned into June was different from what I had seen before.
People are dying from the famine, and this tavern too struggles to keep its doors open, yet the scenery of West Lake remains eternally beautiful, piercing the eyes with its brilliance.
“If possible, let us visit again in autumn. That’s when we can taste the osmanthus flower tea brewed with sweet osmanthus blossoms.”
Lee Pil Warrior nodded at my words.
“It’s a flavor I truly wish to share with the Two Warriors and Gwak Vice-Manager as well.”
The other warriors nodded at that remark.
“Indeed, warriors should thank heaven for meeting such a lord.”
At Palgap’s words, Seo-woo Warrior spoke up.
“Precisely because we know this, we already set out fresh water each morning and pray for our lord’s health and longevity. Surely Palgap isn’t neglecting such duties?”
At that, Palgap flustered.
“I, I’m naturally doing that as well!”
“Really?”
I asked with a smile.
“I haven’t seen it.”
“Ahem, ahem, a man’s prayers shouldn’t be carelessly displayed to others, I said.”
We laughed.
Now I realized Palgap had another rival besides Geumryeong—Seo-woo Warrior.
Well, Seo-woo Warrior was no ordinary person, after all.

Soon the tavern’s specialty dishes arrived.
The taste was little different from what I’d eaten before.
Which meant it was still delicious.
That’s how it survived even that severe drought.
After finishing the meal, I pulled the bell cord to summon the Shop Attendant.
“Did you enjoy your meal?”
“It was delicious as always. Please convey my gratitude to the Head Chef.”
“Understood.”
“And, is the proprietor of this tavern present now? I’d like to meet Luzu.”
At my question, the Shop Attendant’s eyes changed.
“Are you asking to meet the proprietor as a guest?”
“No.”
“Are you truly not?”
His reaction to my mention of meeting Luzu was sharper than necessary.
What was that about?
Then Palgap came close and spoke to me.
“I’ve heard the proprietor of this Cheongpa-ru is known as the finest beauty in Hangzhou.”
“Ah, that’s right.”
I nodded and spoke.
“I knew it, but hadn’t given it much thought.”
Now I understood why the Shop Attendant had reacted that way. This was a tavern with courtesans.
And the proprietor of this tavern was herself an accomplished courtesan.
However, many customers who frequented taverns failed to distinguish between courtesans and gisaengs.
As a result, the shop attendants often suffered at the hands of such troublesome patrons.
And typically, taverns and gisaeng houses maintained strict conditions and rules for meeting a Luzu.
The Shop Attendant tilted his head at our appearance.
He couldn’t tell whether I was being truthful or merely trying to confuse him.
That’s when Palgap spoke to the Shop Attendant.
“My young master has little interest in women. He simply wishes to discuss business matters with Luzu.”
“Is that so?”
“Indeed. Had my young master any interest in women, he would have summoned courtesans immediately upon arrival to enliven the mood. Would he not?”
“Hmm, I see. That makes sense.”
“Ah, but that doesn’t mean my young master is impotent. Please don’t misunderstand.”
Hey, Pal… Palgap.
Did you really have to say that last part?
With Seo Hyang right beside me… this is genuinely embarrassing.
As this unfolded, the Shop Attendant spoke to me.
“I shall inform the Tavern Master.”
The Shop Attendant descended to the lower floor, and I turned to Palgap.
“Palgap, regardless of how well-intentioned your defense was, that last remark…”
“What remark, sir?”
Seeing his utterly innocent expression, my desire to press the matter evaporated entirely.
And besides, it felt awkward to voice it myself…
“…Never mind.”

Wait a moment. The Shop Attendant from earlier approached us and spoke.
“Luzu wishes to see you. I shall escort you to Luzu’s chamber.”
I followed the Shop Attendant downstairs.
Luzu’s chamber was on the third floor, and a Warrior stood guard at the door.
“This is the person who wished to meet with Luzu, as I mentioned earlier.”
Only then did I realize I hadn’t introduced myself.
I spoke to the Warrior.
“I am Eun Seo-ho, the Small Guild Master of the Eun Hae Trading Company.”
At my words, the Warrior’s eyes widened slightly, and he called inside.
“Luzu, the Small Guild Master Eun Seo-ho, whom you wished to meet, has arrived.”
“Show him in.”
The door creaked open.
I stepped inside.
I began to understand Luzu’s character. The sparse chamber, devoid of unnecessary ornaments, revealed a frugal nature.
Yet she herself was impeccably adorned.
Because of this, her already beautiful visage appeared even more radiant.
Truly, the title “Hangzhou’s Greatest Beauty” was well-deserved.
“Welcome. I am Qingpa, the proprietor of this Cheongpa-ru.”
So the tavern had been named after the proprietor’s given name.
“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Eun Seo-ho, Small Guild Master of the Eun Hae Trading Company.”
“I have heard much of your reputation. They call you Seon Hyeop Mi-rang, do they not?”
“….”
I could not escape that epithet even here.
“Please, be seated. Shall I prepare tea for you?”
“That is not necessary. I have just finished a satisfying meal and have no room for tea.”
“It seems our Cheongpa-ru’s cuisine pleased you.”
“Indeed, very much so.”
She promptly broached the main subject.
“What brings you to seek an audience with me? I heard you wished to discuss a business matter.”
“That is correct.”
I nodded readily.
“I shall not speak in circles. I wish to acquire this tavern.”
“Pardon?”
“I said I wish to acquire this tavern.”
She regarded me with curiosity and asked.
“May I ask your reason? I understand there are several taverns on the market. However, our establishment has never been put up for sale. How can you speak of such a thing?”
“When someone desires to purchase something, does it not mean they find it appealing?”
“You mean this tavern appeals to you?”
“Precisely. I find everything about this tavern appealing. In other words, you appeal to me as well.”
“Pardon?”
At my words, she seemed flustered, then bit her lip.
Ah, there might be a misunderstanding.
“What I meant was, I think it’s wonderful that Luzu manages this tavern. I was only thinking of holding the ownership myself.”
“I see.”
Fortunately, the misunderstanding seemed to have cleared.
“…Let me think about it.
It’s not a negative answer, but it’s hardly a positive one either.
The fact that an outright refusal didn’t come immediately confirms that this situation is ambiguous as well.
But if I push any further now, her resistance might make things worse.
Should I leave it at this for today?
“Then I’ll take my leave. I do hope for a positive response.”

I descended to the first floor. My companions were already waiting for me there.
They could have stayed on the fifth floor.
“Farewell to you.”
I left the tavern with the Shop Attendant’s farewell. Or rather, I was about to.
Thud.

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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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