The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 499

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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 499

Chapter 499. White Dew Liquor (3)

Young Gu-sang’s face twisted as if he’d bitten into a rotten cucumber, and Young Gu-man tilted his head in confusion.
“What’s wrong?”
“Brother, I’m afraid I have urgent business to attend to and won’t be able to go.”
“What are you talking about? I’ve already confirmed with your superior that you have no pressing matters.”
“….”
Seeing Young Gu-sang rendered speechless by such thoroughness, Young Gu-man continued.
“You made quite the fuss when our youngest said he’d walk the path of the liquor trade. I opposed it too, but thinking about it now, I realize it wasn’t something worth opposing so strongly.”
Young Gu-man pressed on.
“What does it matter where or what he does, as long as he stays honest and healthy? And what’s family for if not to show up and cheer him on when it counts? Doesn’t that give him strength?”
Unaware of Young Gu-sang’s true feelings, Young Gu-man coaxed and persuaded him.
“Come now, let’s go.”
“….”
“Hurry.”
“Yes….”

* * *

It was the second day of the Liquor Appraisal Gathering.
I apologized to the Crown Prince and Go Merchant Lord for my prolonged absence yesterday.
They both waved it off without concern.
“No need to apologize. I heard you had some pressing matters to attend to—everything worked out well?”
“Yes, it resolved satisfactorily.”
“Good to hear. Don’t trouble yourself over it.”
“Thank you. Today I’ll make certain to remain present throughout the proceedings.”
Today was the day Young Gu Jin Master would submit his liquor for evaluation.
Glancing toward him, I could see he was quite nervous, taking deep breaths and staring straight ahead.
There was nothing I could do to help him with that.
And as time passed, his anxiety would naturally ease.
The tables before them held no appetizers whatsoever.
This was because White Heron liquor possessed a refreshing and invigorating taste all on its own.
Moreover, one could drink generously without appetizers and feel no heaviness in the stomach.
That’s precisely why it was the perfect spirit to enjoy during conversation, much like tea.
As the appraisal began, the invited guests moved about randomly, sampling the liquors.
“Hmm….”
“Mmm….”
Those who tasted the White Heron liquor wore enigmatic smiles as they filled out their evaluation forms.
The Guizhou Poju Master also let out an inscrutable murmur.
“This is nerve-wracking.”
“What troubles you?”
Dong Hyuk-su Grand Master stood beside me, having come to support Young Gu Jin Master.
“Those subtle reactions from the guests tasting his liquor—I cannot tell if they’re positive or negative.”
At this, I smiled.
“There’s no need to worry. From what I can see, the reactions are quite positive.”
“How can you be certain of that?”
“Notice how they’re all smacking their lips? That means they want another sip.”
“Ah!”
Dong Hyuk-su Grand Master nodded at my words.
Then he looked toward a particular spot and tilted his head in confusion.
“Why are those fellows here….”
“Is something the matter?”
“Over there.”
Where he pointed, I saw Young Gusang standing—the same young man I’d seen yesterday, and his expression made it clear he’d been dragged here against his will.
Beside him stood a giant man who bore a resemblance to him, yet possessed an even more imposing, broad-shouldered frame.
“They’re Gu Jin’s elder brother and second brother.”
So the giant is the eldest brother. Yesterday, wasn’t his name mentioned as Gu Man? And wasn’t he supposed to be away on business?
Noticing us at that moment, they approached.
“Are you Eun Seo-ho, the Small Guild Master?”
“Ah, yes.”
“It’s my first time meeting you. I’m Young Gu-man, Gu Jin’s eldest brother.”
At that introduction, Young Gu-sang beside him reluctantly offered his greetings as well.
“I’m Young Gu-sang, Gu Jin’s second brother.”
“I’m Eun Seo-ho, Small Guild Master of the Eunhae Trading Company.”
After exchanging greetings with me, Young Guman turned his head to acknowledge Dong Hyuk-su Grand Master.
“It’s been a long time.”
“Indeed, it has. But what brings you here?”
“I came to support Gu Jin.”
“When Gu Jin said he’d walk the path of a liquor distillery, you made such a fuss about severing ties with him. Now you come to support him?”
“I’ve been reflecting on it.”
“….”
Faced with such an honest answer, Dong Dae-hyeop could no longer respond curtly.
“When I think about it, as long as he doesn’t do anything wrong and stays healthy, does it matter what he does or where he does it?”
“I wish Spring Commander shared that sentiment.”
“You’ve misunderstood. Father is also supporting Gu Jin’s participation in this evaluation competition.”
“Is that so?”
But something felt off about this.
I carefully broached the subject.
“I understand that Young Gu Jin’s father, Spring Commander, is currently in Guizhou.”
“That’s correct.”
“Wouldn’t it take considerable time to send word all the way there?”
At my words, Young Guman answered casually.
“Did you think we would simply abandon Gu Jin? Whether we like it or not, he’s family of the Seonju Yeong Clan. Father assigned someone to watch over him from the very beginning, without his knowledge.”
“What?”
At this, Young Gu-sang was startled and questioned him.
“Father assigned someone to watch him?”
“He did.”
I asked Young Guman a question.
“I suspect the purpose wasn’t merely protection, but also surveillance.”
“…I can’t deny that.”
He smiled bitterly.
“What our family despises most are villains who rot this nation from within. Second is giving up easily before accomplishing anything.”
“….”
“If he had become a villain, our family would have stepped in and cut him down. And if he had left the family only to return quickly, we truly would have severed ties.”
“In other words, you wanted to see his goodness and resolve?”
“That’s about right. Though it did turn out to be rather harsh on him in the end.”
“Someone is still watching him then.”
“Yes. Thanks to that, I was able to hear that despite the hardship of the liquor ban, he found a wonderful patron in the Eunhae Trading Company.”
He clasped his fists and bowed his head to me.
“As Gu Jin’s elder brother, I came here to express my gratitude.”
I returned his fist salute in kind.
“Please, there’s no need for such words. We sponsor skilled craftsmen like yourself simply because it benefits our Eunhae Trading Company. But I heard you were away on official business—did you rush here just for today’s gathering?”
“Yes. I submitted my report to the court and left immediately.”
At that moment, Young Gu-man glanced at Young Gu-sang beside him with a puzzled expression.
“Hmm? Are you unwell? Why do you suddenly look like that?”
Indeed, his face had turned ashen in an instant.
I smiled inwardly at the sight.
It seemed he had committed some act without realizing he was being watched.
I had already known that someone was keeping tabs on Young Gu Jin Master.
There was someone lurking suspiciously near Young Gu Jin Master’s liquor distillery.
And they had followed us here.
However, they didn’t seem dangerous, and their aura felt similar to Young Gu Jin Master’s, so I pretended not to notice.
But it turned out they were sent by his family after all.
I had sensed that same aura when I discovered Young Gu Jin Master being detained before.
They had likely witnessed his detention as well.
They probably hadn’t intervened because he hadn’t crossed a critical line yet.
Yet I rescued Young Gu Jin Master immediately because of the liquor appraisal gathering.
There was no time to wait for them to act.
“Ah, brother, I should take my leave. I’m suddenly feeling unwell…”
“Go ahead.”
Watching him hurry away, I felt a certain satisfaction.
Tsk tsk. Why did you do such a thing?

Young Gu-man watched the appraisal gathering for a while longer before excusing himself, saying he had matters to attend to.
The appraisal gathering concluded without further incident.

That evening.
Though we returned after the Evaluation Competition, the Master Craftsmen couldn’t afford to relax their vigilance.
While all the remaining liquor had been collected by the Imperial Palace, we still needed to protect the materials for crafting.
I had mobilized Eun Pung-dae Warriors to stand guard from the night before the competition through the morning after, for the Master Craftsmen’s sake.
It was both a gesture telling them to rest well and do their best at the competition, and an acknowledgment of their hard work.
So Young Gu Jin and his companions could finally get proper rest tonight.
“Aaahhh!”
“Ohhhhh!”
I let out a quiet chuckle hearing their groans of relief as they collapsed onto their beds after washing up.
Well, they’d certainly earned it after today’s efforts.
And judging by the guests’ reactions, it seemed reasonable to expect good results.
I was about to leave the Master Craftsmen’s quarters after encouraging those who would be submitting to tomorrow’s competition when—
“Young Master! A guest has arrived. He says his name is Young Gu-man, the Elder Brother of Young Gu Jin, and that you would know him.”

Moments later.
I received him.
“Welcome.”
“We meet again. I apologize for visiting at such a late hour.”
“Not at all. It’s not particularly late.”
As we exchanged greetings, I caught a sharp, metallic scent.
That’s… the smell of blood, isn’t it?
Ah… So he’s heard about what Young Gusang did.
If he reeks of blood like this, he must have truly made a mess of things.
“Would it be possible to see my younger brother?”
“Of course. Please come in.”
I guided him to the Guest Reception Room and ordered someone to fetch Young Gu Jin.
Then I made pleasant conversation with Young Gu-man in the reception room.
Moments later.
Young Gu Jin entered the Guest Reception Room.
“I heard you called for me.”
“Yes.”
Young Gu Jin flinched upon seeing Young Gu-man.
“B-brother…”
“It’s been a while.”
“Yes.”
I quickly spoke to Young Gu Jin.
“I didn’t mention it earlier, but actually Young Gu-man came here to support the Young Master-in-law at the competition.”
“Ah, yes. Hyuk-su told me.”
“I’m delighted you’re achieving results so quickly! Father was also pleased when he heard about you.”
“…”
“And I apologize.”
Young Guman bowed his head, and Young Gu Jin Master was startled.
“Brother! Why would you do such a thing?”
“I heard what Gu-sang did to you while I was away.”
“….”
“It is undoubtedly my fault for failing to correct his reckless behavior in a place where Father was absent.”
“Brother….”
“I will ensure this never happens again.”
He straightened his posture and spoke to him.
“It’s good to see you again, looking healthy and well.”
Then he turned his head and bowed respectfully to me.
“I apologize for the late hour. I ask for your continued care of my younger brother.”
With that, Young Guman left the Beijing Branch.
As I escorted him out and returned to my quarters, Young Gu Jin Master spoke to me.
“Second Brother’s matter—surely Hyuk-su told the Elder Brother about it.”
“No.”
I shook my head.
“From what I heard earlier, it seems Spring Commander had already assigned someone to watch over Young Master-in-law.”
“What?”
I told him the story I had heard from Young Guman just moments before.
After hearing my account, he nodded slowly.
“Ah, so that’s how it was?”
His expression was deeply moved.
The father he thought had abandoned him had in fact never abandoned him at all—it was overwhelming.
“But…. Will Second Brother be alright?”
At that question, I asked carefully.
“You’re worried even though he detained Young Master-in-law and made such unreasonable demands?”
“That’s not because he’s my brother….”
He scratched his cheek as he spoke.
“When the Elder Brother gets angry and throws a punch, it’s not just teeth that fall out—his jawbone breaks.”
Ah… that’s certainly a concern.
So that’s why there was a smell of blood earlier.
“If what you say is true, Father will also learn of this. And if Father strikes him, it won’t be just his jawbone that breaks—it could shatter entirely.”
At that rate, he’ll need to take medical leave.
.
.
.
Time passed, and finally the first round of evaluations at the Evaluation Competition came to an end.
And just as I predicted, Young Gu Jin Master’s White Heron Liquor was selected as one of the hundred liquors.
Now it was time to demonstrate the process of making the liquor and evaluate the spirits created on the spot.
Crafting liquor takes anywhere from two weeks at the shortest to over a month at the longest.
To ensure accurate evaluation, a dedicated space was prepared for one hundred distilleries.
That space was none other than our Eunhae Merchant Guild Beijing Branch.
As the distilleries eliminated in the first round withdrew, we gained the necessary space.
Moreover, there weren’t many places capable of accommodating such a large number of people for two weeks to a month.
Among the distilleries I sponsored, twenty remained, including Young Gu Jin Master, and from Hangzhou, Woljurok and two others—twenty-three in total.
Ten distilleries under the Qingshui Trading Company also advanced.
What surprised me was that there were far more distilleries brewing Myung Ju than I had anticipated.
Though I gathered distilleries as best I could, there were many I hadn’t managed to sponsor.
Thus, the final evaluation competition began.
I watched Young Gu Jin Master moving diligently to craft his liquor.
Though he was focused, his expression appeared remarkably light and refreshed.
Perhaps it was because he had finally received his family’s recognition.

The process of crafting liquor is exceedingly tedious and grueling.
Not a single step could be overlooked, and the craftsmen devoted themselves entirely to their work.
Barring any unforeseen complications, the liquors of those who passed the first trial would almost certainly rank among the Empire’s top hundred finest spirits.
Among those, the top ten liquors would be prioritized for inclusion in this trade with foreign nations.
Of course, in our Eunhae Merchant Guild’s case, since we possess trading rights with foreign countries, we can load liquor onto our ships even if it doesn’t rank in the top ten.
Yet despite knowing this, they still give their all—likely driven by their pride and dignity as craftsmen.

While the craftsmen worked on their liquors, I was handling administrative matters in my office.
Though the liquor evaluation competition was important, I couldn’t neglect my duties as Lord of Hyunpung.
And soon there would be the Poetry Competition as well.
“Small Guild Master!”
Gal Hyun Deputy entered my office and called out to me.
Because of Dong Dae-hyeop, Seo Hyang had remained holed up in my office as much as possible, and Gal Hyun Deputy was handling all external communications.
“What is it?”
“Word has just arrived that a liquor has been completed and they’re preparing for a tasting.”
“Which liquor?”
“Baekro Wine.”
I quickly finished my work and made my way to the Evaluation Hall prepared within the Beijing Branch.
The invited guests were already arriving one by one, having received notice.
Soon the tasting evaluation began, and Young Gu Jin Master poured the prepared liquor into cups.
Splash.
What?
In that instant, I couldn’t help but be startled.
Why on earth… does that liquor contain the essence of the Taiyin Ice-Sea Divine Art?

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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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