The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 431
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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 431
Chapter 431. A Risk Factor (7)
The House Master sighed deeply.
“Seong-geol. Stop denying it now.”
“That’s a forgery! Someone forged my handwriting!”
Moyong Seong-geol refused to admit the truth.
It was time for me to step in.
“If I may say something.”
“What is it?”
Everyone’s attention turned toward me.
“The money that was in that pouch—it appears Moyong Seong-geol gave it to this warrior as payment. Is that correct?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Quite a substantial sum.”
Only then did people pay attention to the money that had spilled out with the pouch.
Ten gold ingots.
Gold ingots were something ordinary people never even saw, making this a considerable fortune.
“The Moyong Clan must be quite wealthy. Even for a direct descendant, it’s remarkable to give away such an amount as allowance.”
“That’s not true.”
Moyong Tae-geol stepped forward to deny it.
“Our allowances are fixed. We don’t receive that much.”
“Then where did that money come from?”
At my question, Moyong Seong-geol cried out in panic.
“I, I saved it myself!”
But no one believed him.
Given his spending habits, there was no way he could have accumulated such wealth.
“Is it a bribe?”
“….”
“Rather, if the young master saved this money… that means the money was indeed given by Moyong Seong-geol.”
“!”
Watching Moyong Seong-geol rendered speechless, the House Master sighed again.
“Seong-geol. Stop this now.”
“Father….”
“Did you truly think I would know nothing of those you associate with?”
“….”
“You have done what you should not have done, and as an adult, you must bear the consequences.”
At those words, Moyong Seong-geol’s eyes widened fiercely as he protested.
“Yes, Father. I take full responsibility. But what have I done so wrong? Is striving to become a Sub-family Head such a grave mistake?”
The House Master shook his head with a click of his tongue.
“You misunderstand. I am not condemning your effort to become a Sub-family Head. I am condemning the methods you employed—things you should never have done to achieve that goal.”
“Then what exactly have I done….”
The House Master approached him and whispered softly.
“Did you not draw in the Black Path?”
“That, that’s….”
“Those men you grew close to, those who provided you with funds—they are people of the Black Path.”
“…!”
Moyong Seong-geol’s face hardened.
“Therefore, remain silent while I preserve your honor. Should you cause any further disturbance, you will lose even that meager honor.”
“….”
Listening to that exchange, I let out a silent laugh within myself.
As expected, the House Master knew everything.
Moyong Seong-geol collapsed into his seat with an expression as though the heavens had fallen upon him.
“I shall render my judgment!”
At the House Master’s words, all eyes turned toward him.
“First, Yeon Jung Warrior!”
“Yes.”
“I have decided to take into account the circumstances that forced you to undertake this matter. Moreover, both the Sub-family Head and the victim, the Great Hero Eun Seo-ho, wished for no punishment. They said your only crime was being used.”
That was true.
He had merely been used.
Some would still condemn him, saying that regardless of circumstances, one should never participate in harming others.
But what father, watching his son die, would not commit a crime if it meant saving him?
And Moyong Seong-geol, who exploited such a father’s heart to harm me—he was the true villain.
“Therefore, I command that you work in the Moyong Clan for ten years, receiving only one-tenth of your original monthly wage.”
“Thank you! Thank you so much!”
A drastic salary reduction.
It appeared a harsh punishment, but given what he had done, it was quite merciful.
“And Moyong Seong-geol.”
The House Master glanced at Bok Yun Sub-leader before continuing.
“This matter concerns the honor of our Moyong Clan itself! Furthermore, the crime of drawing in external forces is all the more grave! Therefore, I strip Moyong Seong-geol of all rights as a direct bloodline member.”
It was finished.
Thus, I had removed the greatest risk factor, ensuring I would not repeat the mistakes of my previous life.
My elder brother’s sentence was carried out immediately.
In the case of Yeon Jung Warrior, we arranged for him to visit his son first.
Of course, he was accompanied by those keeping watch.
As for Moyong Seong-geol, he was expelled from the Inner Quarters where he had been residing and confined to the Outer Quarters.
He had only been able to stay in the Inner Quarters because of his direct bloodline.
Beyond that, countless privileges were stripped from him entirely.
Considering all the schemes he had orchestrated while coveting the position of House Master, there was little reason to pity him.
.
.
.
“So you’re leaving tomorrow?”
I was conversing with the House Master in my quarters.
“Yes. I had intended to depart today, but matters have delayed me.”
The House Master apologized to me with a pained expression.
“I’m sorry. This is largely my fault.”
“Please, do not blame yourself so harshly.”
“Still, your recovery isn’t complete yet, is it? Are you certain you can move about already?”
“While that is true, I have a considerable backlog of work. If it accumulates further, I fear it will become truly difficult to manage.”
“Then this is indeed troublesome.”
“Yes. I ask for your understanding.”
“Understanding? Of course that is what should be done.”
The House Master nodded and withdrew a small pouch from his robes, offering it to me.
“This is an apology for this entire matter.”
“This is?”
“It is a spiritual elixir from the Main House. It is particularly suited for those with a yin-natured constitution, so I believe it will be beneficial for you.”
I considered refusing since I was not actually ill, but seeing his expression, it seemed I should not decline.
And this elixir carried an implicit request as well.
That I keep this matter secret.
Well, I had already intended to do so. I too had feigned illness, and I had no desire to draw the attention of the Murim Alliance unnecessarily.
“I accept with gratitude.”
“That said, I heard from Tae-geol. Do you truly have no intention of marriage with my daughter?”
“I apologize. I already have a woman in my heart.”
From experience, simply saying no to such people is ineffective.
One must provide a plausible reason.
“While it is not shameful to take multiple wives and concubines, I fear I would neglect her if my heart were not fully committed. I believe Young Lady Yeon Gyeol should be united with someone who truly cherishes her.”
“I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
For some reason, my thoughts drifted to Seo Hyang in Beijing…
Well, it must be because I have so much work piled up.
After the House Master left my quarters, Moyong Tae-geol Sub-family Head came to find me.
We shared many words together.
And finally, he broached the subject.
“I will absolutely repay the debt beyond the deposit of three taels of silver you mentioned before.”
“I look forward to it. And never let your guard down.”
“Yes. I will remain vigilant.”
With this, I need not worry about Liaoning any longer.
The next day, I returned to Gwangjun Trading Company with Bok Yun’s Spouse and the others.
And as promised, the following day, I and my party prepared to depart.
“Will you ride the Jugang horse when you leave?”
At Bok Yun Sub-leader’s question, I nodded.
“Yes. These are horses that have come under my command, and if I ride a different one, those beasts will grow jealous.”
“That certainly makes sense. Then what will you do with the horses you rode here?”
“That’s precisely what troubles me.”
At my words, Bok Yun Sub-leader pondered briefly before offering a solution.
“If you’re still uncertain, what of this: leave the horses here, and when I travel to the Imperial Palace to deliver horses next time, I’ll take your party’s mounts and deliver them to the Eun Hae Trading Company Beijing Branch.”
“If you would do that, I am truly grateful.”
“There’s no need for gratitude. Young Master Eun is my true friend.”
.
.
.
We gathered our belongings and headed toward the Gwangjun Caravan Ranch.
“By the way, Young Master.”
“What is it?”
“Are you leading the Jugang horses with us?”
Palgap’s question was natural. I hadn’t explained the details to him yet.
“Of course.”
“Still, when we return leading Jugang horses, I suspect the Merchant Guild Leader will be quite astonished.”
“Indeed. Imagining it now, I find it rather delightful.”
Soon we arrived at the ranch.
“Welcome.”
Haeng-su and the ranch workers greeted us warmly.
“Please guide us to where these people’s Jugang horses are kept.”
At Bok Yun Sub-leader’s words, Haeng-su promptly replied.
“Yes. This way, please.”
The place where the Jugang horses were kept was the most comfortable and finest spot in the entire ranch.
The eyes of the ranch workers tending the Jugang horses gleamed as though they were beholding something divine.
In this region, it was said that wishes come true when one beholds a Jugang horse.
As we appeared, the Ju Kang Horse let out a neigh.
“There, there. I’m happy to see you too.”
“Neigh!”
“Then let’s head back now.”
I spoke to Palgap and the Guard Warriors.
“Each of you, pick one Ju Kang Horse for yourselves.”
“Pardon?”
“Palgap, you pick one too.”
“Hmm? What do you mean by that, sir?”
I answered with a grin.
“A gift.”
At my words, they were startled and waved their hands frantically.
“No, no! We cannot accept such a grand gift.”
“A Ju Kang Horse as a gift! If we were to pass these on to others, we could gain such tremendous profit….”
“We are fine, sir.”
I shook my head at their words.
“First, these horses cannot be carelessly handed over to others. You’ve seen their temperament, haven’t you? Riding these horses, we cannot guarantee your safety.”
“I see.”
“And if I ride a Ju Kang Horse while you all ride ordinary horses, can you keep up with my pace?”
“….”
The Ju Kang Horse was a legendary steed said to cover three thousand li in a single day.
Even exceptional horses couldn’t match that.
At my practical explanation, they nodded.
That much was practical reasoning, but now I needed to speak from my heart.
“In truth, I decided to give these to you from the moment these Ju Kang Horses bowed their heads to me. All I can offer to you, who work so hard for me, is something like this. So please, I hope you will accept them.”
At my words, the warriors all clasped their fists and bowed their heads in unison.
“From this day forward, we shall serve our lord with unwavering loyalty.”
The six warriors and Palgap each began selecting one Ju Kang Horse.
Their eyes sparkled and their cheeks flushed—they were clearly delighted.
I’m glad they’re happy.
Thinking about the speed and stamina of the Ju Kang Horses, I could now reach Beijing from Hubei in just a few days.
Just then, the Ju Kang Horses suddenly whinnied, and Palgap and the Guard Warriors shivered.
“What? Why did you suddenly do that?”
“It’s… as if a cold wind just blew.”
“I suddenly got chills, sir.”
How did they sense my thoughts?
Well, anyway, of the ten Ju Kang Horses, I gave one as a wedding gift to Bok Yun Sub-leader.
Of course, I didn’t forget to threaten him that if he injured Bok Yun Sub-leader while riding it, I wouldn’t let him off easy.
Though it was Geumryeong who did the threatening, not me.
So now nine remained.
With six Guard Warriors, Palgap, and myself each riding one horse, that leaves one extra.
That one belongs to Seo Hyang.
I considered giving it to Father as a gift, but it wouldn’t be suitable since he rarely rides.
A Zhujiang horse needs to gallop several hundred li at least once a month, or it will fall ill.
I couldn’t give it to my brothers since there’s only one horse, Eun Jung-ho rarely rides either, and if I gave it to Jin-ho, he’d probably show off too much.
So I decided to give it to Seo Hyang.
We’ll be traveling together frequently from now on, and it would be difficult in many ways to have her ride in front of me every time.
“Have you all chosen your horses?”
“Yes.”
“Then let us depart now.”
I mounted the Zhujiang horse. Palgap and the Guard Warriors also mounted theirs.
My field of vision seemed noticeably higher from up here.
“Then, we shall take our leave.”
“Travel safely. And thank you truly.”
We bid farewell and galloped toward Beijing.
But then—
“Huh? Whoa!”
“Ugh! Why is it so fast?!”
“Argh!”
The horse was far faster than I expected—it felt as though I were using lightness martial arts.
It would take some time to adapt to this speed.
And,
we managed to achieve the remarkable feat of arriving in Beijing in just two days.
Remarkable… right?
We had to rest at night, so it took two days. If we’d ridden through the night, we would’ve made it in one.
“Small Guild Master! You’ve arrived?”
“Yes.”
“But you don’t look well.”
“I’m fine.”
There was a far greater difference than I’d anticipated between moving with direct lightness technique and traveling at high speed while mounted on horseback.
Unlike us, who were struggling, the horses seemed refreshed and energetic.
“These aren’t the horses you rode before. I’ve never seen these ones.”
“They’re newly acquired. Please keep them in the warmest spot in the stable. And make sure to feed them properly at every meal, and give them some candy. Otherwise, these beasts will start chewing on hair.”
“Yes, understood.”
After giving those instructions, I headed to my quarters.
“Will you be bathing?”
“Yes. But are you alright?”
“What do you mean?”
“The horses were going awfully fast.”
At this, Palgap tilted his head in confusion.
Unlike us, who were exhausted, Palgap was not only fine—he was positively vigorous.
Was it because he inherited Sal Wang’s talent?
Either way, he’s quite a remarkable fellow.
After bathing, I arrived at my office.
Creak.
The moment I opened the door.
“Oh! Be careful!”
Along with Seo Hyang’s cry, a mountain of documents came crashing down on me.
“Is… is all of this something I’m supposed to handle?”
At my question, Seo Hyang nodded.
….
Why… why are tears forming?
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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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