The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 583

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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 583

Chapter 583. Under-the-Table Dealings (4)

At my words, Jin-ho gave me a sidelong glance.
“Seo-ho.”
“What?”
“Can’t you just comfort me without all this logic?”
I laughed awkwardly at my elder brother’s grumbling.
Jin-ho really was something—he should ask for comfort from someone actually capable of providing it.
After all, I was the one who brought Sister Hyang-ok here.
.
.
.
Dawn broke.
Today was the day the final champion of the Cheon-jo bracket would be decided.
That champion would then face the final winner of the Ji-jo bracket for the championship.
I left the Yeon Pung Inn early in the morning and headed toward the Ji Family Estate.
As I approached the main gate, the Gate Keeper asked me.
“What brings you here?”
“I’ve come to meet Young Master Ji Gyeong-hwa. Please inform him that Eun Seo-ho from the Eun Hae Trading Company has arrived.”
“Understood.”
The Gate Keeper called a servant and sent word, and soon the servant came running back with a message.
“The Young Master says to bring you inside.”
I entered with my companions.
Those I brought today were Seo Hyang, Jin Yu Warrior, and Lee Pil Warrior.
I brought Seo Hyang because I needed to draw up a contract here today.
She was the one currently managing my contracts.
Of course, today’s contract was a confidential one, but Seo Hyang was someone I could trust.
However, the place I was guided to was not the guest reception room.
This place was…
The door opened and Young Master Ji Gyeong-hwa emerged.
“Welcome.”
“I hope I haven’t come too late?”
“Not at all. Please, come in.”
I had been guided to a conference room.
Inside were not only Young Master Ji Gyeong-hwa but also what appeared to be his grandfather and father.
“The Ji Clan Patriarch Ji Jung, I see.”
“The Small Patriarch Ji Hyeon-cheol, then.”
Just as I’d anticipated.
I showed no alarm and greeted them with a respectful bow.
“Eun Seo-ho of the Eun Hae Trading Company offers his respects.”
As my greeting concluded, Ji Gyeong-hwa spoke.
“I informed my grandfather and father about the transaction we conducted yesterday. This matter cannot be resolved at my level alone.”
“Of course it couldn’t be.”
“I sincerely hope you’re not displeased that I reported this to my superiors without first obtaining the Great Hero’s permission.”
“How could I possibly be?”
This much I had foreseen.
The only difference was whether they would speak of it after my visit or beforehand—nothing more.
Even as the patriarch’s grandson, he couldn’t make decisions regarding the family’s major affairs.
That’s precisely why I’d mentioned visiting their estate directly.
Yet they’ve informed me in advance—they’ve spared me the trouble.
I turned my head to regard the House Master and Small Patriarch as I asked my question.
“Since the young master has already explained everything, there’s no need for further elaboration. Have you reached a decision, then?”
“We have. We’ve no intention of accepting your proposal.”
The House Master’s answer was decisive.
Well, this wasn’t entirely unexpected, though I hadn’t assessed the probability as particularly high.
“I see. Might I inquire as to your reasons?”
“The Main House is an established family of Shaanxi. We’ve no desire to be swayed by the hands of a lowly merchant, regardless of financial urgency.”
“How refreshingly candid. I’d have expected you to make excuses for propriety’s sake.”
“If you understand, then take your leave.”
At that firm dismissal, Ji Gyeong-hwa cried out desperately.
“Grandfather! Please reconsider this once more!”
“Silence.”
The House Master rebuked Ji Gyeong-hwa sharply, then spoke to me with blunt curtness.
“Why are you still here?”
“Before I depart, might I ask two questions?”
“That much is permissible. Speak.”
“Has anyone else approached you with an alternative proposal?”
“No.”
“That’s fortunate. When I traced their whereabouts, I found they were already dead, and the cave they’d occupied had collapsed. It was likely done to sever loose ends.”
Their expressions shifted strangely at my words—the look of people wondering what I was talking about.
I continued.
“Yet on my return journey, I found myself curious about something. Why did the Ji Clan, which had devoted itself solely to martial cultivation, suddenly begin dabbling in commerce?”
“….”
“Even if there were compelling reasons to do so, when families typically venture into such enterprises, they seek counsel from merchants they’ve known for years. Yet it appears you did nothing of the sort. Since you disdain merchants as base and keep your distance, it seems you lack the eye to recognize a worthy merchant.”
At my words, he fixed me with a glare.
“Are you insulting me?”
“How could that possibly be?”
I continued calmly.
“I simply found it rather peculiar. You say merchants are beneath you and refuse to associate with them, yet you desired wealth and started a business. Isn’t conducting business the very definition of being a merchant? How can a family that engages in commerce distance itself from merchants? Doesn’t that strike you as contradictory?”
“Well, that is….”
Even he must recognize the illogic of his own reasoning.
“Moreover, it’s equally strange that you refuse to shake hands with merchants, yet you’re willing to do so with the Black Path.”
The House Master’s expression grew troubled at my words.
“What are you saying? The Black Path, suddenly…?”
“Then who did you believe them to be?”
“They are subordinates of a Manor Lord from Henan Province. They came to us after learning of our circumstances, offering their assistance.”
“Does an ordinary Manor Lord order men to kill during a friendly martial exhibition?”
“…What do you mean? We merely wagered victory as the condition…?”
The House Master’s expression showed genuine bewilderment.
I turned my gaze deliberately toward Ji Gyeong-hwa, studying him intently.
The House Master and Small Patriarch, sensing something amiss, turned their attention toward him as well.
Unable to withstand their scrutiny, Ji Gyeong-hwa fell to his knees.
“Forgive me! Grandfather! Father!”
He cried out, his head bowed.
“There is something you both do not know. They secretly summoned me to an abandoned manor on the outskirts of Luoyang and threatened me. They ordered me to kill my opponent on the martial arena.”
“What?”
“What are you saying, Gyeong-hwa?”
“They said that if I did not follow their instructions, they would refuse to settle the debt.”
“Why didn’t you tell us this?”
“They demanded absolute secrecy. They said if I revealed this to anyone else, they would withdraw their offer to settle the debt.”
“….”
“I apologize for not informing you sooner.”
So that was the situation.
There was a reason their expressions had seemed strange when I spoke of their ultimate fate.
“After the Young Master’s martial contest concluded, I followed them and discovered they were members of the Black Path. Thus, a prestigious orthodox family became complicit with the Black Path, serving as their instruments.”
The House Master waved his hand in distress at my words.
“We, we knew nothing of this!”
Well, of course you were so confident—you were ignorant of the truth.
I withdrew a letter from my robes and placed it upon the table.
“I discovered this at the location where they were hiding.”
The Small Patriarch approached first and picked it up.
As he read the letter, he squeezed his eyes shut.
“What does it say that troubles you so?”
Instead of answering, the Small Patriarch handed the letter to the House Master.
The House Master read it and let out a heavy sigh.
“Heavens! How could this be!”
And soon after, he asked with a puzzled expression.
“But why are you giving this to us?”
“Of course, I could submit it to the Murim Alliance instead.”
If I did, the Ji Clan would vanish that very day.
No other faction would forgive a clan that joined hands with the Black Path to sabotage the Martial Arts Grand Conference.
Both the House Master and the Small Patriarch understood this, which explained their reactions.
“But I will hand this letter over to the Ji Clan.”
“Why would you do that?”
“I’m not entirely sure. I simply wanted to.”
“Are you using this as leverage to force us to accept your proposal?”
At the House Master’s words, I chuckled and turned the question back on him.
“Isn’t that extortion? That would make you no different from the Black Path Gang that threatened the Ji Clan.”
“….”
“If you don’t understand, simply think of it this way: I am a merchant. And a great merchant never sees only the immediate gain before his eyes.”
I continued.
“And I have a second question for you. Is there any way for you to resolve your debts without accepting my proposal?”
The House Master fell silent for a moment before speaking with difficulty.
“Truth be told, I was thinking of appealing to them once more. But now that I know the truth, I realize how foolish that idea truly was.”
“I see.”
I rose from my seat and cupped my fists in salute.
“Then I bid you farewell.”
“Where are you going?”
At their words, I smiled.
“Didn’t you say you wouldn’t associate with a lowly merchant like me? And didn’t you tell me to leave? Since I’ve heard answers to my two questions, I should take my leave now.”
Without hesitation, I turned and left the conference room.
“Let’s go.”
I led my party out of the Ji Family Estate.
And I asked Jin Yu Warrior.
“Did you look around? Did you recognize anyone?”
My question meant whether there were any of the League Master’s people in the Ji Clan.
That’s why I had brought Jin Yu Warrior along.
Jin Yu Warrior shook his head.
“There were none.”
“Then we’ve saved ourselves some trouble.”
At that moment, Lee Pil Warrior spoke.
“I never expected we’d leave empty-handed.”
“Empty-handed?”
I let out a quiet laugh.
“You needn’t worry. I didn’t fail to anticipate this situation. And there’s no loss for us.”
Even if I couldn’t secure the Ji Clan’s leash, there was nothing to lose for me.
Instead, I now possess the five million silver taels that they should have originally received back.
I’m not sure if they’ll contact us, but one thing’s certain—they’re absolutely terrified right now.
.
.
.
We headed straight to the Martial Arts Arena and reunited with the rest of the guards there.
“You’ve arrived, sir?”
“Yes.”
“How are things progressing?”
“Still in motion.”
After answering, I entered the arena and took my seat with the others.
“You made it?”
“Yes, Father.”
Turning my head, I saw Elder Brother Jin-ho gazing at the martial stage with an expression full of longing.
“Keep that up and I’m calling Sister Hyang-ok over.”
“Ugh!”
Instantly, the longing vanished from Elder Brother Jin-ho’s eyes. Well, that threat certainly works wonders.
Just then, Geum Yeon-hwa ascended the martial stage.
“We now begin the afternoon matches of the Cheon-jo’s main ship. Our first contestant is the Man of Miracles himself, bearing the illustrious title of Storm Blade—Dae-nok of the Yeon Gyeol Sect!”
“Roooaarrr!”
The Dae-nok Warrior ascended the martial stage amid thunderous cheers.
“His opponent is renowned for his pristine swordwork—the Bright Moon Blade, Soon Chul, a disciple of the Yeongwol School!”
The Dae-nok Warrior climbed onto the martial stage as his name was called.
But not long after, a problem arose.
The Soon Chul Warrior did not appear.
“Soon Chul Warrior! I will now call your name three times. If you do not ascend by then, you will be deemed defeated.”
As Geum Yeon-hwa called out, someone ascended the martial stage.
She spoke with them, and she sighed in response.
Then she explained to the audience.
“Unfortunately, the Soon Chul Warrior passed away last night due to an unfortunate incident.”
What?
What is this about?
“Therefore, the Dae-nok Warrior advances to the next match by default.”
….
The Dae-nok Warrior scratched his head and descended from the martial stage.
His expression seemed deflated somehow.
Still, winning without fighting isn’t a bad thing.

Next, the martial contest of Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master began.
She settled the match with remarkable simplicity, clearly demonstrating why her reputation as the Hundred Measure Cold Blade was so well-earned.
The arena was quickly cleared, and Geum Yeon-hwa took the stage again to announce.
“Then we shall continue with the next match. From the Merchant Guild, displaying exceptional martial prowess—Cham Ho Chang-woong, Eun Jin-ho! And facing him, a disciple of the Wudang Sect who has demonstrated the essence of Flowing Water Unyielding Strength—Gyeongsu, the Flowing Sword Hero.”
“Waaaaaah!”
The crowd’s cheers erupted, and Gyeongsu Warrior ascended the martial arena first.
“Sigh….”
My elder brother Jin-ho’s pupils trembled as he exhaled.
Thanks to Sister Hyang-ok’s persuasion, I had managed to extract his promise to forfeit.
But he could still break that promise and take the stage.
A warrior’s pride was unpredictable in where it might lead.
I asked my elder brother Jin-ho.
“Elder brother, you’re not thinking of actually going through with this match, are you?”
“…!”
Elder brother Jin-ho flinched.
He was conflicted.
I sighed and spoke again.
“I didn’t want to say this, but I have to. If you fight and your injuries worsen, don’t you think Mother and Father will only worry? What do you think will happen if your mother-in-law learns you’ve been seriously hurt?”
“….”
“You don’t want to become the spark that ignites a war between the Northern Sea Ice Palace and the Murim Alliance, do you?”
“Ah, no. Of course not.”
“Then think carefully about this.”
I met my elder brother Jin-ho’s gaze and spoke firmly.
“I acknowledge your skill. And the reputation you seek is already sufficient at this level. You’ve already entered the top sixteen among the promising heirs of the Murim world.”
“Is that really true?”
“Yes. It’s true. So don’t push yourself too hard.”
When I had traveled to the Northern Sea Ice Palace with elder brother Jin-ho before, the effort I put into training him had borne fruit.
After that, elder brother Jin-ho began fighting with his mind engaged.
From what I’ve seen, elder brother Jin-ho’s skill is even comparable to Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master.
“So go up there and declare your forfeit loudly and come back!”
Elder brother Jin-ho responded to my words.
“Sigh… I understand.”
Elder brother Jin-ho ascended the martial arena with a reluctant expression.
And he bowed respectfully to Gyeongsu Warrior.
“First, I wish to offer you an apology.”
“An apology? For what reason?”
In response to Gyeongsu Warrior’s question, elder brother Jin-ho answered.
“I apologize. I, Eun Jin-ho, will forfeit this martial contest.”
“A sudden forfeit? What do you mean by that?”
Naturally, Gyeongsu Warrior asked in surprise. To this, elder brother Jin-ho replied with an expression full of regret.
“I sustained a rib fracture during the previous match. The severity of the injury leaves me no choice but to forfeit.”
At this, Gyeongsu Warrior cried out.
“Even so! Surely that’s something you could endure and push through?”
He too seemed reluctant. That’s why he was being so insistent.
“Truthfully, I wish I could as well. But to face you while concealing an injury would be a deception toward you. You need an opponent who will give their all in genuine combat, not someone who will merely exchange blows halfheartedly and then lose, do you not?”
“That… well, that’s true, but…”
“Furthermore, I bear the responsibility of protecting the Eun Hae Trading Company. Should this match aggravate my injury, I would become unable to fulfill that duty. That would contradict my very purpose in entering this tournament.”
Wow, that’s impressive.
How is Jin-ho able to articulate his position so eloquently?
And to think he’d reasoned it through like that!
Just then, my eyes met those of Sister Hyang-ok, who sat before us.
Sister Hyang-ok was nodding in approval.
Ah…
He’s quoting what Sister Hyang-ok said when she verbally dressed down Jin-ho.
Well, being able to apply such words appropriately is still a good thing.
“Therefore, I, Eun Jin-ho, hereby forfeit from this match.”
At this, Gyeongsu Warrior clasped his fists in acknowledgment.
“Just now, I apologize for my insistence. I accept your forfeiture.”
Jin-ho descended from the Martial Arts Arena, and upon confirming this, Geum Yeon-hwa declared:
“This match ends with Eun Jin-ho’s withdrawal—Gyeongsu’s victory!”
In friendly martial contests, there is officially no such thing as forfeiture.
Perhaps it’s meant to encourage fighters to give their all until the very end.
Thus, those wishing to forfeit simply descend from the arena, and officially, a ring-out defeat is declared.
Failure to ascend the arena also counts as a ring-out defeat.
Therefore, Soon Chul Warrior, who died last night, is also recorded as a ring-out defeat.
Since the match ended without combat, there was no roar from the crowd. Yet Gyeongsu Warrior’s demeanor remained composed.
Indeed, winning without fighting would feel strange if one received cheers for it.
I spoke to Jin-ho as he returned to his seat.
“Well done, Elder Brother.”
“Yeah… somehow it feels refreshing.”
Yet emptiness was evident on Jin-ho’s face as he spoke.
“But Elder Brother. What I said earlier was genuine.”
“Hmm?”
“I acknowledge your skill.”
The next match then commenced, and its victor was the Clear Stream Warrior of the Haenam Sect.
A warrior whose practical martial prowess was most impressive.

Lunchtime arrived.
While touring the Temporary Shop, I encountered Chun-il and learned information about Soon Chul Warrior.

“Ah, you mean that person. It was certainly an unsavory affair. He died in a duel over a woman he loved unrequited.”
“….”

I should have just let it pass without knowing.
We stopped by the Yeon Pung Inn for lunch, then returned to the Martial Arts Arena.

“Everyone, please take your positions.”
The afternoon martial contest began.
At Geum Yeon-hwa’s words, everyone settled into their seats, and she continued.
“This contest will determine two of the final four from the Cheon-jo bracket. The one called the Storm Blade, the fortunate one—Dae-nok of the Yeon Gyeol Sect!”
“Waaaaaaah!”
Well, he certainly is fortunate, so the name fits.
“Facing him is the Hundred Chill Blade, Jegal Yu-ah, Minor Patriarch of the Jegal Family!”
“Waaaah!”
The crowd chanted the names of both competitors.
The two faced each other on the arena, each bearing seven tokens on their bodies.
They said nothing, merely regarding one another.
Boom!
The drum sounded, and the contest began.
They circled each other, probing their opponent. After this tedious reconnaissance ended, it was Jegal Yu-ah who took the initiative.
She was the one to attack first—what was she thinking?
Crack!
One of Dae-nok Warrior’s tokens shattered and scattered from her opening strike.
And her assault did not cease.
Clang!
Clang!
Blades clashed, sending sparks flying. Yet Dae-nok Warrior, who had not drawn upon his hidden potential through rage, remained first-rate in skill.
He was no match for Jegal Yu-ah, a Peak Martial Master.
When four tokens remained.
“Uaaaaaaagh!”
Dae-nok Warrior let out a primal roar and charged at Jegal Yu-ah.
Now it begins.
But Jegal Yu-ah did not meet Dae-nok Warrior head-on; instead, she evaded skillfully, buying time.
Ah, as I suspected. She had already realized it.
That there was a limit to how long Dae-nok Warrior could sustain his elevated power.
So she was deliberately avoiding direct clashes to drag out the time.
“Uaaaagh!”
And in the process, she was deliberately provoking Dae-nok Warrior.
She didn’t know that rage was what drew out his hidden potential, so she was intentionally angering him.
Just as I predicted.
Even though the time for Dae-nok Warrior to exert his strength had long since passed, he continued to display the techniques of a Peak Martial Master.
That was when it happened.
Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master smiled wickedly.
Huh? What’s this?
Soon after, Dae-nok Warrior’s legs began to wobble, and Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master seized the opportunity without hesitation.
A sharp whistle of movement.
A spinning kick came in instantaneously.
A heavy impact.
Struck by that spinning kick, Dae-nok Warrior tumbled backward.
“….”
There were several ways to determine defeat in a friendly martial contest.
All seven protective plates shattering, or being knocked out of bounds.
And one more—being knocked down and unable to rise before the referee counted to ten.
“One! Two! Three! Four!….”
Geum Yeon-hwa’s voice rang out.
“Nine, ten! Jegal Yu-ah is victorious!”
“Waaaaaah!”
“The Hundred Stratagems Cold Blade! The Hundred Stratagems Cold Blade!”
As the crowd roared, Dae-nok Warrior was carried on a stretcher toward the Medical Office.
I clicked my tongue and rose from my seat.
I could guess why Dae-nok Warrior had ended up in such a state.
“Palgap.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“Bring some dumplings to the Medical Office. He must be starving to death.”
“Understood, sir.”
I cannot leave my seat now. I must keep watch over Elder Brother Jin-ho.
Still, the expressions on the faces of the Ji Clan Patriarch and Minor Clan Master watching the match from the front were quite amusing to observe.
If the Ji Clan were to request a contract with me, I would need to add one more condition.
A clause on moral education.
As for the instructor… yes, Sister Hyang-ok would be perfect.

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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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