The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 618

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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 618

Chapter 618. The Missing Letter (5)

Upon receiving word, Ji Seok-mun came rushing over at full speed.
“I heard you’ve found the culprit who stole that box.”
“That’s right.”
Ji Seok-mun examined the still-unconscious Nam Sa-gaek and asked.
“Is this man Nam Sa-gaek?”
“Indeed. And since this was his safe house, let’s take a look inside.”
“Yes.”
We entered the estate.
The dangerous mechanical traps had already been rendered useless by the Black Swordsmen who had entered first.
Seeing this, Myeong-jong Warrior exclaimed in admiration.
“So this is what they mean by using the enemy’s strength against them.”
Chang-un Warrior also nodded with sparkling eyes.
“To employ those worthless Black Swordsmen in such a manner—truly, a brilliant strategy!”
Why did I sense an inexplicable madness in those words?
With the soldiers’ assistance, we searched throughout the estate.
There were considerably more treasures accumulated than I had expected.
They couldn’t possibly have been his originally. Most of it was surely stolen.
“Here it is!”
At that moment, Ji Seok-mun cried out.
His voice brimmed with joy.
“Look at this emblem carved into the lid! This is the royal crest of the Marae Seo Kingdom!”
Indeed, an emblem resembling a star was carved into its surface.
“Check the contents.”
At Ak Dae-in’s command, Ji Seok-mun opened the lid and examined what lay inside.
Thanks to this, I could see the contents as well.
Various jewels and ornaments crafted from gold appeared unmistakably valuable.
Now that I thought about it, I had heard that in the Marae Seo Kingdom, when a daughter marries, her bride’s family home presents her with lavish gifts.
Could this be that gift?
“Phew! Fortunately, nothing is missing.”
“That’s truly fortunate.”
Indeed, there hadn’t even been time to use what was inside.
“However… the letter is not here.”
“Ah! If you mean that, I have it here.”
Ak Dae-in handed the letter from the King of Marae Seo to Ji Seok-mun.
“That’s fortunate. Did you find this separately?”
Ak Dae-in nodded.
“Thank you so much for finding both the gift and the letter. I will never forget this kindness.”
“Hahaha! What did I do? It wasn’t me who found the letter and box—it was Eun Seo-ho.”
Ji Seok-mun’s gaze fell upon me, and I scratched my cheek awkwardly.
“I searched for them because I thought my cousin’s family would be saddened if we couldn’t find them. In any case, I’m relieved we were able to locate them safely.”

Everything proceeded smoothly after that.
First, we spread word that the treasure map containing the location of the legendary swordmaster’s warehouse had been burned by Nam Sa-gaek in a fit of rage during his escape.
“But why did you post the notice under the name Il-seok Do-shin?”
At Ak Dae-in’s question, I quickly offered an explanation.
“Isn’t that name the most infamous right now? After all, he stole the Murim Alliance Leader’s treasure.”
“Hmm, that’s true. But I’m concerned that this Il-seok Do-shin might retaliate against you.”
“There’s no need to worry. If he did so, it would only tarnish his own reputation—why would he do that?”
“You’ve calculated even that far?”
“Of course.”
“Impressive….”
Ak Dae-in regarded me with admiring eyes, and I could only avert my gaze in embarrassment.
I couldn’t reveal Il-seok Do-shin’s true identity.
Soon the Imperial Guards dispatched from the Imperial Palace arrived and began loading provisions onto carts for departure.
It was time for me to head back to Beijing as well.

I headed toward the inn.
Upon arrival, Captain Yong was conversing with his elder brother, Yong Min Warrior.
I had traveled with him when coming to Nanking this time.
Though they spoke in the Dae-Wol Kingdom tongue rather than the Empire’s language, I had studied their dialect diligently enough to understand much of it.
Still, I revealed nothing and spoke in the Empire’s tongue.
“I found you here.”
“Ah! Small Guild Master.”
“When are you planning the next trading expedition?”
Captain Yong answered my question.
“Perhaps around next spring, I would think.”
“Then we have some time to spare.”
“That may be so, but is there something you need?”
“Father will explain further once we return to the Main Headquarters, but it wouldn’t hurt to know beforehand.”
I continued.
“You’ll likely need to depart on an assignment as soon as we arrive at the Main Headquarters.”
“Is that so? Where might that be?”
“Jin-ho Elder Brother will explain it well on the way back.”
“Ah, now that I think of it, the Second Sub-Master is also traveling with us to the Main Headquarters this time, isn’t he?”
“Yes. So I ask for your care.”
“I shall do my utmost. Haha.”
He smiled.
“And congratulations. You’ve decided to marry, haven’t you?”
“Embarrassing as it is, yes. That’s correct.”
We concluded our exchange, and the next day, the Eunhae Trading Company’s vessel sailed upstream along the Yangtze River.
I traveled northward to Beijing in company with Ji Seok-mun and his party.
Given the nature of what we carried, the Imperial Palace sent additional Imperial Guards upon hearing the news.
Traveling with them meant my guards would be less exhausted.
“We depart!”
“Yes!”
The carriage I rode in began to move slowly, and thus we set out toward Beijing.

* * *

At that very moment.
In Guiyang, the provincial capital of Guizhou.
A group of people had arrived there.
The emblem of the moon floating upon the sea on the flag attached to the carriage was the symbol of the Eun Hae Trading Company.
A man descended from the carriage of the Eun Hae Trading Company that had arrived at the Guizhou Branch.
He was none other than Eun Gil-sang, the Merchant Guild Leader of the Eun Hae Trading Company.
He had come to Guizhou in person to handle a matter of great importance.
It was precisely because of the Third Son’s marriage.
Of course, officially it was to express gratitude to the Guizhou Provincial Governor for permitting the expansion of the Guizhou Branch.
Upon arriving in Guizhou, he immediately instructed Im Man, his second deputy officer.
“Arrange an appointment with the Guizhou Provincial Governor.”
“Understood.”

The appointment was secured quite swiftly.
They would meet tomorrow.
Eun Gil-sang took considerable care in preparing his attire before heading to the Guizhou Governor’s Office.
“Eun Gil-sang of the Eun Hae Trading Company respectfully greets the Provincial Governor.”
“Welcome. I have been expecting you.”
Eun Gil-sang was shown to the Guest Reception Room, and a maidservant brought tea.
Once the refreshments were fully arranged, Magistrate Dong Hui spoke to his guard.
“Clear the area.”
“Yes.”
Eun Gil-sang also spoke to his guard.
“Clear the surroundings.”
“Yes.”
Soon only Eun Gil-sang and Magistrate Dong Hui remained in the Guest Reception Room.
Eun Gil-sang presented the gift he had brought forward first.
“I have brought a modest gift to express my gratitude for allowing the expansion of our Guizhou Branch.”
“Ah, there was no need for such a thing…”
“Since you took the trouble to handle the matter, it would be shameful of me not to offer at least this much.”
Dong Hui, feigning reluctance, accepted the box and opened it.
“…!”
Yet he could not help but be astonished.
What appeared upon opening the box was a mirror.
The polished surface had red silk threads attached to it.
It was a gift signifying marriage.
Dong Hui retrieved brush and ink from beside him and began to write.

[What is the meaning of this gift you present to me?]
[It means exactly what you understand it to mean. My son has proposed to Gwak Vice-Manager, and she has accepted.]
Though I understand a formal proposal hasn’t yet taken place, given that I’ve offered my sincere counsel, a proper proposal should follow soon enough.
So this gift is hardly excessive.
[No matter the circumstances, how can you proceed with marriage arrangements without the parents even meeting face to face while they still live?]
Reading those characters, Dong Hui’s eyes grew moist.
He was moved by Eun Gil-sang’s consideration and thoughtfulness toward him.
Then suddenly, something occurred to him.
The fact that Eun Gil-sang had come here regarding the marriage between Eun Seo-ho and Gwak Seo-hyang meant that Eun Gil-sang knew he was the father of Seo Hyang—no, Dong Ja-ryeong.
In that instant, his gaze turned sharp.
[Who else knows the identity of my daughter?]
[Please do not worry. Besides myself and my wife, none of the other family members know. This concerns my son’s safety—how could I be so reckless as to loose my tongue?]
Eun Gil-sang continued writing characters.
[Beyond that, only Seo-ho’s Master, Gwak Pyo-du, knows of this. Since Gwak Vice-Manager has been living as Gwak Pyo-du’s relative, he too will keep this secret strictly, for it concerns my son’s safety.]
[Is that truly so?]
[It is.]
They continued their silent correspondence.
[Since Young Lady Seo Hyang has no parents and Gwak Pyo-du is her only relative, it seems Gwak Pyo-du and his wife must take the place of her parents’ family at the wedding ceremony. I ask for your understanding on this matter.]
Dong Hui paused in thought before picking up his brush.
[Is this man Gwak Pyo-du a good person?]
[As Seo-ho’s Master, he is a good man and possesses exceptional ability. I can vouch for this personally.]
[If a merchant of your standing trusts him, then I shall trust him as well.]
[Yes. My son has chosen his Master very well.]

The two men continued their written exchange, discussing even the details of the wedding ceremony.
Before long, papers had accumulated in a thick pile. When their conversation ended, Dong Hui gathered them one by one and burned them in candlelight.
“Then let us proceed this way.”
“Yes, Dae-in.”
Watching him, Dong Hui thought to himself.
‘Someday I may hear him call me brother-in-law.’
That is to say, his daughter would be able to reveal her true identity.
And Eun Seo-ho had promised this.
“Since you’ve come to Guiyang, do look around here and there before you leave. There are quite a few worthwhile sights to see.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”

* * *

We arrived in Beijing quite comfortably.
Moving alongside the Imperial Guard slowed our pace, but at least we avoided any other complications.
“Is Ji Small Sect Leader heading straight to the Imperial Palace?”
“Yes. Since I’ve just returned from meeting with the King of Marae Seo Kingdom, I must report on that matter.”
“Then we should part ways here. Safe travels.”
“Thank you once again. I’ll see you next time.”
With that, they headed toward the Imperial Palace, and I returned to the Beijing Branch with my entourage.
“Welcome back!”
“Thank you. Has anything happened in my absence?”
“All has been peaceful.”
The Beijing Branch Director greeted me with a smile.
“And do you know what?”
“What are you referring to?”
“Everyone in Beijing now knows about how you proposed to Gwak Vice-Manager at that tavern last time.”
…
“It was so touching that people are now using that song you sang to propose to others, I hear.”
Had I become that famous?
The news was rather burdensome, so I could only sigh. There was nothing I could do about it anyway.

That evening.
A servant came from Seon-il Elder Brother’s residence.
The message was to join them for dinner, and I could guess the reason.
The servant also brought a letter from my Aunt.
[Bring Gwak Vice-Manager, who will become your wife. Everyone in Beijing is talking about it—surely you don’t intend to hide this from your aunt?]
There was no helping it.
I called over Seo Hyang, who had been diligently reviewing documents beside me.
“Gwak Vice-Manager.”
“Yes?”
“My Aunt has invited us to dinner this evening. Would you be willing to join me? She’s asked that you come along. If it feels burdensome, you’re welcome to decline.”
“No.”
She shook her head.
“I think it would be good to pay my respects on this occasion.”
I nodded and called for Palgap.
“Palgap!”
“Yes! You called for me?”
“What became of those clothes I asked you about before?”
“The Seamstress is working on them diligently now, and she’s already completed about three sets.”
“Bring one of those outfits—something that matches the color of what I’ll be wearing.”
“Understood.”
Palgap grinned widely and hurried out, while Seo Hyang nodded knowingly.
Shortly after, Palgap returned with the clothes I had requested.
“You need only wear this outfit today.”
“Seeing it in person, it’s even more beautiful.”
The jade-colored garment was embroidered with silver thread. Since it seemed I would be going out frequently with her in the future, I had requested several sets in advance—a decision I was glad I’d made.
“Thank you.”
“If you wear this, I think I should be the one thanking you.”

Evening arrived.
Seo Hyang and I finished our preparations and stepped outside.
Over the jade-colored dress, we draped an outer coat made from fur—a product of the Eun Hae Trading Company.
Though it wasn’t particularly cold, I had to be mindful of others’ gazes.
As people saw Seo Hyang and me together, they offered their congratulations.
“Indeed! What a perfect pair you make!”
“Haha! Is that so?”

Soon we arrived at the Yeonjun Trading Company, where my Aunt greeted me.
“Welcome, dear.”
“I pay my respects, Aunt.”
“Gwak Vice-Manager, it’s been so long! My goodness! You’re marrying our Seo-ho! I had a feeling the moment I first saw you!”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
“But where are Uncle and Seon-il Elder Brother?”
“Your uncle will return soon, and Seon-il should be leaving the office now.”
“Then I suppose we should wait a moment.”
And standing beside her was Princess Sinaa. It had been a while since I’d seen her, and her face had become considerably more beautiful than before.
Remarkably, she would grow even more beautiful still.
“Welcome to you both.”
“It’s been a long time since we’ve met.”
“Yes.”
We moved to the Guest Reception Room, where Princess Sinaa spoke to me.
“Someone came from the Imperial Palace today and delivered something my father sent. And they told me about the process as well.”
She bowed her head to me.
“Thank you so much for finding the letter.”
Seeing her eyes redden as she offered her gratitude, I could sense the contents of that letter.
“Thanks to you, I was able to feel my parents’ love after so long.”
“I’m glad I could be of help.”
“I truly wish to repay this debt. So I wanted to ask—would you be interested in trade with the Marae Seo Kingdom?”
“…!”
She continued.
“If you wish, I can speak to my father and arrange a bridge for you.”
When I had recovered that letter, I had never imagined such an opportunity would arise.
But an offer like this—I couldn’t possibly let it slip away.
Just then, a servant informed me that my Uncle and Seon-il Elder Brother had arrived at the house.
I turned to Princess Sinaa and spoke.
“After dinner, I’d like to discuss the details with you.”

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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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