The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 413

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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 413

Chapter 413. The Harvest I Had Awaited (8)

The next day.
I left Cheongpa Pavilion as the sun descended toward the horizon.
“Where are we headed today, sir?”
At Palgap’s question, I pointed with my hand toward the tavern I intended to visit.
“Woljurul.”
The name meant “Moon Wine”—because when one tilted a wine cup beneath the moonlit sky at that establishment, the moon’s reflection would shimmer in the glass.
Though the inn had originally borne a different name, people had begun saying “let’s go drink moon wine” so frequently that the tavern’s name eventually changed to match the phrase.
Yet the tavern’s popularity stemmed from far more than mere poetic charm.
As a proper tavern, naturally the wine itself was exquisite.
Its crisp, refreshing quality was exceptional, and because the taste evoked the sensation of a cool moon, it had earned the name Moon Wine.
In earlier times, crowds had thronged its entrance seeking Moon Wine, but now with the alcohol prohibition in effect….
In my previous life, it was the Murim Alliance who had acquired this establishment.
They had brewed this Moon Wine and sold it to the Dae-Wol Kingdom, reaping substantial profits.
The crisp, refreshing character suited the Dae-Wol Kingdom’s climate perfectly, and they had taken a particular liking to the wine’s name as well.
Not only the Dae-Wol Kingdom, but neighboring nations too would journey here to purchase Moon Wine—what more need be said?
At my response, the Yeo Eung-am Warrior spoke.
“The Moon Wine from Woljurul—I’ve sampled it myself once.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. That sensation of refreshment flowing from throat to belly…ah, merely imagining it brings joy. Haha.”
I smiled in return and nodded in agreement.
An establishment like this absolutely must be acquired.
As we entered Woljurul, the Shop Attendant greeted us warmly.
“Welcome! To Woljurul!”
“Which location offers the finest view?”
“Why, this floor, of course.”
Typically one would recommend the panorama from higher floors, but this establishment was peculiar—this floor offered the superior vantage.
The outdoor seating on this floor was the ideal place to savor Moon Wine.
“Due to the alcohol prohibition, you cannot have Moon Wine, but you may enjoy moon tea freely.”
“Then I shall make do with moon tea instead.”
I examined the menu the Shop Attendant presented and placed my order.
“I’ll have the ‘Clear Moon’ at the top of the list.”
“Understood. Forgive me, but our tavern operates on a prepayment basis.”
At those words, I withdrew coins from my purse and offered them.
“Thank you. Please wait a moment.”
I could proceed with purchasing the tavern immediately, but I’ve decided to have dinner first.
It’s a consideration for the Guard Warriors who are working hard, Palgap, and Seo Hyang.
I feel a bit sorry for Seo-woo Warrior, who couldn’t come here because he was escorting Cheongpa Pavilion.
Of course, he would say, “I am fine, my lord. Isn’t your command the priority?”
I’ll have to bring him along later.
Shortly after, the food began to arrive.
Quite refined dishes.
This time, I hadn’t requested delivery from Yangyang Martial School.
This place was quite far from Yangyang Martial School.
And so we began our evening meal.
The reflection of the moon floating in the teacup evoked a peculiar charm.
A place like this must have been one of the famous establishments in Hangzhou before the alcohol prohibition.
After the famine ended, this tavern once again became crowded with patrons.
So the Murim Alliance, which acquired this tavern, earned quite a tidy income through it.
This time, absolutely not to the Murim Alliance…
I widened my eyes as I was drinking tea.
Huh? What is this? What did I just drink?
A refreshing sensation I had never felt before lingered in my mouth. It tastes like Longjing tea, but… it’s somehow more invigorating than Longjing tea.
I tilted my head and tasted the tea once more.
It wasn’t just I who found the tea taste peculiar—my companions sitting together also tilted their heads.
“The tea is warm, yet it feels refreshing.”
“This is definitely hot.”
“It’s quite unusual.”
I pulled the bell cord and called for the Shop Attendant.
“Yes, did you call for me?”
“What is the name of this tea?”
“Ah, that tea was newly created by our tavern’s Tea Master. We call it Moon Tea.”
I thought it was meant to enjoy the sight of the moon floating in the teacup, but the tea’s name was Moon Tea!
In my previous life, there’s no way such a flavor wouldn’t have been known.
What on earth happened?
I pondered for a moment, then shook my head.
I could think about the reason later.
I could be certain of one thing.
This Moon Tea would become as popular a product as Woljurok.
Shortly after.
After finishing the meal, I called for the Shop Attendant again.
“The meal was delicious. Please convey my gratitude to the Head Chef.”
“Understood.”
“And I would like to meet the owner of this tavern.”
By owner, I meant the proprietor, not the operator.
Cheongpa Pavilion and Quyue Pavilion were exceptional cases; most taverns and gisaeng houses had different owners and operators.
Usually, merchant guilds owned the taverns, but here in Hangzhou, most were owned by estate lords.
That’s partly why Sung Jang-ju foolishly ventured into the tavern business out of envy.
In any case, thanks to that, I could smoothly acquire the taverns of Hangzhou.
If a merchant guild had owned the taverns, they would have weathered the famine better and survived.
This was also the reason I was actively acquiring Hangzhou’s taverns at this opportunity.
If not for this chance, acquiring businesses in Hangzhou would be incredibly difficult.
In any case, in such cases, the Pavilion Master typically managed operations, while the true owner was someone else.
“The owner of our tavern is already waiting on the first floor.”
“Is that so?”
Waiting for me?
“If you wish to have a conversation, I can prepare a room on the fifth floor.”

A moment later.
I climbed to the fifth floor and waited there briefly when a man came huffing and puffing up to join me.
He was a somewhat portly man, with two guards following behind him.
I rose from my seat.
“I am Eun Seo-ho, Small Guild Master of the Eun Hae Trading Company. Are you the owner of this Woljurul?”
“Indeed. My name is Man Jin. I am a manor lord here in Hangzhou who owns some land and buildings.”
“Then, would it be improper to call you Man Jangju?”
“Others call me that as well, so there would be no impropriety.”
Despite appearing considerably older than me, he spoke respectfully and even seemed to defer to me.
Could it be…?
I probed him lightly.
“I came here because I was truly drawn to this tavern, and it really is splendid.”
“I’m grateful to hear you say so. Haha.”
Rather than immediately expressing intent to purchase, I continued praising the tavern.
His expression grew increasingly anxious.
I was certain now.
He wanted me to acquire this tavern.
He said he was waiting on the first floor earlier.
He must have rushed here upon hearing news of my visit.
And it seemed he had waited until I finished my meal.
In truth, I had acquired Cheongpa Pavilion and Quyue Pavilion with this very hope, but things were progressing better than expected.
Should I get down to business now?
“I wish to purchase this tavern. What is its value?”
“Five hundred thousand silver taels.”
What?
Five hundred thousand?
The price was far cheaper than I anticipated, and I found myself taken aback despite myself.
“Five hundred silver coins, correct?”
“If that’s difficult, four hundred silver coins is also acceptable.
Interpreting my bewildered expression differently, he hastily lowered the price.
I examined Man Jangju’s appearance carefully.
Though he had some flesh on him, there were also gaunt areas, and his skin hung loosely—signs of recent, rapid weight loss.
The reason why the owner and lord of such a tavern had come to this state was obvious.
His circumstances were far more dire than expected.
A landowner with farmland might have fared better, but if his spending habits remained unchanged, he would struggle.
During such severe crop failures, harvests would shrink to half or less.
That would mean hundreds of taels in annual deficits.
There’s a saying about this.
You must spend while earning; squandering saved money happens in an instant.
Man Jangju was now carefully gauging my reaction.
Besides, the Murim Alliance’s acquisition of this tavern would come later.
That meant the Murim Alliance had purchased Woljurul for four hundred silver coins or less.
Seeing how Man Jangju immediately lowered his price at my expression, it was clear the tavern hadn’t been listed for sale yet, but its collapse wouldn’t be surprising.
I briefly considered haggling him down further.
I only considered it, though.
I could have easily pushed the price lower, but there was still such a thing as merchant’s honor.
And this place housed the Yangyang Martial School, and anyone who mattered would soon know of my special connection to it.
Moreover, I am the Lesser Palace Mistress of Seolpung Palace.
As the Lesser Palace Mistress, I cannot exert negative influence on the Yangyang Martial School.
And owning such a tavern and being called its lord means being a person of standing in Hangzhou.
That means he could become someone who sides with us in future dealings between the Yangyang Martial School and Sung Jang-ju.
“Very well.”
“Then at eight hundred silver coins—”
“I’ll give you eight hundred silver coins.”
“Pardon?”
His eyes widened in astonishment.
I offered him a suitable reason to lift his spirits.
“How could I possibly acquire such a magnificent tavern at the pittance of five hundred coins?”
“Exactly! Exactly! This tavern was so renowned before the liquor ban.”
“Do you have any conditions you’d like to impose?”
“Nothing like that. Do as you wish.”
Min Estate Lord’s face was filled only with joy at being able to sell the tavern.
Indeed,
when a tavern makes money, it makes tremendous profits, but otherwise it’s a money-devouring demon.
Thus we drafted the contract and formally took over Woljurul at the price of eight hundred silver coins.
We descended to the First Floor.
All the tavern’s staff were waiting on the First Floor. It made sense—the tavern’s ownership was changing hands.
Everyone’s nerves were naturally on edge.
After all, the composition of the staff could change depending on the new owner’s intentions.
A beautifully adorned woman approached us.
Upon seeing her, Man Jangju pointed at me and spoke.
“Allow me to introduce you. This is the new proprietor.”
“I am Eun Seo-ho, Small Guild Master of the Eun Hae Trading Company.”
“I am Hong Mae, Pavilion Master of Woljurul.”
She bowed in greeting, her expression anxious as she regarded me.
And understandably so—when ownership changed hands, the Pavilion Master’s position was often the first to be replaced.
But I harbored no such intentions.
“You have labored greatly to maintain this tavern through such difficult circumstances.”
“Ah, yes… you are too kind….”
“I look forward to your continued service.”
“Pardon?”
She looked at me with an expression of disbelief.
“Why are you so surprised?”
“Then… I won’t be removed from my position as Pavilion Master?”
“Why would I remove a Pavilion Master who has managed so admirably? Though recent performance has been lackluster, that was merely unavoidable misfortune brought on by crop failure and the alcohol prohibition edict.”
I continued with a smile.
“Therefore, I hope for your continued dedication.”
At my words, she prostrated herself with overwhelming gratitude.
“I shall devote myself entirely to managing the tavern.”
“I believe in you.”
Min Estate Lord, who had been listening to our exchange, spoke.
“Then, I shall take my leave.”
“Ah! How thoughtless of me to detain you further, my lord.”
“Not at all. It pains me to part with a tavern I have grown fond of over the years, but knowing it passes to the Small Guild Master eases that sorrow considerably.”
He speaks well indeed.
I smiled and matched his sentiment.
“I am grateful for your trust in entrusting it to me. Safe travels.”
“Perhaps we shall meet again someday.”
After seeing off Man Jangju, I turned to Hong Mae and made a request.
“Then, would you introduce me to the tavern’s staff?”
She nodded at my words.
“First, this group here….”
Thus she introduced the tavern’s members one by one, and finally the moment I had been awaiting arrived.
“These are the master craftsmen who have been the pride of Woljurul, creating our signature wine.”
Ten individuals comprised this group.
Yet all of them appeared gaunt and emaciated.
And little wonder.
The liquor ban has now persisted for over two years, preventing any brewing.
With little work to do and the constant threat of dismissal hanging over them….
But these artisans were the core reason I acquired this tavern.
“Woljurul was not merely the pride of Woljurul—it will continue to be its pride.”
“I am grateful for your kind words.”
I spoke to them.
“I wish to draw up a separate contract with all of you.”
“Pardon?”
“I hold your talents in high regard. Though you cannot brew spirits now, this restriction is temporary. Soon, the moment will come when your skills shine brilliantly.”
I smiled.
“To prepare for that day, I wish to secure a contract with you now. I will increase your current wages by fifty percent.”
Their eyes widened in astonishment at my words.
“Is this truly the case, sir?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Thank you! Thank you so much!”
They prostrated themselves before me.
“Gwak Vice-Manager.”
“Yes.”
“Please prepare the contract documents.”
“Understood.”
Seo Hyang brought brush and ink, settling before the table, and we exchanged our terms.
Thus the contract was finalized.
Excellent!
I had secured the master brewers who created Woljurul before the Murim Alliance could.
I could already hear the sound of gold flowing in!
– Chirp! Chirp!
Geum-ryeong, seeing your excitement, you must have heard the sound of gold too.
Wait a moment….
How could Geum-ryeong know that?
Did you truly hear the sound of gold coming in?

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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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