The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 56

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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 Eunhae Trading Company – Chapter 56

Chapter 56. Catching the Rat (1)

“Whoa, whoa!”
A group had just arrived in the Provincial Capital of Sichuan.
They were from the headquarters of the Eunhae Trading Company.
“You’ve arrived earlier than expected.”
The temporary leader guiding them was Im Ki-chul, a division-level officer of Sang-yu Hall and commander of the third squad.
He spotted a handsome young man sitting beneath a tree before him. It was Eun Seo-ho.
“Young Master!”
“Was the journey smooth?”
Eun Seo-ho rose and asked this, and Im Ki-chul clasped his fist in salute as he replied.
“We took the best roads available—what hardship could there have been?”
Though it had taken considerable time.
They’d had to make quite a detour to bring the carriages along.
“How are things progressing here in Sichuan? On the way, I noticed that matters in Hubei and Shaanxi are unfolding according to plan.”
“Yes. This region is also proceeding as planned. It was worthwhile arriving early. Shall we head to the branch office now?”
“Yes.”
.
.
.
They soon arrived at the Eunhae Merchant Guild Sichuan Branch.
“Welcome!”
“We pay our respects to the Branch Master!”
They clasped their fists in salute to the branch master who had come to greet them.
The branch master’s name was Eun Myung-sang.
He was the brother of the current Merchant Guild Leader.
The former Merchant Lord Eun Ji-bong had fathered three sons and one daughter. Eun Myung-sang was his second son.
“But I heard Seo-ho was coming as well?”
“I’m right here.”
The handsome young man standing directly before him answered.
“Oh!”
At first he hadn’t recognized him, but upon closer inspection, he could see traces of the boy he once knew.
He offered a respectful salute.
“Your nephew Eun Seo-ho pays his respects to Uncle.”
“I truly didn’t recognize you! To think you’ve grown into such a fine young man!”
Eun Myung-sang examined his nephew with an approving gaze. The transformation was so striking that he hadn’t recognized him even at close range.
The child had been prone to frequent minor illnesses.
So when I heard he was coming to Sichuan Province, I’d been quite worried.
Yet the child before me appeared remarkably healthy. Moreover, he stood quite tall.
‘His face is delicate enough to make quite a few women swoon. He seems to resemble me more than his older brother, I’d say.’
He greeted Eun Seo-ho with a pleased smile.
“It’s been a long time. Have you been well all this while?”
“Yes. I hope you’ve been in good health as well, Uncle?”
“I’ve been doing well enough.”
“Then allow me to introduce my companions.”
They exchanged greetings with one another, and Eun Myung-sang spoke to them.
“Come inside then.”
“Yes.”
They entered the Eunhae Merchant Guild Sichuan Branch.
Within the sprawling estate stood numerous buildings, divided into the Inner Compound and Outer Hall.
Eun Seo-ho was guided to the Inner Compound.
This was only fitting, as Eun Seo-ho bore the Eun surname and was family, unlike the other employees.
Eun Myung-sang and Eun Seo-ho spent time alone together.
“Your aunt and your cousins are all away on business at the moment. You’ll be able to meet them this evening.”
“I see.”
Eun Myung-sang personally brewed and served tea.
“Drink up. While Sichuan Province is renowned for its silk and rock salt, the tea here has its own charm.”
“I shall enjoy it.”
Eun Seo-ho sipped the tea carefully.
“By the way…”
Observing Eun Seo-ho, Eun Myung-sang continued.
“The Sichuan Tang Family came calling a few days ago.”
“What? *Cough! Cough cough!*”

* * *

Ah! That’s hot!
I burned my tongue.
The revelation had been that sudden.
I had deliberately kept my identity hidden from the Sichuan Tang Family. So how did they discover that I was from the Eunhae Trading Company, and how did they find out my name?
Ah… I mentioned it once to reassure Tang Jo-ung. Did they remember that?
Uncle handed me a handkerchief and spoke.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Judging by your reaction, the Sichuan Tang Family has their reasons for searching for you. It seems they’re being quite secretive about it?”
That was fortunate.
If the Sichuan Tang Family hadn’t moved discreetly, my current plan wouldn’t have proceeded smoothly.
“What exactly happened?”
Uncle’s expression grew quite serious.
“Making an enemy of the Sichuan Tang Family is absolutely forbidden.”
“How could I not know that?”
If I had become enemies with the Sichuan Tang Family?
Then from that day forward, I would have to abandon peaceful sleep, delicious food, and stepping outside—all of it.
Because I would never know where a hidden blade might fly from or where poison might lurk.
Ultimately, whether it took ten years or a hundred, the Sichuan Tang Family was the place where vengeance would be completed.
That’s how relentless and viciously persistent they were when it came to revenge.
“If you’ve committed some offense against them, you must go apologize now. If you lack the courage, this uncle will accompany you.”
The warmth in Uncle’s eyes as he looked at me was genuine.
In this way, he resembled Father—both seemed to have inherited that quality from Grandfather.
I shook my head.
“No, it’s fine. The Sichuan Tang Family isn’t searching for me because I’ve caused them trouble.”
“Then that’s a relief!”
“Well… I may have caused them some minor inconvenience, but they’ll overlook that much. Haha.”
After all, I had kept my name and affiliation hidden from them, which had troubled them.
“Actually, let me explain.”
I told Uncle the full story of what had transpired between me and the Sichuan Tang Family.
Of course, I didn’t mention that the true mastermind behind the kidnapping was the Murim Alliance.
Not only did I lack evidence, but it was far too significant a matter.
Though the Murim Alliance currently appeared to be merely ornamental, they remained the center of the White Path Martial World.
I couldn’t speak carelessly about such things.
“Such a thing happened?”
Uncle’s eyes widened at my words.
“So you saved the House Master’s son, and the Sichuan Tang Family incurred a debt to you! That’s why they searched for you so desperately.”
Uncle continued speaking.
“There’s an unspoken rule among the martial sects and noble families belonging to the White Path Martial World—debts of gratitude must be properly repaid.”
Uncle refilled my tea cup and asked.
“But from what you’re saying, it sounds like you arrived here more than half a month ago?”
“Ah, that’s….”
“Now that I think about it, strange rumors have been circulating continuously over the past half month. And now the rumor about spirits dwelling in Jamu Dolls has become meaningless, while conversely the reputation of the Dan Clan Merchant Guild has plummeted.”
Uncle continued, looking at me.
“Your handiwork?”
“Yes, sir.”
I admitted it readily.
“I came to Sichuan first under Father’s orders and executed a series of operations.”
“Still, I’m surprised Elder Brother thought of such a strategy! Is the Merchant Guild Leader truly worthy of the title?”
Though it was my own scheme, I remained silent since it felt awkward to claim credit before Uncle.
“Regardless, the real purpose of your coming here in person.”
Honestly, if it were merely about spreading those ‘rumors,’ I could have sent someone else I trusted, as I did elsewhere.
Just as with other places.
But I came to Sichuan myself. It was precisely because of the purpose of rooting out the rat.
“Do you truly believe there’s a rat in this branch?”
“Aren’t you suspecting it as well, Uncle?”
“But we’ve been like family all this time… a spy, you say….”
Uncle’s expression showed disbelief.
I could understand Uncle’s feelings to some degree.
This branch in Sichuan Province was built with mutual dependence. Yet it meant that someone like family had betrayed the others.
In my previous life, I too had experienced such betrayal.
No matter how humanely I treated people or placed trust in them, traitors always emerged.
At first, I was deeply hurt, but eventually I came to accept it.
No matter how thoroughly I investigated, the reason for betrayal was never the Eunhae Trading Company’s fault.
It was always a matter of personal greed and external pressure.
Yet I never reduced the benefits provided by the Eunhae Trading Company.
If I had treated them poorly, then the company itself would become the reason for betrayal.
“Uncle, you bear no fault.”
“Hmm?”
“It seems you’re blaming yourself. You’re thinking that if you had treated them just a bit better, they wouldn’t have betrayed you.”
“Ah, my… was I that transparent?”
“Uncle, you’re truly a good person. The very fact that you think such things proves you’re good.”
I chuckled softly.
“And though it may sound like boasting, the welfare benefits of the Eunhae Trading Company are quite substantial. So there’s no need for such needless self-recrimination.”
“This is too much. Calling your uncle’s self-reflection needless….”
“If my words were excessive, I apologize.”
I bowed my head, and Uncle laughed and waved his hand.
“Just joking, joking.”
Uncle’s face brightened again.
“Yes, let’s stop this needless self-reflection here. So, did you achieve any results from coming here early?”
“Yes.”
I answered with a smile.
“I’ve discovered who the rat is, where it frequents, and what it feeds on.”
I hadn’t come here early merely to spread rumors.
I’d been quite busy moving about.
I had to investigate the Dan Clan Merchant Guild while simultaneously observing the Eunhae Merchant Guild Sichuan Branch.
And finally, I caught sight of someone from the Dan Clan Merchant Guild meeting with someone from the Eunhae Merchant Guild Sichuan Branch.
My Uncle’s eyes gleamed at my words.
“So who is it? Tell me about this rat at once!”
“Uncle.”
I continued with a subtle smile.
“Imagine a rat that borrowed its tail from a cat, only to discover that the payment it received wasn’t food but bird droppings. Feeling betrayed, the rat bites the cat. Doesn’t that sound amusing?”
“It would be amusing, but surely the cat gave the rat food in exchange for lending its tail? Bird droppings?”
“That’s where the truly interesting part begins.”
“…?”
“A kite watched all this unfold, stole the food, and left droppings in its place.”
My Uncle asked.
“So who is this kite?”
“Me.”
I continued.
“While I cannot forgive those who played the spy for money, I cannot overlook the Dan Clan Merchant Guild for planting that spy either.”
The Dan Clan Merchant Guild had already suffered considerable damage to its reputation from spreading false rumors about the Jamu Doll Company.
But that was one matter, and this is another.
This time, they would pay the price for planting a spy.
.
.
.
That evening.
I was able to meet my Uncle’s family.
My Aunt greeted me warmly.
“Welcome. Our Seo-ho has grown quite handsome, hasn’t he?”
“Haha.”
My Aunt was a typical Sichuan person—spirited, bold, and cheerful.
My Uncle had been active in Sichuan early on, and they met and married there.
They had two sons and two daughters together.
The two sons were currently helping my Uncle with his work. Their names were Eun Dae-seok and Eun Chung-seok.
Dae-seok Elder Brother was nineteen now, and Chung-seok Elder Brother was seventeen.
“It’s been a long time, Elder Brothers.”
“Yes, it has been a while.”
“Have you been well?”
“Yes.”
And my youngest sister is younger than me. Born late, she’s now six years old.
Because of this, she received the love and affection of the entire family in abundance.
Her name is Eun Ryeo-ok.
Right now, Ryeo-ok was clutching the hem of my robe and refusing to let go.
I wanted to return to my quarters, wash up, and rest a bit, but since Ryeo-ok wouldn’t release me, I couldn’t make it to my room.
“Ryeo-ok, come now. Let’s go to bed. Your brother needs to sleep.”
“Then you should just sleep with me.”
She looked up at me with sparkling eyes that seemed to say, “Will you really not play with me even now?”
My heart suddenly ached.
She’s… she’s really adorable.
At that moment, Dae-seok Elder Brother asked Ryeo-ok.
“Ryeo-ok, do you like Seo-ho Elder Brother that much?”
“Yes.”
“Why do you like him so much?”
“Because he’s handsome.”
“…”
When she says it so decisively, I can’t help but feel embarrassed.
It was then.
“Ryeo-ok, don’t bother Seo-ho Elder Brother too much.”
I turned around.
A spirited woman with her hair tied back tightly, dressed in martial robes and a sword at her waist, walked forward with confidence.
Her name is Eun Hyang-ok.
She is my uncle’s eldest daughter.
She is one year older than me, at sixteen years old.
She spoke to Ryeo-ok.
“If you bother Seo-ho Elder Brother, he might start to dislike you, don’t you think? Then wouldn’t you be sad?”
“Oh…”
“You like being with people who care about you too, right? So let’s stop here and go to bed. You can play again tomorrow.”
After thinking for a moment, Ryeo-ok finally released her grip on my robe.
“Okay. But you have to play with me tomorrow for sure.”
“I promise.”
At my response, Ryeo-ok finally felt reassured and followed her Nursemaid back to her room.
Hyang-ok Elder Sister bowed respectfully to my uncle and spoke.
“I came immediately upon receiving word, though I arrived a bit late.”
“No matter.”
“So, should I kill that rat now?”
From Hyang-ok Elder Sister’s words, I instinctively flinched at the killing intent she exuded.
I find Hyang-ok Elder Sister frightening.

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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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