The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 595

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

The Youngest Son of the Eun Hae Trading Company Chapter 595

Chapter 595. Everything Has Its Reason (5)

At my words, Jang Eul-ju Manager forced a smile and spoke.
“Thank you. Then I shall take my leave.”
Without looking back, he hurried from the guest room, and Palgap entered shortly after.
“What did you say to him?”
“What do you mean? I thanked him.”
“If you were truly grateful, shouldn’t you have visited him yesterday?”
“Well, I wasn’t expecting anything anyway.”
At my response, Palgap laughed and spoke.
“Then shall I show in the next visitor who came to inquire about your health?”
“Hm? The next visitor inquiring about my health?”
At my question, Palgap showed me the ledger he was holding and spoke.
“There are currently people downstairs waiting in line to pay their respects to you, sir. This is their list.”
“Why do we even have a list?”
“It was unavoidable, sir. So many people came wanting to inquire about your health that they arrived like clouds. So to maintain order, we created a list and decided to show them in one by one.”
“No, I’m grateful they came to inquire about my health, but this is too much….”
“Shall I tell them all to leave since you’re refusing visitors?”
At Palgap’s words, I sighed.
I don’t know if those who came to inquire about my health were genuinely concerned or had other motives.
But since I hadn’t refused visitors from the start, turning them away now would damage my reputation.
For a merchant, reputation is absolutely vital.
I am a merchant aiming for the First Under Heaven Trading Company, after all.
And on the other hand, I felt this was an opportunity to distinguish who was favorably disposed toward me.
“Show them in….”
“Understood, sir.”
Suddenly, I recalled what Seo Hyang had said to me yesterday.
That I wouldn’t have time to look at documents.
When I asked how many visitors were coming to inquire about my health, she simply laughed without answering.
Now I understood the reason.
.
.
.
After receiving visitors for quite some time, it was already lunchtime.
The Ji Family Patriarch and Small Patriarch, along with Ji Gyeong-hwa, the Haenam Sect Leader, and the Cheongryu Warrior all came to inquire about my health this morning.
Between receiving visits from numerous well-wishers, I found myself utterly exhausted, sprawled across the chamber without proper rest.
“Young Master. Are you feeling alright?”
“Mm….”
“You must have lunch. And drink your medicinal broth!”
“Ugh!”
I couldn’t help but furrow my brow.
The fake medicinal broth the Physician had prepared was remarkably bitter.
It wasn’t actual medicine for treatment, but rather a tonic to help alleviate fatigue and boost vitality.
Thanks to it, I wasn’t physically tired, but physical exhaustion and mental exhaustion are decidedly different things.
Slap! Slap!
I struck my face with both hands to regain my senses, then asked Palgap.
“So, how many more visitors are left on the list?”
In response to my question, Palgap showed me the list.
“There are still quite a few remaining.”
Upon seeing the list, I was taken aback.
The list had grown even longer than before!
“What on earth? Why are there so many?”
At my grumbling, Palgap chuckled.
“Well, Young Master, you’re currently the most famous person in Luoyang, aren’t you?”
“But what did I even do to become famous?”
“Surely… you’re not saying you truly don’t know?”
I could only pause.
Thinking of my actions in Luoyang, I had nothing to say.
This was entirely a result of my own making, and I was being ungrateful.
Honestly, as a merchant, there’s nothing better than this.
I’ve earned the trust of countless people and elevated my reputation.
It’s good, certainly….
So why do I feel tears welling up?
Just then, I heard the voice of Seo-woo Warrior from beyond the door.
“My lord. It is I, Seo-woo.”
“Yes.”
The door opened and Seo-woo Warrior entered.
“The final match of the Friendly Martial Arts Tournament has just concluded.”
“Yes. What was the result?”
“Victory belongs to Jegal Yu-ah, the Minor Clan Master.”
It was as expected.
Sister Hyang-ok is capable enough, but Jegal Yu-ah’s talent surpasses hers by a considerable margin.
She reached the pinnacle of martial arts in her previous life despite losing all her foundation.
As the Minor Clan Master of the Jegal Family, she’s training with abundant support, so she’ll grow far stronger than in her previous life.
This means the Jegal Family will become considerably more formidable than it is now.
Thanks to my service as a Military Officer for the Murim Alliance, my standing is considerable, though my status as a martial family member remains relatively modest.
But with Jegal Yu-ah’s support as Minor Clan Master, that will surely change.
I look forward to that day.
.
.
.
That afternoon.
The visitors who came to see me were so distinguished that I was genuinely surprised.
Now that the Friendly Martial Arts Tournament had ended, they were finally paying their respects to my sickbed.
As I exchanged pleasantries with them, I realized anew just how diligently I had lived.
Among them was someone sent directly by the League Master himself.
Geon Man-seok, the commander of the Tiger Correction Squad—the League Master’s personal guard unit.
“How is your body recovering?”
“Eun Seo-ho greets the commander. I apologize for receiving you while confined to this chamber.”
“Of course, of course. How could I expect such formality from a patient? That would make me a villain. Hahahaha.”
Geon Man-seok laughed heartily and produced an envelope, extending it toward me.
“Here, take this.”
“What is this?”
“It’s a reward for your righteous conduct during the tournament. The League Master asked me to deliver it while paying my respects.”
“Ah, thank you.”
I accepted the envelope and opened it.
Inside were ten banknotes worth ten thousand taels each.
“But why money specifically?”
“Pardon?”
“You could have requested expensive spiritual medicines or rare artifacts. I’m curious why you asked for money instead.”
I smiled and answered.
“First, I have little need for the medicines or artifacts you mention. In the end, they’re merely goods that would need to be converted to currency.”
“Hmm, I see.”
“Then I’d have to go through complicated processes to sell them. The more expensive they are, the fewer buyers exist, and the process itself carries risks. Either way, there’s much to worry about.”
I held up the envelope as I spoke.
“But money itself has diverse uses. Whenever I need something, I can simply purchase it. How convenient is that?”
“The more I listen, the more convinced I become.”
Geon Man-seok nodded in agreement.
“Ah, and the League Master asked me to convey his comfort and his hope for your swift recovery.”
“Please tell him I’m grateful.”
“By the way, would you perhaps…”
What was this?
“Consider working for the Murim Alliance?”
“Cough!”
His sudden question caught me off guard, and I found myself choking involuntarily.
*Cough! Cough!*
“My, are you alright?”
“My apologies. *Cough cough!* It was such an abrupt proposal that I couldn’t help but be startled.”
“Is it really such a shocking proposal?”
“Of course it is. But why are you suddenly making such an offer?”
I asked as if unbothered, but internally, I was quite tense.
Geon Man-seok let out a sigh before speaking.
“I’m saying this because it’s you—the Murim Alliance needs people willing to fight for justice in the martial world. But right now, there are far too many in the Alliance preoccupied with their own gains. I’m deeply concerned about the Alliance’s future.”
“….”
“When we met regarding the Black Cat Sect matter, I felt it then—there’s a lack of talent like you. That’s why I’m making this earnest recommendation.”
In truth, Geon Man-seok is a decent person.
He’s not only fair and impartial but also loyal to his superiors and treats those beneath him well.
The problem is that his loyalty is directed toward the League Master.
When Geon Man-seok eliminated the Black Cat Sect Master back then, there was no hesitation in his eyes.
He’s a man bound tightly by his own sense of justice and conviction for the peace of the martial world.
Now I finally understood why he served as the League Master’s personal guard.
I don’t know how the League Master molded him, but now he believes the League Master is justice itself, and he won’t hear anything else.
What awaits such a man at the end is obvious.
Yet he would accept that end with a smile.
I’m sorry, but I don’t want such an end for myself.
Joining the Murim Alliance, working for it while secretly stabbing it in the back—it’s not a bad method.
But working within the rigid organizational structure of the Murim Alliance doesn’t suit my temperament.
And I’m a merchant, not a martial artist.
I paused to choose my words carefully, then politely declined.
“I’m grateful that you think so highly of me to extend such an offer, but I cannot accept it.”
“Why not?”
“I love money.”
“…Is that your reason? Merely that?”
“Merely? Is there any greater reason than that?”
I spoke passionately.
“If someone else offered me a bribe to overlook something, I might unknowingly accept and commit corruption.”
“….”
“Wouldn’t that be a serious problem? Then you, who recommended me, would be implicated as well.”
“Then I’ll give you more money than any bribe.”
“Do you believe greed has a limit, sir?”
“….”
“Greed has no end, and fulfilling that greed is an impossible task.”
I continued.
“A greedy person like me is suited to be a merchant. If I were to join the Murim Alliance, I might only tarnish its name.”
“….”
“Honestly, with my abilities, couldn’t I pursue other endeavors? But precisely because I understand my own limitations, I remain a merchant.”
“Now that you mention it, I see. You’re channeling that ambition of yours in the right direction through your identity as a merchant.”
“Yes, that’s correct. Therefore, I would appreciate it if you would withdraw that request.”
Ah, at this point, couldn’t he just understand what I’m saying?
This stubborn fool!
Geon Man-seok nodded reluctantly.
“I understand your position. It’s unfortunate, but I’ll have to withdraw the proposal.”
“Thank you.”
“However, I would personally like to maintain our acquaintance. Would that be possible?”
“It would be my honor.”
That wasn’t a bad outcome for me either.
Geon Man-seok, as the League Master’s closest confidant, knew more about his misdeeds than anyone.
All those actions disguised as being for the sake of justice.
If I could only turn him to my side, it would be tremendously helpful in bringing down the League Master and overturning the Murim Alliance.
Of course, converting this man wouldn’t be easy, but there’s nothing impossible in this world.
Slowly, very slowly, I would crack his convictions.
After all, it would be a waste for such a capable person to live as the League Master’s puppet only to be discarded.
“Ah, look at the time. I should be going now. I hope you recover soon, and let’s meet again next time.”
“Please take care on your way.”
With that, Geon Man-seok left my guest room, and I called for Palgap.
“Palgap!”
“Yes! You called for me?”
“After dinner, could you bring the Haenam Sect Leader here?”
“Understood.”
.
.
.
The well-wishers continued until evening, but none came after dinner.
A visit at such a late hour would be impolite, after all.
But a guest I had specifically invited was always welcome.
“Master. The Haenam Sect Leader has arrived.”
“Please show him in.”
The door opened, and the Haenam Sect Leader entered.
“Welcome.”
“I heard you summoned me.”
“That’s right. Please, make yourself comfortable.”
Soon Palgap brought tea, and the Sect Leader spoke first.
“So, I can guess the reason you wanted to see me.”
“I should have visited you in person, but given the state of my legs, I apologize.”
“Not at all.”
The Sect Leader continued speaking.
“You’ve called me here to hear my answer regarding the proposal you made before.”
“Yes, that is correct.”
He responded with a troubled expression.
“After receiving your proposal, I’ve given it considerable thought. It’s certainly not a bad proposal. In fact, it’s a good one. But there is a problem.”
“The Imperial Officials?”
At my question, he nodded.
“Exactly. You understand it well.”
The Eun Hae Trading Company’s expansion into Haenam Island would mean outsiders entering their territory, and their corruption might be exposed.
In such circumstances, they would never remain idle.
Father had also expressed concern about this point.
“The reason I present this proposal to you despite knowing this is because I can resolve it.”
“How could you possibly… Even the Main Compound has exhausted every method to resolve this, yet failed entirely.”
“That is my trade secret. If I can resolve that aspect, will you accept this proposal?”
The Sect Leader readily agreed.
“Of course. If you can resolve that alone, the Main Compound should welcome it.”
“Excellent.”
I retrieved the contract I had prepared in advance.
“All you need do is affix your seal here.”
The Sect Leader read through the contract meticulously.
But there would be no hidden clauses.
I had never included such things from the start.
Seeking profit through a contract is shallow thinking.
“Hmm, a fair agreement for both parties.”
“Of course. Should we not prosper together?”
Thus we sealed our contract in a warm atmosphere.
“By the way, did you perhaps not seek assistance from the Murim Alliance?”
At my question, the Sect Leader chuckled.
“Do you know of ‘non-interference in government affairs’?”
“You used that as an excuse.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle as well.
The League Master, more than anyone, takes great interest in government matters and constantly tries to involve himself in them.
Had he not even received a warning from the Emperor for attempting to plant his people in the Imperial Palace?
Of course, that was thanks to my diligent efforts.
“Ah, please accept this.”
I handed him an envelope.
“What is this?”
“Open it and see.”
Inside was a promissory note worth ten thousand silver taels.
“Money, suddenly? Did I not receive payment from you before?”
“Come to think of it, with grain prices being what they are these days, I’m afraid the ten thousand yang I gave you last time won’t be enough.”
“….”
He pocketed the promissory note with a look of deep gratitude.
Truth be told, I’d like to give him all the rewards I received this time, but that’s not possible now.
The officials on Haenam Island would simply seize it all.
Moderation is best.
“Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“Not much. Just speak well of the Eun Hae Trading Company to those around you—that it’s a good merchant house.”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————