The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 445

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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 445

Chapter 445. To Shaolin (1)

Before I knew it, the fifteenth day of the eighth month had arrived.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the greatest celebrations of the year.
Though the summer heat still raged fiercely, it signaled that its grip would soon weaken.
I would need to prepare thoroughly for the coming cold this year as well.
Beijing lay further north than Hubei, making winters considerably harsher.
Of course, summers were less oppressive in return.
Such was the way of things—advantages became disadvantages, and disadvantages became advantages.
We made our way to a dining hall near the Beijing Branch.
While the Mid-Autumn Festival was indeed a peak business period, that applied only to the days leading up to it.
On the festival day itself, reports rarely came in, so many from the Beijing Branch could afford to be absent.
I had rented the entire top floor of an inn.
I wanted everyone—those from Hyunpung who had worked hard during my absence, the Beijing Branch staff, and my guard unit—to dine comfortably without constraint.
If we shared the floor with other guests or had Shop Attendants coming and going, conversation would be difficult.
Most of our discussions concerned company matters, and I couldn’t afford to have anyone eavesdropping.
So I rented the highest floor and requested all the food be prepared and brought up at once.
Though I had reached the pinnacle of cultivation and could sense the qi of those ascending and erect barriers, it was simply bothersome.
As we ate in a warm, convivial atmosphere, Palgap spoke up.
“It’s truly delightful to dine together like this with everyone present.”
The others nodded in agreement.
“Indeed. We should do this more often going forward.”
“Absolutely!”
I casually dropped a remark toward the grinning Palgap.
“Ah, Palgap. Pack your things when we return.”
“Sir?”
Palgap, who had been bringing his chopsticks toward the food, froze with a start.
“Where are we going now?”
“Shaolin. I’ve received an invitation.”
The Guard Warriors, by contrast, reacted with calm composure as if they had anticipated this.
They would naturally assume I was being invited because of the monks from Shaolin I had met on the way to Lanzhou, to whom I had lent money, and because my opinions regarding the true meaning of the Hyeol Gon Seong Seung’s Sword Shrine had been reflected.
However, Seo-woo Warrior and Jin Yu Warrior bore faint smiles.
They knew my reason for going to Shaolin was not merely the invitation, but also the legacy of the Hyeol Gon Seong Seung Master that I now possessed.
“What? Shaolin?”
“Did you just say Shaolin?”
The other Hyunpung staff members, however, showed signs of being taken aback.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“And you’re going by invitation?”
“Yes.”
They marveled at my response.
“Truly remarkable!”
“May we speak of this to others?”
Since the invitation from Shaolin itself was an official matter, I nodded readily.
“There’s no problem with that.”
Seo Hyang spoke from beside me.
“I’ve heard that receiving an invitation from Shaolin is quite rare. You’re truly impressive.”
“Ha ha. You flatter me.”
“Still, since Shaolin is a forbidden area for women, I won’t be able to accompany you this time either.”
“I’m truly sorry about that.”
At my words, she shook her head.
“No, it’s not your fault that Shaolin is a forbidden area for women. You have nothing to apologize for. Besides, if I handle matters here, it will make things easier for you later, won’t it?”
“Well, that’s… true.”
It was the truth, so I couldn’t deny it.
She laughed softly and spoke.
“So don’t worry about me. Have a safe journey.”
Why did my heart feel lighter even as I felt apologetic at Seo Hyang’s words?
Was it because of the beautiful full moon of the Mid-Autumn Festival?
Tonight, the fragrance of plum blossoms emanating from her seemed particularly strong.

The next afternoon.
I methodically instructed the staff of Hyun Pung Bureau on the tasks they needed to complete during my absence.
Since my absences for field work were hardly rare, Yeochang’s Vice-Lord spoke with a smile.
“Please don’t worry and have a safe journey.”
“But… you seem oddly proud about it?”
“You’ve observed well. Haha.”
He continued speaking with a beaming smile.
“To receive an invitation from Shaolin! Isn’t that the pride of our Hyun Pung Bureau?”
Indeed, Yeochang’s Vice-Lord’s reaction wasn’t particularly unusual.
After all, receiving an invitation from Shaolin was quite an honor.
“Young Master Young visited this morning and we spoke. When he heard that you were accepting Shaolin’s invitation, his usual arrogant demeanor suddenly became respectful.”
Young Master Young was someone quite interested in the Murim, wasn’t he? I believe his son had entered some sect as an inner disciple.
For such a person, an invitation from Shaolin would certainly seem remarkable.
“Are you pleased?”
“Of course! How could I not be?”
“I’ll create many more reasons for you to be proud of in the future.”
“Ah, just hearing that makes me grateful.”
Yeochang’s Vice-Lord had certainly become more spirited than when we first met.
Since he was the first person I had saved in this life, he held a special place in my heart.
He must live long and remain by my side for many years to come.
.
.
.
The evening before departing for Shaolin.
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster visited my quarters.
“I received your letter well. So you’ve been invited to Shaolin?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Shaolin was quite a significant force even within the Murim.
Considering its standing, I had sent a letter to Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster in advance.
My trip to Shaolin would inevitably reach the ears of the Geumui Guard and the Eastern Window Organization, and it would be reported to the Emperor.
Still, considering the relationship between the Imperial Court and the Murim Alliance, it was best to inform His Majesty the Emperor beforehand to avoid complications.
The Emperor trusted me and was a magnanimous person, but if a crack formed in such matters, it could grow.
Once such a person took offense, it could last quite a while.
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster gazed at me intently before speaking.
“How long has it been since you recovered, and you’re already on another field assignment?”
There was bite to his words.
“I wish to remain still, but the world won’t allow me that peace.”
“A wise answer to a foolish question.”
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster chuckled and spoke.
“Still, I’m glad you recovered quickly. Otherwise, His Majesty the Emperor would have truly sent the imperial physician.”
“….”
Sending the imperial physician was the ultimate expression of the Emperor’s sincerity.
When the Crown Prince mentioned it, I thought it was a warning in jest, but it wasn’t.
I felt I had ended the feigned illness incident at just the right moment.
“Regardless, the Emperor and Crown Prince send their wishes for a safe journey.”
“Please convey my gratitude for their grace.”
“I shall. Ah, and there’s something else I need to tell you.”
“Yes, I’m listening.”
“The name of the cloth bundle you received as compensation is called the Hyun Ro Blade.”
“Pardon?”
“That red cloth bundle. It’s not merely a bundle—it’s a sacred artifact.”
“…I had no idea.”
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster gave me a reproachful look at my words.
“Lower the corners of your mouth when you speak.”
“Haha, was it that obvious?”
“In any case, congratulations. To possess an imperial artifact! Are you fortunate, or are you skilled?”
“I was merely fortunate. The Emperor favored me, and thus bestowed this artifact as my reward, did he not?”
I spoke with such modesty.
It felt awkward to praise myself from my own lips.
“How cunning. Let me explain the Hyun Ro Blade to you.”
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster explained the usage of the cloth artifact, the Hyun Ro Blade.
What I hadn’t known was that this cloth bundle could serve as protective gear.
Excellent.
After that, Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster observed my progress in the Imperial Palace Martial Arts and left with words of praise.

The next day.
I stepped out onto the terrace and gazed up at the sky.
Since the Mid-Autumn Festival had passed, the heavens grew progressively higher and more brilliantly azure.
“Everything is prepared, sir.”
At Palgap’s words, I lowered my gaze and turned my head. Palgap and the Guard Warriors stood ready.
“Then let us depart.”
“Yes.”
We mounted our horses and set out for Shaolin Temple, accompanied by the farewells of Seo Hyang and the people of Hyun Pung.
Shaolin Temple lies upon Songshan Mountain.
Though there are several routes from Beijing to Songshan, I possess the Hyun Ro Map.
Once again, the Hyun Ro Map revealed to me the optimal path.
The Hyun Ro Map does not merely show the shortest distance, but rather the safest route.
This time, it guided us from Beijing through Hebei into Shandong, across the river, and along the roads below it.
I was quite astonished by this.
Ordinarily, the fastest, most comfortable, and safest route from Beijing to Songshan passes through Luoyang.
Of course it does.
Luoyang is the headquarters of the Murim Alliance.
Yet it suggested a path that bypassed Luoyang entirely.
This truly meant it adapted the route to match my circumstances.
The Emperor must have felt considerable heartache when parting with this treasure.
In truth, Shaolin had offered to send an escort unit, but I politely declined.
Traveling with them would only delay our schedule.
Though the journey would certainly be more comfortable, I am a busy man.
For me, the Ju Gang Ma is one of my greatest acquisitions.

We first headed toward Shandong.
Jinan would be ideal for boarding a boat, but with the Ju Gang Ma at our disposal, there was no need to take one.
So we traveled in as straight a line as possible. The Hyun Ro Map guided us accordingly.
We swiftly departed Beijing and entered Hebei Province.
Suddenly, I recalled Peng Kang-un So-hyup of the Hebei Peng Family.
That too was a connection I had forged.
Of course, I have not forgotten his request.
To find the uncle of Peng Kang-un So-hyup.
However, there was a condition—the Hebei Peng Family must not learn of this matter.
But since this task had no deadline, I accepted the commission.
I wonder how Peng Kang-un So-hyup—or rather, Peng Kang-un Minor Patriarch—is faring these days.

Before long, the day had grown dark, and we began preparing for our night’s rest.
We kindled a fire, hunted a wild beast from the mountain, dressed it, and worked diligently until soon we were all gathered around, ready to share a meal.
“Venison is usually quite tough, but the venison that Palgap prepared is remarkably tender.”
Everyone nodded at Chang-un Warrior’s words. I had to agree with that assessment myself.
“How exactly do you cook it?”
At my question, Palgap smiled sheepishly and replied.
“It’s thanks to this, sir.”
Palgap pulled a mallet from his pack and held it out to me.
“This is the secret?”
As I examined it, I noticed something peculiar.
“The head has a lattice pattern?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And this side looks like it has dozens of blunt nails embedded in it….”
At this, Lee Pil Warrior asked.
“Is that a weapon? Getting hit with that would really hurt.”
Palgap shook his head.
“It’s not a weapon meant to harm people, but rather a tool to tenderize meat.”
“This?”
“Yes. With this, I break the tendons in the meat, and with this, I pound the muscle fibers to make them tender. To be honest, using the flat of a blade is quite tedious.”
“So that’s where all that thumping sound came from earlier. But I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
“I made it personally, sir. I wanted to serve you delicious meat, so I created this. That’s why I named it the meat mallet.”
“Thank you.”
So Palgap had crafted this mallet solely for my sake.
Many people enjoy meat, certainly, but those whose teeth haven’t fully grown in like children, or those whose teeth are troublesome like the elderly, struggle to eat it.
Meat is tougher than one might expect.
Of course, there are methods to soften meat by marinating it in fruit or spices, but those are often difficult to manage.
But with this mallet, one could always enjoy tender meat whenever desired.
Could this be…profitable?
Just then, I heard Geumryeong’s voice from my sleeve.
“Squeak!”
Ah… Geumryeong had just acknowledged that this could make money.
I spoke to Palgap.
“Palgap, let’s sell this.”
“Sir?”
“Since you designed it, I’ll give you half the profit share.”
Palgap scratched the back of his neck and replied.
“The issue isn’t selling it, but rather I’m uncertain whether I was truly the first to conceive of this.”
“People’s ideas are generally similar. What matters is who makes it more convenient.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. That’s how it is.”
“Half of the profits! It’s truly rewarding to serve as your attendant, Young Master!”
“Hmm?”
“Didn’t you say that when they deduct thirty percent from the originator under the guise of production costs, distribution fees, and so forth, that’s considered a generous share?”
“That’s right. So treat me well.”
Palgap laughed at my words and spoke.
“Wow, so I’m becoming wealthy now?”
“Presumably.”
Lee Pil Warrior then spoke.
“If Palgap becomes wealthy, won’t he quit being your attendant?”
At this, Palgap spoke seriously.
“Why would I quit serving you?”
“…?”
“I have already sworn an oath to heaven and earth that I will never abandon my service to you, Young Master.”
Hearing Palgap’s words, my nose inexplicably tingled.
Palgap….
“There’s no sweeter position than serving you, Young Master.”
“…Hmm?”
“Even in death, I remain your attendant.”
Palgap, the mood was perfect—did you really have to say that?
And… let’s be a bit more restrained about the death part.
If I die, I should go to paradise, not follow you around….

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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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