The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 501

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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 501

Chapter 501. White Dew Liquor (5)

I hurried toward the Merchant Guild Lodging where the liquor distillery owners had gathered.
The courtyard was crowded with many people murmuring among themselves.
Pushing through the crowd, I found the Minister of War standing face to face with Young Gu Jin Master, accompanied by a woman wearing a veil.
“Are you the master craftsman who brewed the White Dew Liquor?”
“Yes, I am.”
Young Gu Jin Master answered confidently to the question.
“Is there perhaps some problem with the liquor I brewed?”
“No, that’s not it. What I’m curious about is that liquor….”
I interjected before the Minister of War could continue.
I was concerned that his next words might become known to others.
“Pardon me, but who might you be? Aren’t you the Minister of War?”
“Hmm? Ah, it’s Eun Seo-ho, the Small Guild Master.”
“Yes. I heard you were looking for our Young Master-in-law, so I came in haste.”
“That’s right. I came to discuss something with him.”
“In that case, it would be better to step inside rather than converse standing here in the courtyard. The weather is still quite chilly, and it would be more comfortable for your daughter as well.”
The Minister of War nodded at my suggestion.
“That would be best.”
Thus I guided the Minister of War’s party to the Guest Reception Room, and Palgap brought refreshments.
“Please, help yourselves.”
“Thank you.”
I was about to ask the Minister of War if I could remain present at this meeting.
But Young Gu Jin Master was quicker than me.
“Forgive me, but Minister’s Daughter. This Eun Seo-ho, the Small Guild Master, is my patron. He handles all my affairs, both great and small. Therefore, I would like Eun Seo-ho, the Small Guild Master, to be present at this meeting as well.”
The Minister of War readily accepted the request.
“Very well.”
“Thank you.”
I quickly took a seat beside Young Gu Jin Master.
“Let me ask once more. Are you truly the one who brewed the White Dew Liquor?”
“Yes, I am.”
I couldn’t understand why he kept asking the same question over and over.
However, it didn’t seem to be anything bad.
If there had been a problem, the Imperial Guards would have burst in.
“The White Dew Liquor was indeed brewed by Young Gu Jin Master here. This can be verified by the hundred invited guests who witnessed it at yesterday’s Evaluation Competition, as well as countless others who observed it.”
“I see.”
He nodded his head.
“There’s a reason I’m confirming this again. You see… my daughter suffered from a form of madness.”
“….”
I already knew this from Young Gu-sang, but I couldn’t mention it, so I had to pretend I was hearing it for the first time.
“It was a madness that drove her to self-harm. She suffered terribly from this inexplicable affliction. But yesterday, after she drank the White Dew Liquor bestowed by His Majesty… the madness vanished.”
“What?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“You didn’t know either, it seems. In any case, it was both miraculous and something I’m deeply grateful for. After trying every medicine imaginable without success, her madness disappeared with just a single sip of liquor.”
The Young Master-in-law still seemed unaware of the reason, but I thought I understood it.
It must have been the power of the Taiyin Ice-Sea Divine Art that I felt within the White Dew Liquor.
The madness that the Minister’s Daughter suffered from wasn’t truly an illness—it was closer to brainwashing or a curse.
The Moshan Sect Taoist had healed her from it.
The White Dew Liquor containing the Taiyin Ice-Sea Divine Art must have played a similar role.
But what the Minister of War said next left me equally astonished.
“No method worked all this time… this must surely be a connection heaven has granted us. So I’m asking you—marry my daughter!”
“What?”
“Pardon?”
Wait, why did the conversation suddenly take this turn?
But as if the matter were already decided, the Minister’s Daughter sat quietly beside him.
Young Gu-jin Master spoke in confusion.
“That… that’s far too sudden, sir. And the Minister’s Daughter is far too good for me.”
“No, it is not. If not for you, my daughter would surely have taken her own life someday.”
I couldn’t refute those words.
It wasn’t her own life, but in trying to stop her, her husband—Young Gu-jin Master—had lost his.
“If you are the one who brewed the liquor that cured my daughter’s madness, then I can trust you with her care.”
The Minister of War’s resolve was firm, while Young Gu-jin Master appeared deeply uncomfortable.
Watching this unfold, my feelings were quite complex.
Two people who had been bound as husband and wife in my previous life were now being connected again in this one?
Seeing this, I truly believed that soulmates existed.
I had no particular reason to object.
In my previous life, he was sacrificed because of his wife’s madness, but in this life, that very affliction was resolved thanks to the liquor he created.
The Minister of War would make a fine in-law family.
But I needed to give Young Gu-jin Master time to process this shock.
I spoke carefully.
“Forgive me, Minister. Surely a marriage is a great matter that binds two families together, is it not?”
“That is true.”
“And it is also a lifelong covenant between a man and woman. Therefore, I believe it would be better to proceed with some time for consideration.”
“Ah… I see! My apologies. I was rushing ahead without thinking.”
“No, not at all, sir.”
At the Minister of War’s apology, Young Gu-jin Master quickly waved his hand.
“Yes, is your Spring Commander in Hubei Province?”
He already knew that Young Gu Jin Master had come from a liquor distillery in Hubei Province.
“No, sir. My father is in Guizhou Province.”
“Guizhou Province?”
“That is….”
Young Gu Jin Master scratched his cheek as he answered.
“He serves as the Provincial Military Commander in Guizhou Province.”
At that answer, the Minister of War blinked his eyes before asking again.
“By any chance… what is your relationship to Young Gu-sang?”
“He is my second elder brother.”
So he hadn’t discovered that connection yet. No wonder he wore such a surprised expression.
“Ah! So that’s how it is! But tell me, what ailment caused Young Gu-sang to take medical leave?”
At that question, Young Gu Jin Master’s expression grew troubled.
The reason for his leave was obvious enough.
His eldest brother, Young Guman, had beaten him so thoroughly on a rainy day that he couldn’t possibly be unscathed.
“My apologies. In truth, I have little contact with my second brother and know little of his circumstances.”
“I see.”
The Minister of War, however, wore an expression of considerable satisfaction.
And well he might, for the man he had decided to take as his son-in-law turned out to come from a rather respectable family after all.
.
.
.
That evening.
I returned to my room and called for Geumryeong.
“Geumryeong.”
“Squeak?”
“Want some silver coins? Do me a favor.”
At my words, Geumryeong chirped and scampered onto the small table before me, eyes gleaming as he looked up at me.
I tied a letter I had prepared beforehand to Geumryeong’s tail and said:
“Just deliver this to Master. And you need to bring back his reply.”
“Squeak.”
“Go on now.”
Geumryeong immediately dashed off to Master.
I wasn’t certain where Master was staying, but at Geumryeong’s speed, I should have his reply by tomorrow at the latest.

The next morning.
“Chirp!”
When I opened my eyes, Geum-ryeong was perched on my chest, looking down at me.
“Ah, you’re here early?”
I yawned and gently stroked Geum-ryeong’s feathers.
Then I rose from the bed and untied the letter fastened to Geum-ryeong’s tail to read it.

[The news you shared with me, Small Guild Master, is truly remarkable. That White Dew Liquor is undoubtedly the Seolpung Palace’s Snow Dew Wine.]

Snow Dew Wine?
Did it mean the dew of snow?

[I cannot fathom why my Grandfather revealed the method of crafting Snow Dew Wine and named it White Dew Liquor instead, but the fact remains that its lineage has been preserved. Is this not cause for joy?]

From the handwriting, it seemed Master was quite excited as well.

[The energy contained within that liquor is certainly a matter of concern, but there is no need to be overly cautious. While I must apologize to the Master Craftsman who created the White Dew Liquor, this could very well serve as bait to draw out those wretches who annihilated Seolpung Palace.]

Indeed, his thoughts aligned with mine.
Those who had so thoroughly destroyed Seolpung Palace would surely find the White Dew Liquor an eyesore.
So they would pursue it, and by capturing them, I could uncover clues to their true identity.

[I believe you, Small Guild Master, understand this matter far better than I do.]

In other words, you’re entrusting me with everything that comes after this.
I summoned the Sammaejinhwa and burned the letter to ash.
Now then, shall I try some breathing cultivation?
As I rose to my feet with that thought, Geumryeong refused to release my sleeve from her mouth.
“What’s wrong?”
“Squeak!”
Geumryeong tapped the chamber bed with her front paws.
Ah… I hadn’t given her the silver yet. She truly is a thorough creature.
.
.
.
Before long, all the competitions had concluded.
As I had anticipated, White Dew Liquor was selected as the ultimate champion. Thus, he presented himself before the Emperor and received a certificate and prize money proving his superior achievement at the first liquor evaluation competition.
“Truly commendable! Continue to refine your craft and brew fine spirits.”
“Your Majesty’s grace is boundless.”
The second-place award went to Taepyeong Liquor, submitted by a distillery under the Qingshui Trading Company, alongside Woljurok of the Woljurul Tavern.
Beyond them, seven other establishments were selected for the Registry of Names.
Registry of Names meant to engrave one’s name in history.
In other words, it meant to preserve the record and make it widely known throughout the Empire.
Simply being among the top ten distilleries out of countless establishments across the Empire was a tremendous achievement.
Young Gu Jin Master, having paid his respects to the Emperor and withdrawn, stumbled slightly.
“Are you well?”
“Phew, yes, I’m fine. The tension is just releasing.”
I understand that feeling well.
Every time I face the Emperor, I too grow so nervous my liver shrivels.
And I also had to meet with the Emperor separately.
Sigh…
I spoke to him.
“Just follow Nae-jae, and you’ll be fine.”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll see you later.”
After sending him off, I took a deep breath while gazing at the Emperor’s office.
Moments later.
I approached the Emperor’s presence.
The Emperor spoke to me as I performed the highest courtesy.
“Raise your head.”
“Your Majesty’s grace is boundless.”
“Yes, you’ve worked hard this time. I hear the officials’ reactions were favorable, and the people’s sentiment has improved. As a bonus, the participation fees were quite substantial too.”
“How could this be my doing? It is all due to Your Majesty’s benevolence.”
“Are you trying to butter me up with honeyed words?”
I wet my lips and responded to his jab.
“It is the truth, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor let out a soft chuckle and changed the subject.
“I reviewed the documents you submitted. The proposal to create different bottle designs for each type of liquor we trade with foreign nations seemed quite promising.”
“I am delighted that you view my proposal favorably, Your Majesty.”
“Proceed with the plan as proposed.”
“I shall obey your command, Your Majesty.”
“What is it?”
“What budget will be allocated for this project?”
“Budget?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I believe that with adequate funding, those overseeing this project can work without worry. When the mind is anxious, true artistry cannot be born.”
I continued.
“Moreover, these liquors are being created for trade with foreign nations, are they not? We must craft them with excellence to demonstrate the Empire’s dignity to the world.”
“So you’re asking me to spend generously on this.”
Instead of answering, I bowed respectfully.
The Emperor paused in thought, then granted my request.
“You make a fair point. I shall allocate a generous budget for this endeavor.”
“Your benevolence is boundless, Your Majesty.”
“That settled, I hear the Minister of War’s daughter drank White Dew Liquor and was cured of her madness?”
“….”
Just as I had anticipated, the Emperor inquired about this.
“I asked the Young Master-in-law about it earlier, and he said that good spiritual energy was infused during the liquor’s creation. And he mentioned that you were the one who explained this to him.”
Ah….
Yes, I did explain it that way.
As the one creating the liquor, I had to understand it to some degree.
I had explained it quite thoroughly to him. But I instructed him to say “good spiritual energy was infused” when asked about it by outsiders.
And I also told him to mention that I was the one who explained it.
He followed my instructions well.
“That is correct, Your Majesty.”
“I made inquiries of my own and learned that the White Dew Liquor’s spiritual energy is cold yet clear. And your spiritual energy is the same.”
“….”
The Emperor had undoubtedly already investigated the White Dew Liquor’s spiritual properties through the Guard Warrior of Hwagyeong.
There truly is no room for carelessness.
On the other hand, I was grateful that I had consulted with my Master about this beforehand.
“Your Majesty, I do not claim to understand it fully, but it appears the cold spiritual energy within the White Dew Liquor helped clarify the mind.”
I decided to speak vaguely about this matter.
The proper way to cast bait is not to make it visible, but to cast it where it cannot be seen.
That way, one’s guard is lowered.
“I make this inference because, as you mentioned, my own spiritual energy possesses such qualities.”
“Then your spiritual energy also possesses such beneficial properties.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. However, I would appreciate it if you did not speak of this matter elsewhere.”
“I have that much integrity, at least.”
“That is precisely why I speak so freely with you, Your Majesty.”
For some reason, the Emperor’s gaze felt unsettling. So I hastened to add a clarification.
“However, I cannot guarantee that such ability will manifest every time.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Understood. And do your utmost in the Poetry Competition a few days hence as well.”
“I accept your command.”
“You have labored well. You may withdraw.”
With that, I retreated from the Emperor’s presence.
I did not stumble about like Young Gu Jin Master had, but the tension draining from me left my legs unsteady.

Upon returning to the Beijing Branch, I searched for Young Gu Jin Master, but he was not there.
“Young Master’s Spring Manager came by, so he went to the Family Estate.”
“I see.”
I returned to my room and unfolded the documents.
Papers regarding bottle production that I had received on my way out of the Imperial Palace.
As I read through them, I realized something and could not help but sigh.
This… isn’t this work I have to do?
The Poetry Competition is in a few days, yet I’ve somehow brought more tasks upon myself.
Should I pass this to Go Merchant Lord… or rather, ask him to handle it?

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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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