The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 597

—————
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 597

Chapter 597. Good for the Emperor, Good for Me (2)

I quickly responded to the Emperor’s words.
“However, upon realizing that Your Majesty would resolve this matter, my appetite returned immediately.”
“You certainly have a way with words.”
Yes, I do have a gift for speech.
“Then what is this matter that requires such a lengthy preamble?”
“Are you aware that most of the funds you allocated to recover from the typhoon damage on Haenam Island have ended up in the pockets of undeserving individuals?”
“What?”
The Emperor’s eyes widened as he immediately grasped my meaning.
“You’re saying someone embezzled the relief funds?”
“Yes.”
“How did you come to know this?”
“The Haenam Sect Leader and his disciples participated in this Friendly Martial Arts Tournament, and I happened to overhear their conversation.”
I continued.
“Curious about their mention of needing ten thousand silver taels as prize money for their participation, I inquired about their circumstances and learned that the funds were necessary to aid the residents affected by this typhoon.”
“….”
The Emperor listened to my words in silence.
He was signaling me to continue.
“So I asked the Haenam Sect Leader: surely with damage of that magnitude, the Imperial Palace would have allocated recovery funds, and with such support, recovery shouldn’t have been difficult—so why are you here doing this?”
When I posed this question, the Sect Leader’s answer was as follows.

“Isn’t the entire Empire suffering from continued hardship due to poor harvests? Because of that, it’s difficult to expect substantial support. Moreover, it’s not uncommon for those allocated funds to disappear along the way.”

However, I embellished the account somewhat before presenting it.
“While funds are indeed disbursed from above, there are those who pocket them, leaving the common people unable to receive their proper share of support.”
“Who is pocketing them?”
“The Imperial Officials.”
“Hmm….”
The Emperor fell silent, then summoned the Eunuch.
“Eunuch.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Bring me the thirty-second document from the third and sixth section.”
At that command, the Eunuch hurried into the adjacent chamber.
Moments later, he emerged with a ledger in hand.
“Read it.”
Was he speaking to me?
I accepted the ledger from the Eunuch. The cover bore only numbers where the title should have been.
Three-six-thirty-two.
What is this?
Whatever it was, the Emperor would not ask me to read something meaningless.
I carefully opened the ledger.

[…A vessel bound for Haenam Island capsized; all grain shipments lost]
[…A vessel bound for Haenam Island vanished in a sudden typhoon; the grain and cloth being transported also remain unrecovered]
[A ship carrying tax revenues departed for the Imperial Palace and sank, resulting in a deficit in the imperial treasury]

What? Could it be…?
As I lifted my head in surprise, the Emperor nodded heavily.
“Yes, I already knew of this matter and have been keeping a close eye on it. I was just deliberating on whom to send to resolve this situation.”
“….”
“Yet here is a loyal subject so concerned about this that they’ve forgotten to eat and sleep!”
That was it.
The Emperor already knew.
How suspiciously convenient this was.
So while he was pondering how to handle it, I brought this matter before him.
What a remarkably fortunate coincidence. Damn.
But my shock was brief—I quickly gathered my wits and opened my mouth.
If I simply accepted the Emperor’s orders and departed for Haenam Island, all my suffering would be for nothing.
Of course, the Emperor would surely provide me with something, but what I truly desired right now was something else entirely.
“Your Majesty, I humbly request that you entrust this matter to me.”
“Hmm, for you to so readily accept this task—what are you thinking?”
Truly, he is the Emperor.
He saw through me at once.
But I could not afford to be modest here or retreat by claiming it was nothing.
If I did, the Emperor would simply say, “I see. Then go and return safely,” and dismiss me with a wave.
Then I would gain nothing of what I desired.
And even before I broached this subject, the outline of my plan had already taken shape.
“Your Majesty, before we discuss this matter further, I believe we must first understand its root cause.”
“What cause do you believe it to be?”
“I apologize for speaking so boldly, but Haenam Island is distant from the Capital City, and being an island, it naturally suffers from weak control. This is how such incidents occur. Of course, Your Majesty understands this problem better than anyone.”
“Mm, that is true.”
“Therefore, even if I resolve this matter, I cannot guarantee that such incidents will not happen again, given the geographical characteristics of the region.”
“I am reluctant to admit it, but you are right.”
“Thus, I wish to propose a permanent solution to this problem.”
“What is it?”
“Haenam Island lies at the southernmost point of the Empire. This means it is positioned to freely advance eastward, southward, and westward.”
“Indeed.”
“The Empire is currently very peaceful and strong, and this is due to Your Majesty’s benevolence.”
“Spare me the flattery. What is it you truly wish to say?”
“However, Your Majesty’s benevolence has yet to reach certain coastal areas and islands. This is because of Japanese pirates and sea bandits.”
“….”
The Emperor did not respond.
He too understood this problem well.
“The reason they ravage the coastal inhabitants is that the navy is stationed too far away.”
I continued.
“Since the current navy is only stationed around Beijing and Shanghai, places like Haenam Island fall into disorder.”
Now it was time to paint the pupil in the dragon’s eye.
“Therefore, Your Majesty, I humbly propose that you establish a naval base on Haenam Island.”
In that instant, the Emperor’s eyes gleamed with interest.
He had taken the bait.
“A naval base?”
“Indeed, Your Majesty. By establishing a naval base on Haenam Island, we can rescue the people of Haenam Island and the surrounding coastal regions from their plight, and simultaneously suppress the corruption of officials.”
“Hmm… it is certainly a sound approach. However.”
What was this?
“What troubles me is that this proposal comes from you.”
The Emperor chuckled.
“So what is it that you truly desire?”
Having granted me this audience, it would be discourteous to hold back now.
“The Eun Hae Trading Company intends to establish a mooring dock for our vessels on Haenam Island. Should we undertake the naval base construction simultaneously, would this not prove advantageous in multiple respects?”
“Ah, so that was your true purpose.”
The Emperor smiled knowingly.
I had deftly woven the Eun Hae Trading Company’s mooring dock construction into my proposal for the naval base, yet the Emperor had immediately discerned my true objective.
Why would I propose establishing a naval base on Haenam Island?
The reason was simple.
Once a naval base was established there, the imperial fleet would protect our merchant vessels as well.
What pirate or Japanese raider would dare attack a location fortified with a naval base?
Moreover, if the imperial court undertook the foundational construction for the mooring dock, the costs we had anticipated would be substantially reduced.
Laying foundations in untouched terrain is conspicuous and devours considerable funds.
Yet without proper foundational work, structural problems would inevitably arise.
An awkward silence descended, and I stood with my head bowed, my expression tense.
How much time had elapsed?
“But the issue remains one of budget.”
“Your Majesty, we need only strip away everything the corrupt officials have accumulated thus far.”
I was confident that the confiscated wealth would be more than sufficient to construct a naval base.
“Very well. I shall grant your request. However, there are conditions.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Please speak.”
“First, expose the corruption of these officials with absolute clarity! Second, seize all illicit gains obtained through their misconduct! Third, use that money to construct the naval base on Haenam Island. Can you do this?”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
The second condition is particularly my specialty.
“When do you intend to depart?”
“I have some remaining matters to attend to in Beijing. Once those are resolved, I can depart. Ten days should suffice.”
“Very well. See that it is done.”
I bowed respectfully, returned the documents, and withdrew from the Emperor’s presence.
Phew, another audience concluded safely.
Facing the Emperor demands considerable mental exertion, yet the rewards are equally substantial.
Thus I endure the sensation of my life draining away in order to stand before His Majesty.
Phew, I’m really going through all sorts of hardships to make the Eun Hae Trading Company the greatest merchant guild under heaven.

* * *

The Emperor gazed at the spot where Eun Seo-ho had withdrawn and let out a soft chuckle.
“Truly, an amusing fellow.”
“Does he please you so much?”
“When he speaks only words that delight my heart so perfectly, how could I not be pleased?”
The Eunuch spoke with concern.
“I worry whether this matter can be resolved safely this time. Already seven have vanished.”
The Emperor had dispatched the Geumui Guard and Dongchang multiple times after noticing the suspicious behavior of Haenam Island’s officials.
But each time, contact was lost before long.
A most displeasing and unsettling situation.
So while pondering how to address this, Eun Seo-ho had come forward and volunteered, saying “I shall resolve this.”
Given such circumstances, Eun Seo-ho seemed commendable, and so I granted what he requested.
“This time will be different. That fellow’s abilities are quite exceptional.”
“That may be so, but… Your Majesty.”
The Eunuch continued carefully.
“Even if he possesses the ability to resolve this matter, using the Empire’s naval forces as compensation seems to overstep certain boundaries.”
“That is acceptable.”
“Your Majesty?”
“Does only the Eun Hae Trading Company gain something through that naval base? We too gain something through them.”
In other words, mutual benefit where both parties aid one another.
This was also why I readily accepted Eun Seo-ho’s request.
The Emperor smiled broadly and picked up his brush.

* * *

I headed to the Minister of War’s Residence to attend Young Gu Jin Master’s wedding.
The bride-to-be was the Minister of War’s Daughter, after all.
The people from Seonju Yeong Clan and those from the Minister of War’s Household were greeting the guests.
In truth, the Minister of War’s Daughter who was to become the bride suffered from a severe affliction.
A madness that drove her to self-harm whenever it rained.
However, after drinking the White Heron Wine that Young Gu Jin Master had created, her affliction vanished completely.
Thus, the Minister of War formally requested that he marry his daughter, and the wedding came to pass.
Young Gu Jin Master’s bearing in his wedding robes was absolutely radiant.
“Why do you wear such a satisfied expression?”
At my question, Maeng Hyun quickly bowed to me.
“Small Guild Master, you’ve arrived?”
Maeng Hyun was the grandson of the old master who had taught Young Gu Jin Master the art of brewing White Heron Wine.
And he was also Young Gu Jin Master’s business partner.
“Well, because it’s magnificent, sir.”
I gently patted his head.
“Ah! Is that not the Small Guild Master?”
The one calling out to me warmly was Dong Hyuk-su Grand Master, an old friend of Young Gu Jin Master.
“I greet you, Grand Master Dong.”
“There’s no need to be so formal.”
“How could I not show proper respect when you hold the rank of Rank Nine Deputy Marquis?”
Though I myself held the position of Imperial Official, my rank was lower than his, and the position of Inspector Censor was not something to be revealed carelessly.
And privately, he was also Seo Hyang’s older brother.
“When did you arrive?”
“I’ve just arrived this moment.”
Then he caught sight of Seo Hyang standing behind me.
She had already altered her presence with mystical transformation arts. It was already too late to change her face.
Yet even that alone made her appearance seem completely different.
“….”
At her cold gaze, he bit his lip.
He might be thinking that the real Seo Hyang would never look at him with such eyes.
I’m sorry, but if he thinks that way, there’s nothing more I could ask for….
It was then.
Whoosh—!
The wind blew, and something came flying.
“Ah! The veil!”
The bride’s crimson veil, which she had been about to bring out from the chamber, was swept away by the wind!
Before entering the bridal chamber, the bride cannot remove her veil. Should anyone see her face before that, it is said that misfortune will befall.
She quickly retreated back into the chamber, but the veil was still dancing in the air.
It was absolutely impossible to catch it by ordinary means.
Of course, there were quite a few people at this gathering who could catch it, but there was a problem.
It is said that only the groom may touch the bride’s veil for the first time.
No other man should touch it before him.
I glanced at Dong Dae-hyeop and Seo Hyang.
Despite that cold atmosphere and icy gaze, they still seemed reluctant to let go of their feelings—I needed to dispel their suspicions completely while I had the chance.
I sent a silent transmission to Seo Hyang.
– Let Dong Dae-hyeop see you grasp that veil. It will change his mind.
At my transmission, Seo Hyang gave a small nod, then immediately pushed off the ground and leaped into the air.
Whoosh—!
She lightly snatched the veil and landed.
More nimble than I expected.
Her martial talent was enough to astound even me.
Her exceptional five-star aptitude was one thing, but it was thanks to possessing the Icy Crystal Eyes that made all the difference.
That was why her yin-based martial arts had such excellent compatibility, and why she had achieved accomplishments in merely two years that ordinary people could never imagine.
She handed it to the woman assisting the bride.
“Here it is.”
“Thank you! Thank you so much!”
Then she approached me and spoke.
“I apologize for moving without a word.”
“You did well.”
Despite having acted on my instructions, she spoke this way to conceal that I had commanded her through silent transmission.
Dong Hyuk-su Grand Master, having witnessed her skill, dropped his jaw before hastily collecting himself.
In his gaze now, there was no trace of lingering attachment.
The Seo Hyang he knew possessed no martial arts.
He had finally admitted his own misunderstanding.
It was fortunate, yet somehow melancholy.
I apologize.
All of this was to save Seo Hyang—or rather, Dongja-ryeong.
.
.
.
Young Gu Jin Master’s wedding concluded safely, and I prepared to depart.
It was time to set out for Haenam Island soon.
That evening, as the ten days of grace the Emperor had granted me drew to a close.
“Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster has arrived.”
At Palgap’s words, I headed to the Guest Reception Room and received Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster.
“Welcome.”
“I heard you’re heading to Haenam Island.”
At Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster’s words, I nodded readily.
There was no reason to hide it.
“Yes, that is correct.”
“Be cautious.”
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster’s expression turned grave.
“Those who vanished after going to Haenam Island—you’re now the seventh.”
What?
I’d never heard such a thing before.

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