The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 489

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

The Youngest Son of the Eun Hae Trading Company Chapter 489

Chapter 489. Mingming Trading Company (6)

Tears streamed down Sung Jun-min’s cheeks at Young Master Yu Jin’s words. And then…
“Yu Jin! Hnnnngh!”
He embraced Young Master Yu Jin and wept bitterly, yet no one watching thought him foolish.
Everyone’s eyes were reddened with emotion.
From Young Master Yu Jin’s words, I could glimpse his true nature.
He would surely become someone of great importance.

After the brief commotion, Young Master Yu Jin headed to his quarters.
Eun Jung-ho and I then followed Seong Cheong-min Sub-leader as he moved ahead.
It appeared to be toward the Guest Reception Room where distinguished visitors were received, and the Merchant Leader’s Office was located in that direction as well.
Thanks to memories from my previous life, I had a rough understanding of the interior layouts of major merchant guilds.
I had visited many of them directly, and I had gathered considerable information through the Information Bureau at that time.
Back then, there were quite a few places we needed to monitor and oppose, so collecting such intelligence was necessary.
Seong Cheong-min Sub-leader guided us into a Guest Reception Room.
“Please wait here for a moment.”
As I expected, this was the reception room for distinguished guests.
When I had visited Mingming Trading Company in my previous life, I had been shown to this very room.
It was furnished with elegance, though not ostentatiously so.
The paintings and calligraphy hanging on the walls were works by famous artists, yet the Merchant Guild Master’s questionable taste was concealed within them.
Those pieces served to decorate the space, but they also functioned as a means to gauge the discernment of visiting guests.
How do I know this?
Because I had been questioned about it directly.

“That painting is by An Jun Painter.”
“…Is that truly a painting by An Jun Painter?”

That’s right.
Among those paintings, some are forgeries.
In my previous life, I noticed that, which is why the Merchant Guild Leader thought well of me.
When Sung Jun-min became the Merchant Guild Leader, our favorable relationship changed as well.
Of course, I won’t ask him about that this time.
I wouldn’t subject my benefactor to such a test.
Soon a maidservant entered and set down refreshments, then poured tea for us.
Eun Jung-ho and I enjoyed the refreshments while conversing.
Before long, the door opened and the Merchant Guild Leader and Sub-leader of Mingming Trading Company entered.
We rose from our seats and bowed respectfully.
“We are honored to meet you, Merchant Guild Leader.”
“Thank you for accepting our invitation. Please, be seated.”
“Thank you.”
We sat down, and teacups and pastries were placed before the Merchant Guild Leader and Sub-leader as well.
“First, our Mingming Trading Company owes you both an enormous debt of gratitude—so much so that I scarcely know how to repay it.”
“It was simply a matter of fate bringing us together.”
At Eun Jung-ho’s words, I too expressed humility.
“It must be thanks to the virtue of the Merchant Guild Leader reaching the heavens.”
The Merchant Guild Leader waved his hand awkwardly.
“Don’t say such things. Honestly, how much virtue can a merchant accumulate while making a living? I’m fortunate if I don’t incur curses.”
At those words, we laughed silently.
“Well, in any case, when one receives something, one must express gratitude for it. So I’ve invited you both here.”
And he continued, looking at Eun Jung-ho.
“There was something I needed to discuss with Sub-leader Eun Jung-ho originally.”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
It was about loading pepper onto our Eun Hae Trading Company’s ships.
“After deliberating on how to express our gratitude for this matter, I’ve made a decision.”
“I’ve given this considerable thought together with my father.”
“Didn’t we agree that the Eun Hae Trading Company would ship the pepper that our Mingming Trading Company purchases? For the next ten years, we will transfer one-third of that pepper to you.”
“What?”
“Don’t be too burdened by this. Since pepper is transported by sea, the shipping costs are far lower, and the quantity we bring is much greater than before.”
Pepper is an extraordinarily expensive spice.
Why else would the saying arise that it compares to silver of equal weight?
Yet to transfer one-third of that pepper for ten years!
“That’s too much!”
At my words, the Merchant Guild Leader shook his head.
“Considering that you saved my two sons and grandson, it’s not excessive at all. And if the Fourth had become the Merchant Guild Leader while controlled by the soul-binding technique, whose would this company have become?”
“….”
He sees reality quite accurately.
“Moreover, didn’t you use your only precious artifact to break the soul-binding technique on the Fourth?”
At those words, Eun Jung-ho glanced back at me.
His expression asked what I meant, but he didn’t press further.
He understood that this wasn’t the place to discuss such matters.
“Then it’s acceptable to receive it.”
The Small Guild Master reiterated his offer.
“Please, I urge you to accept. In truth, I wish to continue cultivating our relationship through this arrangement.”
From my perspective, this seemed to be his genuine intention.
Eun Jung-ho and I exchanged a knowing glance.
Since he was being so gracious, it would be discourteous to refuse. We decided to accept his proposal.
“We shall accept your proposal.”
At Eun Jung-ho’s acceptance, both the Merchant Guild Leader and Small Guild Master’s faces brightened.
“However, there is a problem.”
Their expressions hardened at my words.
“A problem?”
“Even if we accept the pepper, our company lacks the distribution channels to sell it.”
Pepper, being an expensive spice, was not easy to establish new sales routes for.
“Ah!”
“I see.”
Understanding my meaning, both men nodded.
“So, if we reduce the amount of pepper we receive, would you be willing to sell the pepper on our behalf and provide us with the proceeds?”
“No, that won’t do. How could we accept a commission?”
“Precisely. We cannot diminish the sincerity of our gratitude in this way.”
And so, they would sell the pepper they had intended to give us and provide us with the full proceeds from the sale.
Truly, this is the work of the Mingming Trading Company Master.
With this arrangement, it becomes inevitable that the Eun Hae Trading Company will transport pepper.
Moreover, since we have our own profit share, we cannot help but exercise greater care when bringing pepper.
But who am I?
I am Eun Seo-ho.
“Then what of the shipping fees?”
“Sh-shipping fees?”
“Yes. What you’ve given us is a gift, but surely we should discuss the costs involved, including shipping fees?”
“Th-that’s true.”
“Then shall we discuss those terms—”
“Wait, wait!”
The Merchant Guild Leader quickly raised his hand and spoke.
“Let’s discuss that tomorrow. You must be exhausted from your journey here.”
From his reaction, it’s clear.
This Guild Leader clearly intended to reduce the shipping fees in exchange for giving us a third of the pepper.
But now that I’ve brought it up, he’s postponing the discussion to negotiate again.
The Small Guild Master added with a smile.
“Our Mingming Trading Company’s back garden is quite worth seeing. If you’re enjoying the view, I’ll have someone bring you to the banquet hall.”

Shortly after, we followed the maidservant’s guidance toward the back garden.
Indeed, the back garden was beautifully arranged.
And even in this winter season, flowers that were rare to see were still blooming.
I told the maidservant that her guidance was sufficient and sent her away.
“Then, I’ll come fetch you once the banquet is prepared.”
“Yes.”
The maidservant disappeared into the distance, and I surveyed my surroundings.
No one was around.
I spoke to Eun Jung-ho.
“Honestly, I was quite surprised. To think they’d offer a third of the pepper imported from the Dae-Wol Kingdom.”
“I was surprised too.”
And Eun Jung-ho looked at me with a broad grin.
“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“It seems you really are the one suited to be the Merchant Guild Leader.”
“W-what are you saying?”
I spoke in alarm.
“Wasn’t it decided that you’d be the Merchant Guild Leader? Don’t say such terrible things.”
“Do you dislike it that much?”
“Yes. I hate it.”
I answered immediately.
“I’m already drowning in work as it is… and me, who’s constantly running around here and there, as the Merchant Guild Leader? I’d ruin the company.”
“Well, I suppose that’s true.”
“So don’t even entertain such foolish thoughts.”
I had no desire to experience another beating from Master and forced rest like before.
My elder brother laughed heartily at my words.
“But what was that about the vessel earlier?”
“Oh, that?”
I scratched my nose as I spoke.
“I’ll explain later.”
I felt awkward lying even to Eun Jung-ho, and besides, he was someone I could trust.
“Anyway, I should inform Father about this matter.”
“Don’t worry about that.”
I spoke while looking at my sleeve, and understanding my meaning, Eun Jung-ho nodded.
“That fellow is truly resourceful.”
“I think so too.”

Shortly after, a Maidservant came to fetch us, and we made our way to the Banquet Hall.
It was a gathering where all the family members and senior officials of the Mingming Trading Company had assembled.
We enjoyed the banquet in a warm and cordial atmosphere.
And as the night grew late, we returned to our Quarters.
“Geumryeong.”
At my call, Geumryeong poked his head out from my sleeve.
“Chirp!”
“Will you run an errand for me?”
At my words, Geumryeong nodded his head.
“Wait a moment.”
I wrote a letter to Father, and Geumryeong sat atop the Wooden Table, gazing at the letter.
“All done.”
I folded the letter carefully and tied it to Geumryeong’s tail.
“Go and return safely.”
“Chirp!”
Geumryeong shot through the window like an arrow.
And with Palgap’s assistance, I washed and changed into my sleeping robes.
Typically, when someone invites you to their home, it means you should stay the night.
To send away a guest without letting them stay the night is a grave breach of courtesy.
Since I had come to another Merchant Guild without bringing work, I should retire early tonight.
Or so I thought…
“Master, the Merchant Leader’s Guard Warrior, Do Dae-hyeop, wishes to meet with you.”
What? Do Dae-hyeop?
The aura emanating from beyond the door was a familiar one.
“Tell him to wait a moment.”
I quickly put on my outer robe. It would be discourteous to receive a guest wearing only sleeping garments.
And I said:
“Show him in.”
“Yes.”
Soon the door opened and a Warrior entered.
He was a supreme martial master who served as the Merchant Leader’s personal guard at close quarters.
Due to his prowess, he was quite renowned alongside Geo-am Jingeom Great Swordmaster, the Guard Warrior of the Sebin Merchant Guild Leader.
But this man’s surname was Do?
Since he was known in the world by his illustrious name, I had forgotten that he was of the Do clan.
He saw my attire and cupped his fist in apology.
“I see you were about to rest. I apologize for visiting at such a late hour.”
“Not at all. I hadn’t yet lain down to sleep. Please, sit.”
We sat facing each other at a table, and Palgap brought tea.
“What brings you here?”
“I have taken the liberty of visiting you at this hour, Small Guild Master, because there is something I must confirm.”
Ah, so that’s why you came.
“You’re asking about my martial skills?”
“That’s correct.”
He nodded and asked me a question.
“What is your relationship with the Geumui Guard?”
The reason he asked about my connection to the Geumui Guard rather than my cultivation level—it was because he had noticed I was blending their martial techniques into my own.
Do Dae-hyeop’s epithet was the Ten Thousand Passing Sword.
It was a title earned because he was deeply versed in countless martial arts and could recognize them better than anyone else.
That’s why I had deliberately used Imperial Palace martial arts in front of him, fearing he might discover that the techniques I employed belonged to Seolpung Palace.
Or I used them in secret.
It was worthwhile to have learned Imperial Palace martial arts in advance.
Well, I had learned them precisely in preparation for situations like this.
I smiled and answered.
“You already know, so why are you asking?”
He squeezed his eyes shut, then rose from his seat and knelt before me.
“I’m begging you.”
“Why are you doing this? Please, stand up.”
“Please keep this matter secret.”
He continued with a grave expression.
“If word of this reaches the Emperor’s ears, the Fourth Young Master will face severe punishment.”
“….”
He was right—this was indeed a grave matter.
Killing brothers and attempting to murder a nephew.
Though it was done under the influence of a charm technique, that fact doesn’t disappear.
Of course, if this truth doesn’t reach the Imperial Court or the authorities, he won’t be punished.
“But many people in the Merchant Guild have already learned of this?”
Even if I kept silent, this matter could spread through their words.
“That’s not a concern. I’ve taken measures to ensure they don’t reveal this outside.”
He had confidence that he could silence the guild members’ tongues.
Indeed, if that were impossible, he wouldn’t have risen to his current position.
Do Dae-hyeop bowed his head to me.
Sigh, I hadn’t intended to speak about it anyway.
They’ve shown great kindness to my grandfather and father, and will show us much more kindness in the future.
Moreover, we share a common enemy, making them a reliable ally.
“Raise your head and stand.”
I continued.
“I had no intention of reporting this matter to the higher-ups from the beginning.”
“Really? Is that truly the case?”
“She is the family of Yu Jin, whom my brother saved. I don’t wish to sadden her.”
His face brightened at my words.
“Thank you so much. I truly appreciate it.”
“Now please, get up. You’re embarrassing me.”
“Understood.”
To think that someone would kneel before the Merchant Guild Leader’s family! This man was truly remarkable.
It was precisely this kind of unwavering loyalty that kept the Mingming Trading Company from faltering.
“Um, but what is your relationship with Do Squad Leader?”
“Do Squad Leader? You mean Do Gyeong?”
“Ah, yes.”
“He is my son.”
Blood truly doesn’t lie.
.
.
.
Dawn arrived.
Upon waking, I caught Geumryeong fluttering through the window and quickly received him in my hands.
“You’re back?”
“Squawk!”
I unfolded the letter and read it, then let out a quiet laugh.
Geumryeong on the wooden table saw my expression and took a step back.
“Squawk, squawk….”
“Hmm? What’s wrong?”
“Squawk….”
“You’ll be grateful to eat silver if I give it to you?”
Why did this creature suddenly become so polite?

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————