The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 534

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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 534

Chapter 534. Vigilance is Essential (5)

Gaksaoerang Chief readily agreed to my request.
He then told the people about how we had recovered Small Merchant Guild Leader from the Blood Tide Gang and destroyed them, embellishing our exploits somewhat.
These words came from Gaksaoerang Chief, an Imperial Official—not from someone of the Eun Hae Trading Company.
Because of this, our story gained credibility and began spreading rapidly throughout the Nanking region.
In the meantime, at my request, we arranged a vivid storytelling session with the former pirates we had prepared.
It was the same education we had already conducted for the executives of the Eun Hae Trading Company merchant ships in Hubei Province.
Thanks to the former pirates having experienced it once before, they unfolded their stories far more engagingly than before.
And this brought yet another result.
Song Sub-danju of the Changhae Trading Company came to visit.
“You must be busy with only a few days left before departure. What brings you here?”
“I heard that you punished the pirates who stole the Small Merchant Guild Leader this time.”
“Ah, yes. That’s correct.”
I spoke as if embarrassed.
“Has this matter already reached your ears, Song Sub-danju?”
“Of course. The rumors are already spreading all around.”
Song Sub-danju continued with a bright expression.
“You’ve accomplished something truly great. There are countless people who have suffered losses because of those Blood Tide Gang bastards.”
“Has the Changhae Trading Company also suffered losses from them?”
“Of course. You can’t imagine how frustrated we’ve been, unable to do anything about it.”
“I’m glad I could help resolve that problem for you.”
And so I gained Song Sub-danju’s favor once again.
“Thank you. I….”
Song Sub-danju trailed off as if he had something more to say.
“Please speak freely.”
“I came to see you because I have some concerns. The truth is, our military strength is not very impressive.”
“What are you saying? If the Changhae Trading Company’s military strength were truly unimpressive, how could you have navigated those treacherous seas all this time?”
He shook his head at my words.
“We’ve managed to survive this long because our trading operations aren’t on a large scale. But now there will be many who covet us, and that will become very dangerous.”
He continued.
“So I was wondering—could the Eun Hae Trading Company protect the Changhae Trading Company during this voyage?”
“You’re asking the Eun Hae Trading Company?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m afraid you’ve come to the wrong person. The merchant caravan officer is my Elder Brother.”
Of course, I have authority as well, but the chain of command must remain clear.
For Eun Jung-ho to become the Merchant Guild Leader with stability.
Song Sub-danju laughed at my words and spoke.
“Of course, I went to find Eun Jung-ho first. But he told me, ‘Go see my younger brother instead.'”
“Ah, I see.”
Elder Brother….
He quickly continued.
“Ah! Of course, I’m not asking you to do this without compensation. I’ll set aside a portion of our guild’s profits for you.”
In truth, since the Eun Hae Trading Company moves together with other merchant guilds, we have no choice but to fight together if pirates appear.
Song Sub-danju understands this well.
What he wants is for us to pay a bit more attention and help him first when danger strikes.
“How much are you thinking of setting aside?”
“I’ll give you ten percent.”
Ten percent?
He’s more desperate than I thought.
I’ll need to pay more attention, but if I can receive ten percent of the profits, it’s certainly not a losing proposition.
“Very well. I’ll discuss this with the guild members and inform you of the final decision.”
I immediately gathered Eun Jung-ho, Captain Yong, Song Navigator, and the other operational staff to discuss the matter.
“That’s not difficult at all.”
“We’ll be paying out additional bonuses as well.”
“Then we should do it.”
At the mention of additional bonuses, their eyes sparkled with delight.
The bonuses paid to them during the first trade were quite substantial.
Song Navigator even bought a house with his share.
The other sailors were also able to secure a decent portion.
Thus, we drafted a contract where the Eun Hae Trading Company would also protect the Changhae Trading Company.
That day, I went to find Eun Jung-ho.
There was something I needed to say clearly.
“Eun Jung-ho.”
“What?”
“You could just handle it yourself, so why are you sending it to me?”
At my complaint, Eun Jung-ho chuckled softly.
“The Silver Wind Archery Unit is your creation, isn’t it? And dealing with the Blood Tide Gang this time was also your doing. I can’t take credit for your accomplishments.”
“It’s fine. Don’t worry about such things and just proceed as the leader. I acted for the Eun Hae Trading Company’s interests, not for myself.”
I continued.
“And if you do this, it gives others room for doubt. I want you to become the Merchant Guild Leader without any such doubts.”
At my words, Eun Jung-ho stared at me intently.
“What, what is it? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You brat….”
Eun Jung-ho reached out and ruffled my hair.
“Ah, Elder Brother! It’s hard to fix my hair again!”
.
.
.
It wasn’t just the Changhae Merchant Guild that came seeking out the Eun Hae Trading Company.
Representatives from other merchant guilds also arrived requesting protection for their merchant vessels.
I asked them to contribute their share to Yi Ik’s commission, and they readily accepted my proposal.
“If pirates catch us, they’ll seize all the cargo and either kill the crew or enslave them.”
“To prevent that, this commission is nothing.”
“Exactly right.”
Because of this, our Eun Hae Trading Company’s merchant vessel took the lead position in the fleet.
When I asked Captain Yong if he was comfortable with this, he grinned and replied.
“Excellent. We gain reputation and earn money—two birds with one stone, isn’t it?”
A true talent recognizes opportunity.

At last, the day of departure arrived.
Each ship was loaded to the brim with goods for trade.
Then Gaksaoerang Chief performed a ritual as the representative, burning the blessing scroll and sending it skyward.
Everyone smiled brightly as it rose high into the heavens.
“A good omen!”
“This voyage will surely go smoothly!”
The sailors exchanged farewells with the onlookers and boarded their respective vessels.
“Then, we’ll be going.”
“Please take care of yourselves.”
“Safe travels. We wish you fortune on this voyage.”
Captain Yong, who nodded at my words, glanced toward Gaksaoerang Chief.
Gaksaoerang Chief was boarding the same vessel as Captain Yong.
“Shall we depart?”
“Let’s do it.”
Captain Yong shouted.
“Set sail!”
A sailor with a strong voice echoed the command multiple times.
“Set sail! Set sail! Set sail!”
Whooooosh!
Boom boom boom boom!
The blare of horns and the thunderous beating of drums filled the air as the ships began to move.
This time too, I’ll secure my share without incident.
I’ve prepared thoroughly for it, after all.
– Squawk!
Seeing Geumryeong’s reaction, I’m filled with anticipation.
“Elder Brother.”
I turned my head to look at Eun Jung-ho and spoke.
“You’re heading to Beijing as well, aren’t you?”
“That’s right. I need to check on the silk delivery situation too.”
“That works out perfectly.”
I smiled broadly.
I was about to return to Beijing with a mountain of tasks waiting, and here was someone who could handle my work in my stead?
Seeing my expression, Eun Jung-ho took a step back hesitantly.
“What is it? Why are you smiling like that?”
“Hmm, what do you mean?”
“Is it because of establishing the Martial Hall?”
“…!”
I felt caught.
How did he know?
“Listen here, I’m not going to Beijing just for the silk. Father told me to help you.”
“Huh?”
“The existing Beijing Branch will already be busy, and if you’re rushing around trying to establish a Martial Hall, you’ll be overwhelmed for sure.”
“….”
Father truly is remarkable.
No matter how cleverly I manage my affairs, I cannot match Father’s years of experience and foresight.
Then, a sudden thought crossed my mind.
The illness Father suffered in my previous life.
After he passed the position of Merchant Guild Leader to Eun Jung-ho, his condition deteriorated rapidly.
We managed to find the Black Flute Physician and requested his treatment, but it was already too late.
Looking back now, it seemed the illness had begun even before he transferred the position to Eun Jung-ho.
There’s no immediate rush, but I cannot afford to let my guard down.

We sent people to the inn to make preparations, then headed toward the Provincial Military Command.
Before departing for Beijing, I needed to pay my respects to Ak Dae-in, the Military Commander.
And I had to meet with Ak Dae-in for the establishment of the Martial Hall as well.

We were guided to the Provincial Military Command’s guest reception room, and after waiting there briefly, Ak Dae-in arrived.
“I pay my respects to you, Chief.”
“I pay my respects to you, Chief.”
He accepted our greetings and took his seat.
“Please, sit comfortably.”
“Thank you.”
“So, did the merchant fleet depart safely?”
“Yes, thanks entirely to your meticulous care and attention, Chief.”
Eun Jung-ho laughed heartily at my response.
“Aren’t you those who came under the Emperor’s direct orders? It was only natural that I would give my utmost care in return.”
A truly proper administrator’s way of thinking.
No wonder the Emperor always seems pleased whenever he sees him.
Then he turned to me and spoke.
“And truthfully, the safe departure of the fleet owes more to your merit than to mine, doesn’t it?”
“Pardon?”
“I heard. The Eun Hae Trading Company took the initiative and annihilated the Blood Tide Gang entirely.”
“We make it a principle not to show unnecessary mercy to those who dare touch our company… and so I’m afraid I may have acted rather recklessly in the process.”
I answered humbly at first.
Ak Dae-in didn’t seem displeased, but one can never be too careful, can one?
If he were to think my strength posed a threat to the Emperor, he would move against me without hesitation.
“Hahahaha!”
Ak Dae-in laughed heartily.
“Just as His Majesty said, then.”
“Pardon?”
“There’s nothing to worry about. I know well that you seek to be a strength to the Emperor with that power of yours.”
What exactly did the Emperor say about me…?
For now, I showed proper deference.
“I’m grateful that you understand my heart so well.”
“I should be the one thanking you, since you’ve also solved a problem that’s been troubling me.”
Ak Dae-in’s failure to deal with those pirates wasn’t due to any lack of martial prowess.
It was simply because they were pirates.
They appeared at unpredictable times and places, constantly fleeing by sea, making them impossible to pin down.
That’s why this time, my Guard Warriors and I devised a meticulous plan and infiltrated their vessel.
“Since you’ve rendered a service, I ought to provide proper compensation to settle accounts. Is there anything you desire?”
The question I’d been hoping for.
Should I politely decline for now?
“What are you saying, Chief? We merely dealt with those who threatened our company and would also hinder the Emperor’s orders.”
“Of course I understand your loyalty. Still, accounts must be settled.”
The reason Ak Dae-in enjoyed the Emperor’s trust and rose steadily through the ranks as an official.
Though his background was excellent and his martial prowess outstanding, it was his meticulous accounting that truly set him apart.
“Then I have one favor to ask of you.”
“Speak freely.”
“Could you recommend someone from the Shandong Ak Family who can teach spear techniques?”
“Spear techniques? I heard you use a sword?”
“It’s not for me to learn.”
I shook my head.
“In truth, I’m planning to establish a Martial Hall in Beijing.”
“A Martial Hall, you say….”
“Yes. In Beijing, we have the Apricot Flower Academy operated by our Eun Hae Trading Company. However, that place exists solely for scholarly pursuits. But I believe that alone creates an imbalance.”
“What is the purpose of this Martial Hall?”
“Just like the Apricot Flower Academy, it is to achieve prominence through martial excellence.”
“Prominence through martial excellence?”
“Yes. The goal is to cultivate those with exceptional martial talent and produce outstanding martial practitioners.”
At my words, Ak Dae-in smiled.
“This will certainly increase competition in the military examinations. If that many talented individuals pass the martial exams, it means our national defense grows stronger.”
He continued speaking.
“I like it. However, there is a condition.”
“What might that be?”
“You must obtain the Emperor’s approval. Surely you already know that establishing a Martial Hall in Beijing requires the Emperor’s sanction?”
“Of course.”
A Martial Hall, while not quite on the scale of the Three Great Families or major sects, is still an organization where martial practitioners gather.
Therefore, in Beijing, one can only establish a Martial Hall with the Emperor’s approval.
“Once you obtain the Emperor’s approval, the main house will provide two outstanding instructors to support you.”
“Thank you.”
Thus the matter of a spear technique instructor was resolved.

The next morning.
I and the members of the Eun Hae Trading Company set out toward Beijing.
Along the way, we passed by Myodun Mountain, which had collapsed from the previous landslide, but it had been rapidly repaired since it was a major road.
Thanks to this, we were able to reach Beijing comfortably as scheduled.

“Welcome.”
“You must be exhausted.”
The staff of the Beijing Branch greeted Eun Jung-ho and me.
We each headed to our quarters.
After washing thoroughly, I collapsed onto my bed.
Ah! This is wonderful.
There’s nothing quite like a proper bed, is there?
But I don’t have time for this. There’s accumulated work to handle….
And I still need to deal with the Martial Hall construction project….
Yet my eyelids grew heavier by the moment.
Still, I have a bit of time. Perhaps I could rest for just a short while? Maybe an hour or so before getting up?
That was when it happened.
“Young Master!”
The door suddenly burst open.
“What? What is it?”
“The Great Hero Jin-yeong has arrived.”
“….”
Sleep fled from me in an instant.
Sigh, when do I ever get to rest in this life….

A moment later.
I made my way to the Guest Reception Room and faced Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster.
“I pay my respects to the Great Hero.”
“It’s been a while.”
“Yes, I’ve been well.”
“Last time, the Emperor sent an Eunuch Official to summon you, but I heard you had departed for the Northern Sea in the meantime.”
Ah….
That must have been when I went to the Northern Sea Ice Palace for the Ice Flame Conference.
I’m glad I heeded Seo Hyang’s advice.
“My apologies. I had urgent matters to attend to….”
“I’m not blaming you. I know well enough that you’re a busy man.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“We should head to the Imperial Palace at once. The Emperor is summoning you.”
This time, the Emperor’s summons came as welcome news.
After all, I need to extract—no, I mean to receive—proper compensation for this affair.

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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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