The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 609

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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 609

Chapter 609. While Heading to Beijing (1)

We packed our belongings.
My involvement in this matter had come to an end.
The cleanup wasn’t my responsibility, after all.
So there was no reason for us to linger here any longer.
With so much work awaiting us, I couldn’t afford to waste more time in this place.
Before leaving, I needed to bid farewell to the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince was still staying on Haenam Island. He had people to comfort and numerous matters requiring his attention.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
“Very well.”
I set out toward where the Crown Prince was staying, accompanied by my guards Seo-woo Warrior and Chang-un Warrior.
Given my significant contributions to this matter, I was able to meet with the Crown Prince immediately.
“I pay my respects to the Crown Prince.”
“Come, be at ease.”
I bowed respectfully to the Crown Prince, and he offered me a seat.
Looking at the Crown Prince’s complexion, he appeared quite exhausted. I should leave quickly.
If I wasn’t careful, I’d end up in the same condition.
“Your Highness’s conduct since arriving here has earned widespread praise.”
“Ha ha, is that so?”
“However… if I may be so bold, I worry that the Emperor might harbor concerns about this.”
Typically, emperors are displeased when the Crown Prince’s status rises or he establishes independent power.
They fear being overthrown, after all.
Understanding my meaning, the Crown Prince laughed heartily.
“I wish he were concerned about that. Then I wouldn’t have to suffer like this.”
Now that I think about it, this Emperor is actively employing the Crown Prince.
“The Emperor said that since he’s fed and educated the Crown Prince well until now, it’s time for me to do my part.”
Ah…
“And he said that since I’ll eventually inherit the throne, I should become accustomed to it beforehand. That way, he won’t be criticized by posterity. And he made clear that he absolutely cannot tolerate me ruining what he has accomplished.”
“Truly, those are words befitting the Emperor.”
“He also said that only then can he retire as the Retired Emperor and enjoy his later years in peace.”
He is no ordinary man.
And equally formidable.
It means he has absolute confidence that he will not step down from the throne unless he wishes to, regardless of circumstances.
I gazed at the Crown Prince.
It was a look of sympathy, though the Crown Prince seemed to misinterpret it and waved his hand.
“Ah, I trust you don’t suspect me of harboring ambitions for the throne and acting recklessly.”
“No, Your Highness. I would never entertain such thoughts.”
“Is that so?”
The Crown Prince cleared his throat awkwardly.
“Ahem, to be honest, being born as an ordinary member of the imperial family and living a leisurely life is the best. Becoming Crown Prince only means drowning in work. Just like me.”
True enough.
The Emperor’s duties depend entirely on how one chooses to handle them.
To be revered as a sage ruler, one must endure an enormous workload and battle exhaustion.
But if one abandons everything, life becomes comfortable.
One need only accept being recorded as a tyrant and dark ruler, like the Previous Emperor.
Though the likelihood of meeting a terrible end is quite high.
“So what I meant to say was….”
This is dangerous!
I instinctively cut off the Crown Prince’s words.
“Your Highness, I’ve come to inform you that I must return to Beijing now.”
“Already?”
“Yes. My task was to uncover the problems and corruption surrounding this matter. Now that it’s resolved, my work here must be concluded.”
And I continued.
“Moreover, I have my primary duties, which I cannot abandon.”
I need to report to the Emperor about this Haenam Island affair, complete the construction of the Martial Hall, push forward with establishing a Luoyang branch, prepare to make Beijing the main headquarters of the Eun Hae Trading Company….
And I must establish a dock for the Eun Hae Trading Company on Haenam Island.
Why does the work never seem to end?
It’s enough to make one weep. Truly.
“Furthermore, merchant vessels will soon arrive at Nanking, and I must go there to handle that as well.”
“Sigh, you’re as busy as I am. Very well. I grant you permission to return.”
“I am deeply grateful for your benevolence.”
Thus I managed to escape the prison of endless duties.
And I immediately set out for the Haenam Sect.
I needed to bid farewell before leaving Haenam Island.
The Sect Leader had helped me greatly in this matter, so I owed them at least this courtesy.
I climbed Oji Mountain and arrived at Yeomobong Peak.
Oji Mountain is also said to be Buddha Shakyamuni’s finger.
Long ago, a monkey named Sun Xingzhe wagered with Buddha Shakyamuni, and believing he had reached the highest place in the world, he wrote his name there—only to discover it was Buddha Shakyamuni’s finger.
The mountain is so high that vegetation changes with each altitude, and such tales abound.
Observing the diverse flora as I ascended, I arrived at the Haenam Sect, where the disciples greeted me warmly upon seeing me.
“We bow before the Great Hero.”
“Is the Sect Leader within?”
“Yes, he is. Please wait a moment, and I shall bring him.”
I was shown to the Guest Reception Room, and shortly the Sect Leader entered.
“Hahaha. Welcome, welcome.”
“I bow before the Sect Leader.”
“Thanks to the Great Hero’s remarkable deeds, Haenam Island has reclaimed its peace and prosperity. I am truly grateful.”
At the Sect Leader’s courteous words, I waved my hand dismissively.
“Not at all. This is thanks to the Emperor’s decisive judgment.”
“That may be true, but wasn’t it you who directly resolved this matter?”
“You’re putting me in an awkward position by saying such things.”
“It’s fine. We’re alone here anyway, haha.”
Watching the Sect Leader laugh heartily, I scratched the back of my neck.
He’s quite perceptive, as expected.
“Besides, I came forward because I had my own desires as well.”
“Regardless of your reasons, you are a benefactor to us.”
Unable to bear hearing more praise, I broached the main topic with an embarrassed expression.
“Thank you. And the reason I’ve come to visit is because it’s now time for me to depart.”
“You’re leaving already?”
“Yes. I have far too much to attend to, and I cannot afford to delay any longer.”
“I understand. I’m well aware of how busy you are. When do you think you’ll return?”
“I cannot give you a definite answer, but I expect to pass through once more while my work is still in progress.”
“I see. When that time comes, be sure to visit our Main Compound again. I’ll show you how we of Haenam treat our benefactors.”
“Of course. I look forward to it. And…”
I extended an envelope toward him.
“Please accept this.”
“What is this?”
I smiled silently, and the Sect Leader opened the envelope.
“Hic!”
He was so startled that he hiccupped.
“Hic! What is this, hic!”
“Oh my! Are you alright?”
True to his nature as a formidable martial artist, his hiccups soon ceased.
“Phew, I’m fine. But what exactly is this?”
I answered with a light smile.
“Do you remember when I stopped the intruder who broke into the Martial Arts Arena during the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament?”
Sister Hyang-ok had nearly been gravely injured by that mysterious assailant.
“Of course. I gave you one hundred thousand silver coins as compensation then, didn’t I?”
“That’s correct. And this is everything except for the ten thousand coins I gave you before.”
At that time, I had given ten thousand from my own funds and ten thousand from the reward money, totaling twenty thousand coins.
But the Sect Leader still asked, as if he didn’t understand.
“But why are you giving this to me? Why not keep it for yourself?”
I produced the answer I had prepared.
“When I demanded that large sum of one hundred thousand coins back then, it was originally for the sake of Haenam Island.”
“Even while enduring the insult of being called a merchant who cares only for money?”
I nodded gently in response to his question.
“It’s fine. I hear such insults regularly anyway, so hearing them one more time won’t change anything. That’s why I thought I’d use this opportunity to extract funds from the Murim Alliance and put them toward Haenam Island’s benefit.”
At my explanation, the Sect Leader sighed.
“Ha! So that’s why you’re called the Immortal Chivalry Beauty!”
Cough…!
I simply found the Murim Alliance’s indifference irritating and acted accordingly.
And through this incident, my resolve hardened even further—Haenam Island’s troubles stemmed from the Blood Sect.
The tight connection between the Murim Alliance and the Blood Sect was now certain.
One crucial discovery from thoroughly squeezing information out of them was the pirates’ true objective.
They had been planning to move the treasures that had been carefully accumulated over time.
In the process, they even devised schemes to divert the attention of the Haenam Faction—the most troublesome force—and prevent them from interfering.
Learning this, I felt grateful once again that I had arrived at the opportune moment.
“In any case, please use this money for Haenam Island’s development.”
“I understand. I shall do so.”
Now that the exploitation of Haenam Island had ceased, this money could be used meaningfully.
The Sect Leader was also someone trustworthy.
“And please spread good word about the Eun Hae Trading Company.”
“Hahaha! Don’t worry about that.”
“But please keep my reputation out of it.”
“….”
His silence made me somewhat uneasy.

Thus, I bid farewell to the Haenam Sect Leader and the members of the Haenam Sect, then returned to the inn.
After exchanging farewells with those I had formed connections with at the inn, I set out toward Guangdong Province.
The vessel I boarded to return to Guangdong Province was the same ship we had taken when entering Haenam Island.
“It has been an honor to captain the return voyage of the Great Hero.”
“Thanks to you, the journey was most comfortable. May I trouble you for assistance should I require it in the future?”
“Of course.”
Upon arriving in Guangdong Province, we sought out Jang Won Grand Master.
He, who had been serving not as the Shop Attendant of Haega Inn but as Jang Won Grand Master of the Geumui Guard, welcomed me warmly.
“I heard the news. You found Geum-ryeong thanks to your efforts!”
“Do you know him?”
“He is the closest colleague I mentioned to you before.”
“I see. I apologize for not locating him sooner. Had I arrived earlier, I could have saved many more lives.”
“Please, say no more. Is saving two lives not a great achievement? Moreover, you provided precious healing elixir for their treatment—I know not how to repay such kindness.”
In turn, I expressed my gratitude to him.
“Not at all. I must thank you for the considerable assistance you provided. Without your aid, this matter could never have been resolved so smoothly.”
“What assistance could I have possibly offered?”
“Your help was invaluable.”
“I am grateful for your kind words.”
He spoke with a smile.
“Are you departing now?”
“Yes. I have far too many matters demanding my attention to delay any longer.”
“Then I shall not keep you further. Until we meet again.”
“Farewell.”
I mounted my horse.
I had paid my respects to all those I needed to see, so now I truly had to depart.
However, I would not head directly to Beijing.
With Ju Gang Ma at our disposal, we had ample time.
Our first destination was Guizhou Province.
Since we had journeyed this far south of the Yangtze River, I wished to give Seo Hyang the opportunity to see her parents.
Though I had seen Father several times, I had not seen Mother at all during this period.
“There is no need for you to go to such trouble on my account.”
At Seo Hyang’s words, I shook my head.
“That is not so. I too have matters I wish to discuss with the Provincial Inspector.”
“Truly?”
“Yes. You know I do not lie about such things.”
“That is true.”
“Then you may set your mind at ease.”
Thus we rode Ju Gang Ma and arrived in Guizhou Province several times faster than ordinary travelers.
We secured a room at an inn and dispatched Myeong-jong Warrior and Chang-un Warrior to deliver a letter to the Provincial Inspector.
The two warriors soon returned bearing the Provincial Inspector’s reply.

[As you suggested, let’s meet at the Yuhua Tavern tomorrow evening.]

Now that I had some free time in my schedule, I decided to handle the tasks I’d been putting off.
The first thing I needed to do was examine the treasures I’d retrieved from the sunken ship at the bottom of the sea.
I opened the Secret Vault and stepped inside.
Honestly, I’d expected the interior to be quite filthy since everything had been collected from the ocean floor, but….
Why was it so clean?
The treasures piled on the floor of the Secret Vault were completely dry.
“Huh? Geum-ryeong. There’s no moisture at all—what happened?”
In response to my question, Geum-ryeong chirped and answered.
“Chirp! Chirp!”
“What? Because I ordered ‘treasures’ to be placed in the Secret Vault, seawater and other foreign substances don’t enter it?”
“Chirp! Chirp!”
“And you’re only telling me this now?”
I felt embarrassed.
Well, normally it wasn’t easy to notice something like that.
Still, this made it much easier to examine everything.
I slowly began to inspect what Geum-ryeong had retrieved from the sea.
“Wow!”
I couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement.
There was a reason Geum-ryeong had asked me for gold coins before.
And no wonder—everything here was precious treasure.
Silver coins and gold coins were certainly there, along with gold ingots and various precious metals stacked in abundance.
And on top of that, Night Luminous Pearls and various artifacts.
Wait? This….
I paused. What caught my eye was an object bearing the Imperial Palace seal.
Had one of the sunken ships belonged to the Imperial Court?
There were several items bearing the Imperial seal, which I’d set aside separately to return them.
Even if it was a Secret Vault, there was no benefit in keeping Imperial property.
The Emperor wouldn’t interrogate me too closely about how I’d obtained these items.
Rather, he would be grateful.
And I intended to return the items from the sunken ship that clearly had rightful owners.
Wasn’t it a shame to give them up?
Couldn’t I just keep quiet and pocket them?
Of course, that would be possible.
But by doing this instead, I could gain something far greater.
I was a merchant, after all.
Still, when would I finish organizing all of this?

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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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