The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 478

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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 478

Chapter 478. A True Misunderstanding (1)

Man Gajoo reclaimed his house and, after revealing his secret in the courtyard, summoned back the hired servants who had once worked for him.
As Man Gajoo’s circumstances had deteriorated, he had let them go one by one.
About half of them had already found other work, but the other half had yet to secure new employment.
Without hesitation, they answered his call immediately.
“These are all people who have served our family for a long time.”
“I see.”
I nodded at Man Gongja’s words.
There were five of them in total, and despite their age, they all displayed a deep loyalty to Man Gajoo.
“Master! You’ve recovered so completely! What a relief!”
“To see you in such good health again… I… I…!”
The man who had served as the Master’s attendant burst into tears. It seemed he had been tormented by guilt, believing the Master’s bedridden state was somehow his fault.
But seeing him in such robust health now, he wept with relief.
“Haha, this is all thanks to our lord.”
They approached me and offered their gratitude, which I accepted with some awkwardness.
Since I had acted purely for my own benefit, receiving such thanks felt rather embarrassing.
“I am ashamed.”
It was then that Man Gajoo spoke.
“Our family has decided to become your retainers, my lord. Therefore, I intend to travel to Hubei Province with Dae-in shortly. Please look after this house in the meantime.”
“How could there be any objection?”
“Then, we shall prepare at once.”
Preparations proceeded smoothly, and at the end of the eleventh month, we set out for Hubei Province once more.
Since Man Gajoo still lacked the stamina to ride, he had to travel by carriage.
However, there were no issues with the schedule.
I had arranged the itinerary generously, anticipating the possibility that the Master would accompany us to the Hubei Province Headquarters.
Now then, I should seek Hyun Ro-do’s assistance.
We must travel as safely as possible.
But… when I returned home after handling matters related to the Hyeol Gon Seong Seung Master’s remains at Shaolin Temple, I had also received Hyun Ro-do’s help.
On the way, I encountered the Embroidered Uniform Guard Masters and was practically kidnapped, heading toward Yunnan Province.
Could this be a fake?
As I regarded Hyun Ro-do with suspicious eyes, the corners of Hyun Ro-do’s ears fluttered.
There wasn’t even a breeze…
It was as if protesting, “Why do you doubt me?”
Well, then…
Hyun Ro-do guides its owner along the safest path, not the fastest or most convenient one, after all.
In other words, that grueling ordeal was the best I could do to ensure my own safety.
Damn it.
Well, at least I’ve arranged one contingency for the future, so I suppose I should be satisfied with that.
I just hope there won’t be any more such ordeals ahead.
As I looked at Hyun Ro-do with such thoughts, I noticed the corners of his mouth drooping this time.
“….”
What’s that? You can’t guarantee it?
Damn it.
.
.
.
The journey to the Hubei Province Headquarters didn’t take long this time.
We traveled straight down to Nanking, then boarded a boat and sailed up the Yangtze River.
Thus, we arrived on schedule without incident.
“That is the Eun Hae Trading Company Headquarters.”
At my explanation, Man-ga’s Father and Son gazed at me with astonished eyes.
“It’s quite impressive.”
“Yes. Our headquarters is indeed quite substantial.”
However, looking at it now, I felt it seemed wider than before.
It looks like they’ve expanded the Cha-jang further?
The houses that were originally beside it seem to have disappeared?
Could they have expanded the Cha-jang during this time?
As I pondered this, I suddenly realized one fact.
This appearance was how our Eun Hae Trading Company looked when it experienced rapid growth in my previous life.
It’s several years faster than my previous life.
I felt a fresh sense of accomplishment, thinking that I was doing well….
“Young Master, why do you have such an expression looking at the house?”
“Huh?”
“It’s the expression of someone reuniting with a lost lover.”
At Palgap’s words, I laughed awkwardly.
“What are you talking about….”
He reads my mind like a ghost.
“But how would you know the look in someone’s eyes when they reunite with a lost lover?”
“Uh….”
At my question, Palgap blinked rapidly.
“Well, it’s just that….”
“Ah, so you’ve had painful experiences too.”
“No, that’s not it!”
Following my words, Seo-woo Warrior chuckled and chimed in.
“I see. I’m sorry for not knowing beforehand. My apologies, Palgap.”
“No, that’s not it.”
And so we entered the Eun Hae Trading Company’s branch office, laughing warmly together.

“Welcome home!”
Father had come out personally to greet us, having been notified in advance of my arrival.
“Father! Aren’t you busy?”
“I am busy.”
“You didn’t need to come out to meet me….”
“No matter how busy I am, I can always find time to welcome home a son who hasn’t visited in so long.”
I smiled as I spoke.
“Have you been well all this time?”
“Of course. Everyone is well.”
“That’s a relief.”
It truly was a relief.
After all, the reason I exhaust myself running about in all directions is for the peaceful daily lives of my family.
“Those behind you are unfamiliar faces.”
Father observed Man Gajoo and Man Gongja, then asked about them, and I introduced them to him.
“These gentlemen are the House Master and young master of the Yun Kang Manor from Shandong Province.”
At those words, I saw Father flinch momentarily.
His expression didn’t betray it, but his eyes showed considerable surprise.
Why would that be?
But for now, I set that curiosity aside.
After all, I was in the midst of introducing them to Father.
“I am Eun Gil-sang, Merchant Guild Leader of the Eun Hae Trading Company. We welcome you to the Eun Hae Trading Company.”
“I am Man Juk, House Master of the Yun Kang Manor. This is my son, Man Jung. It is an honor to meet the Spring Commander of our lord.”
“Our lord… you say?”
Father looked at me with a puzzled expression, and I quickly continued.
“I’ll explain the details once we’re inside.”
“Very well.”
“For now, I’ll have them stay in the building next to my separate pavilion.”
“Do so.”
“Yes, Father.”
I entrusted their guidance to Palgap.
Then, after instructing the other Guard Warriors to rest except for Seo-woo Warrior, I followed Father toward his office.
This place didn’t require minimal security after all.
“Ah, is Mother busy?”
“Your mother is at a gathering right now. There’s a meeting of merchant guild wives in this region.”
“I see. What about my brothers?”
“Eun Jung-ho went to Beijing for the Hundred Great Merchant Guild Meeting, but he stopped by the Ming Ming Trading Company midway to handle some pepper-related matters before returning, or so he says.”
“My brother is quite busy as well.”
Now that I think about it, Seo Hyang mentioned that Eun Jung-ho had stopped by the Beijing Branch.
But Ming Ming Trading Company?
They’re a merchant guild with their main headquarters in Sichuan Province.
They’re already one of the Three Great Trading Companies of the World, so why….
Ah, pepper… That must be it.
They primarily deal in ceramics and spices, and they rose to become one of the three great companies by monopolizing pepper trade in particular.
The Dae-Wol Kingdom that our merchant guild’s ship recently visited is one of the major production areas for pepper.
From what I know, Ming Ming Trading Company’s method of importing pepper involves people personally carrying goods across treacherous mountain ranges.
But if we conduct maritime trade by ship, we can transport much larger quantities far more conveniently, which is why they’re approaching us.
“Isn’t Ming Ming Trading Company based in Sichuan Province? Since we have our Sichuan Branch there, wouldn’t it have been possible to contact the main headquarters directly through Uncle?”
“A request already came through your uncle to meet and discuss. That’s why Eun Jung-ho was planning to meet Ming Ming Trading Company with you, but then a letter arrived through that creature you’re raising. Something about going to Yunnan….”
Ah….
That was when I sent word through Geumryeong that I was heading to Yunnan Province.
“You seemed busy, so I didn’t mention it separately.”
“Thank you.”
I probably would have felt burdened if I’d heard about this beforehand.
Ming Ming Trading Company was the one that had helped Grandfather when he first attended the Hundred Great Merchant Guild Meeting, or so I’d been told.
“But it seems later than expected. The meeting was in early October, so shouldn’t Eun Jung-ho be arriving around now?”
“That’s true. He should return soon.”
Though long-distance merchant expeditions don’t always proceed according to schedule.
“What about Jin-ho?”
“He went as a guard for a merchant guild heading to Hunan Province.”
“What about your sisters-in-law?”
“They’re both busy with their own work.”
“What about Grandfather?”
“He’s the one I envy the most.”
At those words, I laughed heartily.
And Father shared some welcome news with me.
“Oh, and your second sister-in-law is with child.”
“Really? That’s wonderful news.”
“Yes. It looks like she’ll give birth in early next year.”
“I’ll have to congratulate her separately later.”
This truly was cause for celebration. In my previous life, Jin-ho had lost his wife and spent his remaining years growing old alone, drowning his sorrow in drink.
I really had a hard time listening to Jin-ho’s drunken complaints.
Come to think of it, Eun Jung-ho also used to complain to me while drinking before he married his wife in my previous life.
The reason I don’t enjoy alcohol isn’t just my constitution or Master’s advice, but perhaps the greatest reason is that I grew tired of listening to my brothers’ drunken grievances.
“What about Geon-hyuk and Bo-yeon?”
“They’re quite spirited.”
“That means they’re healthy.”
They must be around five or six years old by now.
Time flies so quickly.
After confirming my family’s wellbeing, I began discussing the trading company’s affairs in earnest.
First, I learned that two ships from the Eunhae Trading Company had safely reached the harbor we constructed and were currently undergoing repairs, and that accommodations had been arranged for Captain Yong’s family.
“But what on earth happened that most of the sailors rushed off to their homes or pleasure houses the moment they disembarked?”
“Ah….”
It seemed their frustration had been more severe than I’d anticipated.
I smiled wryly as I answered.
“That’s because we had them confined the moment they arrived in Nanking.”
“Confined?”
“It was by order of the Emperor himself….”
“Hmm… for security purposes?”
Father was as astute as always.
I nodded, and Father chuckled softly.
“Well, we have a firm grip on this region.”
The Intelligence Unit I had proposed had proven its worth, and it could be said that the Eunhae Trading Company now controlled most of Hubei Province.
“By the way, are those people you brought truly from the Yoon Kang Man Family?”
“Yes. But why did you seem so surprised earlier?”
At my question, Father cleared his throat.
“Ahem….”
“Your son is asking, Father.”
“Do you remember when I told you about the records that have been passed down only to the Merchant Guild Leaders?”
“Yes.”
Father had mentioned this before.
The reason the First Trading Company Master named it the Eunhae Trading Company was recorded there.
[One cannot become a true great merchant by remaining within this empire alone. To become a true great merchant, one must look toward the wealth beyond the sea] was what was written there.
“In fact, there is this additional content in those records: if you face difficulties due to pirates, seek the aid of the Yoon Kang Man Family of Shandong Province.”
“What?”
“From that record alone, I couldn’t understand what it meant. But seeing the arrows carried by the Yoon Kang Manor Lord and his son, I’m beginning to grasp it. Are you thinking of using their archery skills to repel the pirates?”
“Yes, that’s correct. Pirate attacks will likely occur from the next voyage onward, or the one after that. I intend to use the Archery Unit they’ve trained to defend against them.”
I continued.
“Cannons would be ideal, but gunpowder is a material strictly controlled by the Empire. While obtaining it would be beneficial, considering the complications it would bring, operating an archery unit is the best course of action.”
“But can archers alone repel pirates?”
Father still didn’t know the power of the Cheon Pa Bow, which is why he spoke this way.
“Father, wouldn’t there be a reason the First Manor Lord recorded such guidance?”
“That may be true, but….”
His expression showed he still wasn’t entirely convinced.
Once he witnesses it firsthand, his perspective will change.

I returned to my separate pavilion.
After washing and changing clothes, I made my way to Grandfather’s quarters.
“Grandfather, it’s Seo-ho.”
“Come in.”
I carefully opened the door and entered to find Grandfather painting.
“You’re painting? Oh, is that plum blossoms?”
“I’ve taken quite a liking to plum blossom paintings lately. But it’s been a while since you’ve visited.”
“Yes. I apologize for not visiting more frequently.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Grandfather set down his brush and spoke.
“Does anyone not know how busy you are?”
“Haha.”
“By the way, I hear you came with guests this time?”
Just as expected of Grandfather.
Though retired, he still kept his eyes and ears attuned to all matters of the trading company.
“Yes. The Yun Kang Manor Lord and his son have agreed to assist me.”
“Yun Kang Manor?”
“That’s correct.”
“Did they perhaps read that record passed down only to the House Master?”
Grandfather’s eyes narrowed. I quickly shook my head.
“I’m aware of the record’s existence, but I’ve never read it. That right belongs to Eun Jung-ho, and I have no wish to infringe upon his authority.”
“Then how did you know to bring them here?”
“While assisting them recently, I learned of the power of those arrows. I thought having them operate an archery unit would be beneficial, so I brought them along.”
Grandfather gazed at me quietly before speaking.
“You truly have no desire to become Merchant Guild Leader?”
“No. I don’t.”
“Truly?”
“I don’t.”
Have I lost my mind? To become Merchant Guild Leader?
That’s simply not my preference.
Seeing my answer without the slightest hesitation, Grandfather nodded with a regretful expression.
“Besides, I’m constantly traveling throughout the entire Empire, leaving me no time to remain at the main headquarters.”
Half of that travel is due to the Emperor, though.
“How could the trading company function properly if someone like me became Merchant Guild Leader?”
“Well, I suppose that’s true.”
Grandfather nodded in agreement.
“Very well, I understand. You must be busy—go on now.”
“Yes.”
I left Grandfather’s quarters. But why did I feel as though I’d forgotten something?
Thinking it over carefully, I realized the reason.
Now that I think about it, Father didn’t ask when I would marry this time.
Why was that?

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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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