The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 603

—————
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 603

Chapter 603. Haenam Island (5)

Seo Hyang held an umbrella as flower petals rained down generously and without restraint.
And beside her, music played from a flute and a zither.
The Cheongryu Warrior I had seen before pressed his forehead with his hand as if embarrassed by the entire display.
His eyes conveyed the message: “I apologize. I tried to stop this, but it was unavoidable.”
“Welcome! Hahahaha!”
And the tallest figure among them approached me.
“I am Young Gyeol, Elder of the Haenam Sect.”
“I am Eun Seo-ho, Small Guild Master of the Eun Hae Trading Company. Thank you for such a warm welcome.”
I continued speaking.
“However, I have done nothing to deserve such an elaborate reception.”
“Haha! What are you saying? So many have had their lives saved thanks to you!”
This praise was becoming too excessive, and I found it troubling.
I glanced at Jang Won Grand Master behind me and spoke.
“Elder, your words are too kind. His Imperial Majesty is far more concerned with the welfare of Haenam Island’s people than I am.”
“Of course. I know that well.”
“That is why this feels somewhat burdensome.”
“Haha! Please accept this graciously. But if His Imperial Majesty were to visit here, would we scatter flowers only in this place? The entire island would be decorated with blossoms.”
“I see.”
His perceptiveness was sharp, as befitted his years of experience.
“Come then, I shall guide you to the Haenam Sect. Please board the palanquin.”
A palanquin? Not a carriage?
“A palanquin instead of a carriage?”
“The terrain is quite rough for a carriage, you see.”
…
I politely declined.
“It is fine. I shall ride on horseback instead.”
“No, please board it.”
“In truth, I suffer from palanquin sickness.”
“Is that so? Then it cannot be helped.”
Only after making such excuses was I finally able to avoid riding in the palanquin.
But how did they know of my arrival and prepare such a welcome?
Could it have been that red smoke signal from earlier?
I watched as one of the disciples approached the Ship Owner who had brought me here to offer his respects.
“Thank you for your cooperation.”
“You’re too kind. The honor was truly mine.”
Wait, excuse me, Ship Owner?
.
.
.
We proceeded toward the Haenam Faction following our guide.
Word of our arrival must have spread, for people lined the path waving flowers in welcome.
“Seonhyeop Mirang Great Swordmaster! Thank you!”
“Thank you!”
“Welcome!”
I scratched my cheek at their enthusiastic greeting.
The islanders’ favor toward me had reached its peak.
Though embarrassing, the Sect Leader certainly did fulfill the request admirably.
At the center of Haenam Island stands Oji Mountain, named for its resemblance to five fingers.
The highest peak among them is Yeomobong.
The Haenam Faction has established itself there.
– My lord, won’t they become suspicious of us if they learn of our visit to the Haenam Faction?
I shook my head slightly at the Seo-woo Warrior’s question.
– Quite the opposite. They won’t suspect I’ve come to investigate their wrongdoings.
– That’s true. Who would think someone receiving such a grand welcome has come to investigate?
Haha, indeed.
Along the way, I noticed unfamiliar sights and asked the Haenam Sect Disciples about them.
“Are they plowing fields right now?”
“Yes, that’s correct. The lower regions plant rice paddies, but the upper parts of this island don’t get quite as hot, so they plant barley and rapeseed instead.”
Thanks to its warm climate, Haenam Island could support three harvests annually.
Moreover, it suffered almost no crop failures.
Yet paradoxically, this very abundance made it a target for exploitation.
Had corrupt officials properly managed Haenam Island’s grain instead of plundering it, the inland regions might have suffered less.
But their exploitation impoverished even Haenam Island, leaving the Emperor no choice but to rage.
“Soon the rains will cease. Winter brings almost no precipitation. Instead, from late spring through early autumn, the rains fall in torrents. That’s why most buildings are situated on the mountainsides, with living quarters on this level and above.”
“Then the first floor is…?”
“Left empty. When the rains come, it would flood and become uninhabitable.”
So they leave the first floor unused here for different reasons than at Chuyong Palace.
Indeed, living customs vary considerably by region.
Exchanging such observations, we finally arrived at the base of Oji Mountain.
Oji Mountain was rather treacherous for riding, and the warm, rain-rich climate had allowed the vegetation to grow so densely that it became even more formidable.
We left our horses at an inn at the mountain’s entrance and began our ascent.
“You climb quite skillfully. Given your reputation, I suppose that’s only natural.”
“Haha.”
I simply laughed awkwardly without saying much else.
What could I possibly say in this situation?
After climbing the mountain for quite some time, we arrived at Yeomobong Peak and were guided to the Haenam Sect’s Guest Reception Room.
“Please wait here for a moment.”
“Of course.”
We waited there for a while, sipping tea.
Haenam Island had its own famous teas.
One of them was the Orchid Noble Tea I was drinking now, characterized by its orchid fragrance and sweetly lingering aftertaste.
It was one of my favorite teas, but the price was quite steep.
That was because the places where it could be cultivated were limited.
After enough time had passed to finish a cup of tea,
the door swung open.
The Sect Leader entered.
“Hehehehe! How delightful to meet again like this!”
“It’s been a long time since we last met.”
“Please, sit.”
I took my seat again, and the Sect Leader sat in the place of honor.
“I expected you would come soon based on what you said before, but you arrived faster than I anticipated.”
“There was no time to waste on such matters.”
“So, are you satisfied with how I handled your request?”
I nodded with a smile.
“Yes. Thanks to you, things are progressing smoothly. However, Sect Leader.”
“What is it?”
“I only needed to raise the favorability toward the Eunhae Trading Company, so why did you also spread good rumors about me personally?”
“We simply spoke truthfully about what you had done for us.”
“Well, but….”
“I merely did so out of gratitude toward you. It seems this old man has been rather tactless.”
“That’s not what I meant….”
The Sect Leader’s expression grew somewhat melancholic.
No, if you say it like that, what does that make me?
Sigh….
“I was merely saying that I’m embarrassed to be packaged as such a good person when I’m really not.”
“Hehe, what are you talking about! Who would readily give out such a large sum as ten thousand taels just because someone was struggling? No matter how wealthy one is, that’s still difficult.”
“According to the rumors, I apparently made the donation while shedding tears.”
“Weren’t you shedding tears? That’s what I saw.”
“….”
“Perhaps my eyes deceived me. Getting old makes one’s vision dim and….”
Ah, really! Sect Leader! Why are you making me out to be garbage?
“It’s fine. These things happen. Hahahaha.”
“I appreciate your understanding. Now then, is there anything else I can help you with?”
“I need a list of the administrative officials on Haenam Island and a list of the local gentry.”
“I understand. I’ll have it organized and delivered to you.”
“And I’ll head down to stay at the inn.”
“You won’t stay here but at the inn instead?”
“Yes. I believe it will help ease the vigilance of the Imperial Officials.”
“I understand your reasoning, but staying at an inn may prove more difficult than you anticipate.”
“Pardon? What do you mean by that?”
“The people of Haenam Island never forget their enemies, but they remember kindness even more.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. And do you happen to know of a man named Cheon who deals in pearls?”
“I do know of him. Though it wasn’t intentional.”
“Yes?”
“He’s backed by the Regional Branch Leader of this Haenam Island.”
The Regional Branch Leader could be considered the highest authority on Haenam Island.
And if the Haenam Sect Leader would issue such a warning, there could be only one reason.
“Is there an Imperial Official on Haenam Island not involved in these irregularities?”
“There won’t be any.”
I exhaled slowly. I would need to move with extreme caution.
This situation was far more complicated than I had anticipated.
Was the highest authority on Haenam Island the mastermind behind these irregularities?
.
.
.
We descended from the Haenam Sect and found our horses, then entered an inn.
It was a fairly large inn that the Sect Leader had recommended.
“Welcome! To think we have the honor of hosting Seonhyeop Mirang Great Swordmaster at our inn! It is truly an honor!”
The Inn Owner came out personally to greet us.
At this rate, they’ll erect a statue of me here.
I smiled wryly and secured a room.
“Please wait a moment.”
“Of course.”
My guards thoroughly searched the room before we entered.
Then Seo Hyang gently tugged at my sleeve.
“What is it?”
“I have something to tell you.”
“Please speak.”
“Tomorrow, the County Leader will come to see you.”
“I see. Thank you for informing me.”
I could guess why the County Leader would seek me out.
There must be something he wanted from me.
If that were the case…
I opened the door and stepped out to speak with Palgap.
“Palgap, I’ll be heading out early tomorrow morning, so have everything prepared.”
“Understood, sir.”
Ji Hyeon Dae-in is coming tomorrow?
Then I’ll go visit the Regional Branch Leader tomorrow.
.
.
.
The next morning.
I left the inn early in the morning.
When meeting with corrupt officials like this, one must always bring gifts as a matter of courtesy.
And I happen to have suitable items to use as gifts.
After riding for about an hour, we soon arrived at the Regional Government Office.
“What brings you here?”
At the gatekeeper’s question, I presented my identification tablet and spoke.
“I am Eun Seo-ho, Small Guild Master of the Eunhae Trading Company.”
“Heavens! Are you the legendary Seon Hyeop Mi-rang?”
“I’m somewhat embarrassed, but that is indeed how I’m known.”
“My apologies!”
The gatekeepers lowered their weapons and bowed deeply to me.
“Though I have no prior appointment, having come to visit Haenam Island, how could I not pay my respects to my elder? Thus I have come, and I earnestly hope you will not turn me away at the gate.”
“Turn you away?”
“Please wait a moment. I shall inform him inside.”
One of the gatekeepers hurried inside and returned, speaking respectfully.
“Please come in.”
“Thank you.”
We entered, and were guided to the Guest Reception Room.
Jang Won Grand Master quietly asked from beside me.
“What exactly are you planning?”
“I have a method in mind. For now, I ask that you observe and trust me.”
“…Very well.”
Only I, Seo Hyang, and Seo-woo Warrior entered the Guest Reception Room.
The rest had to wait outside.
Shortly after, a maidservant brought refreshments.
Hmph, the people are starving, yet they offer sweets…
Even when meeting with the Haenam Sect Leader, there were no sweets.
Well, since they’ve provided them, I should enjoy them graciously.
As we waited while eating the refreshments, a voice came from beyond the door.
“The Regional Branch Leader has arrived.”
We quickly rose from our seats, and soon a bearded man entered.
We greeted him with proper courtesy.
“Small Merchant, Eun Seo-ho greets the Regional Branch Leader.”
“Young Lady greets the Regional Branch Leader.”
“Welcome, welcome. I’m Geum Sa-gyeon, the branch leader here. Please, have a seat.”
“Thank you.”
Seo Hyang and I took our seats. Yet something felt peculiar about the way the Regional Branch Leader’s eyes studied us both.
“Truly exquisite! Absolutely exquisite!”
Ah, so this was the lecherous official that Jang Won Grand Master had mentioned.
I forced a smile and spoke carefully.
“The young lady beside me is my wife. Since we’ve come to visit Haenam Island, it seemed proper to pay our respects to our elders first, so I brought her along.”
“Ah, I see.”
His eyes dimmed almost instantly.
Perhaps he possessed some sense of propriety after all? Or did he simply find no value in what wasn’t new?
Either way, it wasn’t my concern.
Had he persisted with his improper intentions, I would not have remained idle.
“I hear you’ve accomplished something quite remarkable this time.”
“I’ve done little of consequence. I merely contributed what funds I had available.”
I continued smoothly.
“More importantly, I understand you’ve endured considerable hardship amid these unfortunate circumstances. They say your care for the island’s people is second to none.”
“Of course. It truly pains my heart to see the people suffer so.”
Hmph, eloquent words indeed.
Yet why does such a man’s face gleam with such oily sheen?
“But what brings you to Haenam Island?”
“Truth be told, our trading company hoped to procure some goods from this island. And while I’m here, I thought to gift my wife some pearl ornaments as well.”
“Hahahaha! A true devoted husband, I see!”
“I’m grateful for your kind words.”
At my response, Seo Hyang covered her face shyly with her hand.
“Well then, seek out Cheon. He’s the one to see.”
“Cheon, you say?”
“He’s the pearl merchant here, with a keen eye for quality. If you mention my introduction, he’ll treat you fairly without overcharging.”
Now, Regional Branch Leader.
Shouldn’t a truly reputable merchant refrain from overcharging anyone, regardless of who introduces them?
But I concealed my thoughts and offered a compliant smile.
“Of course! Who would dare overcharge someone introduced by the Regional Branch Leader?”
Even as he spoke, his gaze kept drifting toward the box I’d brought.
It was time to reveal its contents.
“I felt embarrassed arriving empty-handed before the Regional Branch Leader, so I spent considerable thought on what gift would be appropriate.”
“A gift, you say? Isn’t that a bribe?”
“A bribe? That would be most serious indeed!”
I feigned alarm deliberately.
“This is merely a token of my respect and sincerity toward the Regional Branch Leader.”
Then I placed the box on the table and opened its lid so he could see inside.
“This is it.”
“Hmm? What is this?”
“Yes. A golden toad.”
The very golden toad that the Mu Clan Trading Company had given me as collateral.
And this one is a fake.

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