The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 619

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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 619

Chapter 619. The Circumstances of That Land (1)

The evening meal with my aunt’s family after so long was warm and convivial.
The conversation centered largely on Seo Hyang and myself, which spoke volumes about their interest in us.
“I heard you brought back quite a substantial amount of grain from abroad this time.”
At Seon-il Elder Brother’s words, I nodded.
“Yes. It should be roughly double what we brought back last time.”
Thanks to the Dae-Wol Kingdom’s unique environment, where they could harvest three times a year, they had no difficulty exporting large quantities of grain.
And because the goods we brought this time were so popular, we were able to import even greater quantities of grain.
“And I also heard that you found the letter from the King of Marae Seo Kingdom for us.”
At Seon-il Elder Brother’s words, Princess Sinaa spoke.
“You may simply call him Father-in-law if you wish.”
“But he is still the rightful king of a nation—how could I do such a thing? My lady.”
The proper forms of address hadn’t quite been settled yet.
Though I understood Seon-il Elder Brother’s position well enough.
Seon-il Elder Brother turned to me and spoke.
“In any case, I wanted to express my gratitude.”
“Think nothing of it. I merely did what was naturally necessary.”
“You may say it was natural, but there is nothing truly natural in this world.”
That was true enough.
After finishing the evening meal, my uncle and aunt rose from their seats.
They were busy people, after all.
Those remaining at the table were only Seo Hyang, myself, and Seon-il Elder Brother and his wife.
I wanted to broach the subject of trade with Marae Seo Kingdom, but it felt awkward for me to speak first.
Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Princess Sinaa spoke.
“Shall we continue the conversation we were having earlier?”
“What conversation do you mean?”
At Seon-il Elder Brother’s question, Princess Sinaa replied.
“As a token of gratitude for finding the letter and gifts my father sent, I wish to arrange trade between my homeland and your company.”
“If you would do such a thing, I would be even more grateful, but… are you certain?”
“Yes.”
She nodded.
“Because you are someone trustworthy.”
I thought I hardly deserved such praise, but seeing the light in her eyes and the sincerity of her expression, I felt oddly embarrassed.
“So I wanted to ask your intentions. Are you interested?”
“That is a question that hardly needs asking.”
The Marae Seo Kingdom lay even farther than the Dae-Wol Kingdom, renowned as a major source of tin—an essential metal for metalworking.
Though tin was mined within the Empire as well, the quantities were meager, making it extraordinarily expensive.
If I could import tin and sell it here, the profits would be substantial.
Beyond tin, the kingdom was also famous for specialty goods like pepper and rare dyes.
This was an opportunity I absolutely could not afford to miss.
“Then prepare for this venture at our next trade cycle. And when the time comes, I shall accompany you to the Marae Seo Kingdom.”
“Pardon? You intend to go yourself?”
“To be precise, I plan to travel with my husband. My parents wish to see him.”
Seon-il Elder Brother nodded without objection, as if this had already been discussed.
The Emperor would likely appoint Seon-il Elder Brother as an imperial envoy to strengthen ties with the Marae Seo Kingdom.
.
.
.
After concluding my discussion with Princess Sinaa, I returned to the Beijing Branch with Seo Hyang.
I changed clothes and sat upon my bed to organize my plans ahead.
With so many matters already in motion, I needed to establish their priorities.
Of course, all had to be pursued eventually, but I was only one person.
Yes, I had decided.
The most urgent matter was expanding the Luoyang Branch.
Luoyang was not only where the Murim Alliance was headquartered, but also a vital crossroads in Henan Province.
For that reason, though not to the scale of the Beijing Branch, I needed to expand its operations considerably.
With increasing reasons to visit Luoyang, staying at inns each time was becoming inconvenient.
Beyond mere expense, there were security concerns.
And there was another critical reason I could not delay the Luoyang Branch expansion any further.
Thus far, the Baekcheon Trading Company had not regarded the Eunhae Trading Company with such wariness.
Though they had suffered losses because of me, I was not yet a direct rival.
But if my presence grew any more prominent, they would view me as a threat and obstruct me in every way.
How could I be so certain?
Because in my previous life, that was exactly what happened.
I had wished to expand the Luoyang Branch sooner, but due to various circumstances, I could only pursue the expansion after the Eunhae Trading Company broke into the top ten of the Baek Merchant Guild rankings.
By then, the Baekcheon Trading Company had come to view the Eunhae Trading Company as a thorn in their side, and the interference from the Murim Alliance had made those days truly agonizing.
This time, I would not repeat those mistakes.
Then I must depart for Luoyang at once.
Through the Eun Wol Pavilion conference this time, I had received full authority from my father regarding the Luoyang Branch expansion.
That meant I could select the property site as I saw fit.
Once the land was secured, everything else would proceed swiftly.
After establishing the framework for the Luoyang Branch expansion, I would go to the Main Headquarters and report to my father.
And I would need to discuss the marriage as well.
By then, Father should have returned from Guizhou Province.
“Huh? Why are you suddenly grinning like that?”
At that moment, Palgap entered my room and asked.
I quickly straightened my expression and turned the question back on him.
“When did I?”
“You need not hide anything from me. You were thinking about the marriage with Gwak Vice-Manager, were you not?”
Tch! His perception is annoyingly sharp.
“Never mind that. Prepare for our departure to Luoyang.”
“Yes? To Luoyang, sir?”
“Yes. We’ll be leaving in a few days.”

The next day.
I asked Lee Pil Warrior to deliver a letter to Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster.
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster came to find me that very day.
“You’ve come? Great Swordmaster.”
“The Emperor himself has been asking for you.”
“I see.”
By now, those who committed crimes on Haenam Island should have been transported to Beijing by this time.
“I… have something I wish to ask.”
“What is it?”
“Those who were transported to Beijing, including the Regional Branch Leader of Haenam Island—what has become of them?”
“Ah! Now that you mention it, I haven’t told you about that. My apologies.”
“Not at all.”
“You were the greatest contributor to this affair, so naturally I should have informed you of the details.”
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster continued.
“First, that bastard Mo Gyeong, being a member of the Geumui Guard, was executed in secret. They flayed him alive.”
“…”
“And Geum Sa-gyeon, the Regional Branch Leader, along with those who actively participated in this affair, have been sentenced to dismemberment.”
“You mean…”
“Tomorrow is the execution day.”
Flaying alive and dismemberment, no less…
Both are exceedingly painful punishments that take considerable time before death comes.
Hearing this, I could sense just how furious the Emperor had been over the Haenam Island affair.
I myself felt no pity for them.
They were those who had sucked the blood of Haenam Island’s people for so long.
“However, there must be those who were involved unintentionally or unwillingly, yes?”
“Of course. Such individuals will receive lighter sentences—forced labor or fines, with mitigating circumstances considered.”
“I see. But when will tomorrow’s execution be carried out?”
“It’s scheduled for the early morning hours.”
Yes, I’ve made my decision.
I must depart for Luoyang early tomorrow.
The execution will take place at the open ground along the road to Luoyang, and the spectacle will be quite gruesome.
I couldn’t let Seo Hyang see that and be shocked.
“If your curiosity is satisfied, shall we depart now?”
“Yes.”

A short while later.
I arrived at the Imperial Palace and faced the Emperor.
“I heard you made quite a spectacle of your marriage proposal.”
“I’m embarrassed to admit it, but yes.”
“Well done. Such happy occasions are worth celebrating.”
The Emperor had already discerned Seo Hyang’s true identity, which was why he was praising me.
“He will be delighted to hear of this.”
The Emperor continued with a smile on his face.
“And I heard that you recovered the letter the King of Marae Seo Kingdom sent to his daughter.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“And you caught the culprit as well.”
“Yes.”
I didn’t bother with false modesty.
He already understood my capabilities well, and false humility might cost me the rewards I deserved.
Of course, his desire to appoint me as an official would grow, but I continued to demonstrate through my actions that remaining a merchant served me better.
“Thanks to you, we’ve prevented relations with Marae Seo Kingdom from deteriorating, and we can now strengthen Ak Regional Commander’s position.”
There was something political at play here.
Complex politics gave me headaches.
I preferred to take what was mine and step back.
“I’m honored to be of service to Your Majesty.”
“Are you pleased because you’ve been helpful, or because you’re thinking of the rewards you’ll receive?”
Ugh…
When you ask so directly, I’m quite embarrassed.
I bowed respectfully and answered.
“I merely rely on Your Majesty’s grace.”
“You’ve got a smooth tongue, kid.”
The Emperor chuckled.
“I’ll add to your marriage gift as a reward for this matter.”
“A marriage gift, Your Majesty?”
“Why? Don’t you want it?”
“Not at all! How could I refuse?”
“Then go. Have a safe journey to Luoyang.”
“Yes.”
As I withdrew from the Emperor’s presence, I tilted my head. So the reason the Emperor summoned me was…
…to express his gratitude, it seemed.
Now that I thought about it, Marae Seo Kingdom was an important trading partner for the Empire, and Ak Dae-in was someone who could protect the Crown Prince who would have to operate in Nanking.
That’s certainly worth being grateful for.

The next day.
I departed for Luoyang early in the morning, just as I had planned.
I rode Ju Gang Ma, leaving behind the Imperial Guards who were busily preparing for the execution.
The journey from Beijing to Luoyang didn’t take long, and we arrived in Luoyang a few days later.
“Welcome!”
We had arrived at the Yeon Pung Inn, the same place where we had stayed during the Martial Arts Grand Conference.
The Shop Attendant greeted us warmly.
“Thank you for returning to our inn.”
“I’ve grown fond of this place.”
“We’re honored. I’ll prepare a room for you at once.”
And so we entered a guest room at the inn and unpacked our belongings.
“Let’s rest well today to recover from the journey, and begin our business tomorrow.”
“Understood.”

The next day.
I set out for the Jegal Family Residence in Luoyang, carrying a gift I had prepared in advance.
I had heard that the Grand Patriarch was still staying here.
Now that I think about it, the winter solstice festival is approaching.
Last winter solstice, we ranked twentieth.
I was curious to see how much higher the Eunhae Trading Company could climb this time.
I had heard that the follow-up discussions from the Martial Arts Grand Conference would continue until early spring.
That’s why the Grand Patriarch was staying in Luoyang.
The core discussions had concluded, and for the detailed and supplementary matters, it was said that someone other than the House Master or Sect Leader would attend.
In the case of the Jegal Family, the Grand Patriarch himself was attending.
“Welcome!”
The Gate Keeper of the Jegal Family Residence recognized me and quickly announced my arrival.
Soon I was guided to the Guest Reception Room, and as I waited while sipping tea, the Grand Patriarch entered.
“I apologize for keeping you waiting.”
“Not at all. The tea was so delicious that I lost track of time savoring it.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Please, sit.”
I sat back down in my original seat.
“Is everyone in good health?”
“Everyone is well.”
“That’s a relief.”
I presented the gift I had brought.
“I had business on Haenam Island, and thinking of you, I brought this back.”
“What is this?”
“It’s Gojeong Tea. It has a subtle charm—a clear, crisp flavor followed by a lingering sweetness after the bitterness.”
“Ho, how promising.”
“The quality is excellent, so just one leaf is enough to produce a deep flavor. And if you steep it too long, the bitterness becomes strong, so counting to about twenty should suffice.”
“I understand. Thank you for such a precious gift.”
“Considering the kindness I’ve received, it’s still a meager offering.”
“Not at all. Isn’t it the heart within that matters most?”
He seemed quite pleased.
Presenting pearls or precious metals to someone of the Grand Patriarch’s stature would be inappropriate.
Rather, expressing sincerity through something modest yet thoughtful like this was far better.
“I’m grateful that you see it that way.”
I continued.
“In fact, I have a request for you, Grand Patriarch.”
“Go ahead.”
“The Eunhae Trading Company wishes to expand our Luoyang branch. We’re currently searching for suitable land, but we’ve been troubled by the lack of appropriate locations.”
This was Luoyang.
It was a place where the influence of the martial arts world held greater sway than the government, so one had to work through them to avoid complications.
That’s why I intended to secure land through an introduction from the Grand Patriarch, my highest connection in the martial arts world.
“The Eunhae Trading Company has grown enough to expand its Luoyang branch!”
“It’s all thanks to your care and support, Grand Patriarch.”
“What did I do? Rather, I’m the one indebted to you. So what are your conditions?”
After hearing the conditions I desired, the Grand Patriarch pondered briefly before speaking.
“I’ll look into it, so return and wait a moment.”
“Thank you.”
I continued.
“And there’s someone I’d like to introduce.”
I called Gwak Vice-Manager, who had been standing behind me, to my side and spoke.
“This is the woman I will marry.”
If I didn’t introduce her beforehand like this, he might feel slighted later.
Even small things like this were surprisingly important.
“Hehe. The two of you seem like a match made in heaven. Congratulations. When do you plan to marry?”
“We’re still in the stage of setting a date. Once it’s decided, I’ll inform you immediately.”
“I see. Following my younger brother, now you’re marrying too! Double blessings for the Eunhae Trading Company!”
“Thank you.”
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.
.
Several days later.
We received a summons from the Grand Patriarch and returned to the Jegal Family Residence.
“I found land that meets your conditions.”
“That’s fortunate. Thank you.”
“But there’s a problem.”

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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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