The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 614

—————
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 614

Chapter 614. The Vanished Letter (1)

The Emperor tilted his head at my words, but soon nodded in agreement.
“Everyone, leave the room.”
At his command, Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster and everyone else around us filed out.
“Very well, what is the reason you asked to clear the area?”
“It is because of this.”
I spoke as I carefully placed the box I had brought before him.
“Bring it here.”
“Yes.”
The Eunuch who had been standing guard took the box and brought it forward.
Even when I asked to clear the area, the Eunuch and the Guard hidden in the ceiling were exceptions.
The Eunuch opened the box and handed it to the Emperor.
“Hmm?”
The Emperor’s eyebrows moved.
“What is this?”
“These are items belonging to the Imperial Palace.”
The Emperor’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he spoke to the Eunuch.
“Bring the Imperial Treasury Record.”
“Yes.”
The Eunuch moved with barely contained enthusiasm, nearly running.
Soon he returned with a tome, and the Emperor began turning its pages.
This must be the record documenting the Imperial Palace’s treasures.
His hands, which had been flipping through the pages, suddenly stopped.
“This is not the Thousand-Li Mirror that vanished approximately eighty years ago, is it?”
“Is that so?”
“And this is the artifact that disappeared fifty years ago—the one that reveals the whereabouts of another!”
“Indeed.”
Now that I think about it, these are quite precious artifacts.
Did I make the right choice in returning them?
A twinge of regret crossed my mind, but I quickly set it aside.
Carrying Imperial Palace treasures would only invite unnecessary trouble.
It was far better to return them early and receive appropriate compensation in exchange.
After a moment, the Emperor, having calmed his excitement, looked at me.
“I cannot help but ask. Where and how did you obtain these?”
“Your Majesty. In truth, when I first discovered these, I harbored the shameful thought of remaining silent about them. This was because I feared that revealing the source of these artifacts would place me in an even more difficult situation.”
I continued speaking.
“Therefore, if you wish to know the source, I would appreciate your assurance that this matter will not cause me any hardship.”
“How dare you! To speak thus to the Emperor!”
“Enough!”
The Emperor raised his hand, silencing the Eunuch.
“I promise you.”
“Your Majesty’s benevolence is boundless.”
I bowed respectfully and continued.
“Those imperial treasures were recovered by me directly from the sea floor.”
“From the sea floor?”
“Yes. While investigating the matter of corruption in Haenam Island, I personally descended into the sea to verify whether those ships had truly sunk.”
“You descended into the sea yourself? Your abilities are more impressive than I expected.”
“It was indeed a dangerous undertaking, but it was necessary. If those ships had truly sunk, they would naturally rest at the bottom of the sea.”
After catching my breath, I continued.
“Upon entering the sea, I discovered several sunken vessels at the bottom, and while investigating them, I found these treasures.”
The Emperor listened to my account in silence as I continued explaining the events of that time.
Of course, my account contained some necessary falsehoods.
I could hardly tell him that Geum-ryeong had swept them into the secret vault instead of me.
“I could not bear to see the imperial treasures deteriorating in such a manner, so I brought them up.”
At that moment, the Eunuch spoke with a pleased expression.
“Your Majesty, perhaps that location should be explored further. There may be additional imperial artifacts, as well as other precious metals and jewels.”
Listen here, Eunuch. I’ve already stripped that place bare.
But that wealth is mine. I labored for it—why should I give it to anyone?
Tsk! Keep that mouth shut.
“Cough! Cough!”
I deliberately coughed.
“My apologies. I spent so long underwater that time…”
“My! Are you unwell?”
“If I don’t overexert myself… *cough* *cough*… I shall be fine.”
I continued speaking.
“Do you remember the assurance I asked of Your Majesty earlier?”
“I do. I promised that you would not face hardship from this matter.”
“I anticipated that the Eunuch would suggest something like this. I risked my life descending into those depths to resolve this crisis. Yet to ask me to search further is to ask me to risk my life again.”
At my words, the Eunuch’s expression grew embarrassed. But I did not stop.
“If Your Majesty desires it, I shall attempt it, though I cannot guarantee success. When I escaped that place, the remaining wreckage that had barely held together collapsed and was buried in sediment.”
I needed to block any possibility of the Emperor sending others to explore that location.
“Moreover, the preparations required and the costs of my return journey are not insignificant sums… Are you certain you wish to proceed?”
At my words, the Emperor reviewed the expense list I had submitted and shook his head with evident displeasure.
“A pointless endeavor. Would you not agree, Eunuch?”
At the Emperor’s pointed rebuke, the Eunuch quickly knelt and spoke.
“Please rebuke this humble servant’s foolishness.”
“Enough. Rise.”
“Your imperial grace is boundless.”
The Emperor turned his head to look at Kimul, his expression brightening with satisfaction.
“And I should be grateful merely that you found these treasures for me. What more could I ask for?”
Then he turned his gaze toward me.
“So, tell me what you desire.”
“Your Majesty?”
“You returned these items without reason, purely from your heart? Do you take me for a fool?”
Truly, he is the Emperor.
I continued speaking.
“How could I confidently state my desires when I do not even know the value of those items?”
“Cunning wretch.”
Though he grumbled thus, a smile played at the corners of his mouth.
After a moment of deliberation, the Emperor spoke.
“What troubles you most in your current position is undoubtedly the eyes of those around you.”
“….”
“There are certainly those who resent my favor toward you.”
The Emperor tapped the report I had submitted with his finger as he continued.
“Your standing and reputation on Haenam Island are said to rival even my own, so the Geumui Guard and Dongchang may well express concerns. Their loyalty is admirable, but sometimes it becomes excessive and problematic.”
Indeed, the Emperor.
You understand well.
“Of course, there are also those harboring ulterior motives.”
What should I say in response to this? But the Emperor did not wait for my reply.
“I grant you immunity.”
“Your Majesty?”
“Literally as I say. Should anyone else express concerns about you, I will not permit them to harm you without my explicit command. Is this sufficient recompense?”
Immunity!
A reward I had never even considered.
“To bestow such great favor upon this humble merchant, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and tears blur my vision.”
I am grateful, but why did he grant me immunity?
Just as the Emperor knows me, I too know the Emperor.
He is not one to offer kindness without reason.
When he gives one, he takes back one and a half.
I am the same way.
“I trust you will continue to serve with loyalty.”
He lets it pass with just that?
Is the value of Kimul, which I found and returned, truly that high?
No, even so, I must not lower my guard.
“By the way, looking at your report, it seems merchant ships will soon begin arriving in Nanking.”
“Yes, that’s correct. I’m planning to go to Nanking myself this time to receive the merchant ships of the Eun Hae Trading Company.”
“While you’re at it, get some work done.”
“Should I block information like last time?”
“There’s no need for that now. Foreign trade expeditions have already established themselves to some degree.”
The Emperor was right.
Latecomers could no longer break into this market.
“I’ll tell you what you need to do later.”
“Understood.”
“By the way, who do you think is behind those who committed this act?”
The mastermind is the Blood Sect.
But I cannot speak of this yet.
Adding unnecessary details could only complicate matters.
“I apologize. Even I have no idea who it might be.”
“I see….”
With that look in the Emperor’s eyes, their identities would be exposed before long.
They may have gotten away with it so far, but it would be impossible now.
They had greatly displeased the Emperor.

* * *

I went to find Jin-ho as soon as I returned to the Beijing Branch.
“What? I’m going to Nanking with you too?”
“I told Father that I’d send you from Nanking aboard the Eun Hae Trading Company’s merchant ship.”
“Well, that would be more convenient anyway.”
“By the way, did you read the letter your wife gave you?”
At my question, Jin-ho’s face flushed red. What on earth could it have said….
“Ahem, of course I read it. Ah! Hong Ryeo is growing up well, right?”
“Of course.”
“That’s a relief.”
“Anyway, we’re leaving the morning after tomorrow, so get your things ready.”
The roads from Beijing to Nanking are well-maintained, making the journey convenient and not too long.
That’s why I’m taking my time.
“Got it. I’ll be ready on time. And you’ve finally decided to marry, haven’t you?”
“Yes.”
I nodded.
“Good thinking. If you shook Gwak Vice-Manager’s heart that much and didn’t marry her, you’d be a complete bastard.”
Cough!
Jin-ho’s blunt words felt like I’d taken internal damage.
– Squeak!
Geum-ryeong, why are you agreeing with him?
.
.
.
The next morning.
I called for Palgap.
“You called for me?”
“The task I’m about to assign you is extremely important. It requires you to bring all your abilities to bear.”
Palgap nodded with a tense expression.
I gave Palgap detailed instructions, and he left my quarters with a solemn expression.
Then I headed to my office as if nothing had happened.
Seo Hyang, who was already working in the office, offered a light bow and returned her focus to the documents.
I glanced at Seo Hyang as I moved toward my seat.
Through that recent incident, I realized Seo Hyang’s inner strength was far greater than I had imagined.
That must be why she spoke of walking the path of vengeance together with me.
It was the inner fortitude of someone hardened by countless trials.
Of course, her ability to see the future may have inadvertently strengthened her as well.
Thinking of it this way, I felt genuinely grateful.
“Is there something you wish to tell me?”
“No, nothing.”
I shook my head and pulled out one of the documents stacked on my wooden table, unfolding it.
The inner pages were organized with remarkable clarity regarding the document’s contents.
She really does work well.
Wait… hold on?
If Seo Hyang becomes my wife, that means I’ll need to recruit a new deputy officer, doesn’t it?
Where am I supposed to find someone as capable as Seo Hyang…
As I sighed at the thought that suddenly occurred to me, Seo Hyang tilted her head and asked.
“Is there an error in the documents?”
“No, that’s not it…”
Since it concerns Seo Hyang, I suppose I can speak of it.
“I was troubled because once Gwak Vice-Manager becomes my wife, I’ll need to recruit a new deputy officer. To be honest, I’ve never seen anyone work as competently as Gwak Vice-Manager in all my years.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“Yes, it is indeed a compliment.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll continue working as your deputy officer until you find a suitable replacement.”
“That will be difficult for you.”
“If my husband grinds his bones working, shouldn’t I do the same?”
…
Why am I suddenly feeling reflective like this?
“I’ve reserved a tavern for this evening. Before we depart for Nanking tomorrow, I’d like to hold a banquet to show our appreciation to the Beijing Branch staff. I hope you’ll attend as well, Gwak Vice-Manager.”
“Yes, of course.”
Good, that was perfectly natural.

That evening.
I headed to the tavern we had reserved, accompanied by my entourage.
Most of the Beijing Branch staff were already gathered there, and Jin-ho had arrived early to secure his seat.
“Third Sub-unit Leader. Welcome.”
“Please, sit here.”
And so my group took their places and sat down.
We had rented out this entire tavern for the occasion.
The ostensible reason for holding this banquet was to show appreciation for everyone’s hard work, but there was one important reason beneath the surface.
I recalled the conversation I’d had with Father before returning to Beijing this time.

“By the way, did you formally propose to Gwak Vice-Manager?”
“If you mean the pearl ornament…”
“No, I’m asking whether you formally told her you wanted to marry her.”
“Well, I sort of said something like that.”
“Good heavens! You rascal!”
Smack! Smack smack!
Father then struck my back repeatedly with the palm of his hand.
“Ow! That hurts!”
“I hit you because it should hurt!”
“Why are you doing this?”
“My son, you still don’t understand how well women remember when they’ve been slighted by someone they care for.”
“Sir?”
“Whether their memory is good or bad, they remember every detail about the one they love without a single mistake. Listen carefully.”
Father continued.
“When I was newly married, your mother made sweets for me, and I didn’t realize they were hers and said they tasted bad. That came up for five years.”
“…”
“I once forgot your mother’s birthday and left early that morning, returning the next day. She brought that up for ten years.”
“…”
“When I had a minor conflict with another merchant’s wife and told your mother, ‘You were in the wrong,’ that lasted for twenty years.”
“…”
“But now you’re going to skip a formal proposal and just stumble into marriage like this? In my estimation, that’s a fifty-year offense. For the next fifty years, whenever she feels slighted, she’ll bring this up, my son.”
Father asked seriously.
“Can you handle that?”

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