The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 625

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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 625

Chapter 625. The Sword Shrine of Chungyeongseong (4)

It was about time for Kwon Jik Grand Hero to finish his audience with the Emperor and emerge.
The reason these men could provoke me now was that everyone else was occupied with personal preparations, and Kwon Jik Grand Hero was absent from this place.
The fact that they came to provoke me during personal maintenance time—when everyone should be inspecting their weapons and armor—showed they were hardly the type to rise to great heights.
As expected, I spotted Kwon Grand Coordinator emerging, and I deliberately raised my voice.
“Pardon? What do you mean by that? How could the Grand Heroes volunteer for such arduous labor?”
“Huh?”
The two men blinked blankly at my sudden outburst.
“No matter how much you wish to prove your loyalty, that is not the way!”
As expected, Kwon Jik Grand Hero approached me with a puzzled expression.
“What is the matter?”
“Grand Coordinator Kwon. It is that….”
Kwon Jik Grand Hero held overall responsibility for this operation and ranked high within the Geumui Guard, so these men could not treat him carelessly.
Since the Geumui Guard operated as a military organization, the chain of command was strictly observed.
“Did I not tell you to address me as Great Master until this matter is concluded?”
“Yes! My apologies.”
“So what is this about?”
“Great Master, it is nothing. Please pay it no mind.”
They attempted to smooth over the situation, but that would not do.
This was only the beginning.
Sensing the commotion, the attention of others turned toward us.
I lowered my head with a flustered expression.
“Forgive me, Great Master. In my haste, I inadvertently raised my voice.”
“Yes, what is this about?”
“It is that these two Grand Heroes intend to pull the carts themselves instead of using horses all the way from here to Chungyeongseong!”
The Geumui Guard Masters who had provoked me looked flustered and tried to speak, but I gave them no opening.
“When I asked the reason, they said their sense of loyalty had grown lax, and they wished to undertake this hardship to rekindle their devotion.”
“Is that so.”
The workers around us belonged to our Merchant Guild.
They were on my side, not theirs.
The advantage they had enjoyed in provoking me in secret had now become my advantage.
Kwon Grand Coordinator—or rather, Kwon Great Master—spoke to the two Grand Heroes.
“I had no idea your loyalty ran so deep. To voluntarily undertake such hardship rather than lose that devotion… I am moved.”
“That is… well…”
“I…”
With such overt praise, they couldn’t very well refuse, so they stood there at a loss for words.
Then someone spoke from behind.
“Since both of you desire this so earnestly, I believe it would be improper to refuse.”
It was Seo-im Grand Coordinator.
By my estimation, she is… the Princess herself.
But since she’s posing as a Grand Coordinator of the Geumui Guard, I’ll have to play along.
However, Kwon Jik Grand Hero, who knows her true identity, cannot ignore her words.
“I share that sentiment. They know best how difficult this is. Yet they still make this request, which means their resolve is set. So, Eun Small Merchant Leader, please ensure they can demonstrate their loyalty.”
“Sigh, well, if you put it that way, I have no choice. Very well.”
I cupped my fists toward the two Grand Coordinators and spoke.
“I look forward to your assistance until we reach Chungyeongseong.”
“….”
They gaped like fish, stunned by how quickly events had unfolded.
“Then we must hold a meeting before departure. Everyone, gather around.”
Kwon Great Master left first for the meeting, with Seo-im Grand Coordinator following behind.
Soon, the two Grand Coordinators, having grasped the situation, growled at me.
“We won’t forget what happened today.”
“Be prepared.”
I’d never known anyone who told others to be prepared and actually made them prepared.
As I watched their retreating figures, Palgap spoke quietly.
“Young Master, it seems far better to douse oneself in oil and walk into fire than to anger you.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Just… that, sir.”
Palgap really was something.
“I’m not a frightening person…”
“….”
They offered no response.
“As long as you don’t provoke him, sir.”
“That’s true enough.”
– Chirp?
Yes, you think so too, don’t you?
I turned my head and spoke to Seo Hyang.
“You must have been startled. I apologize for bringing such trouble upon you.”
“I’m fine. Standing behind you gave me peace of mind.”
“I’m glad I could be a reassuring presence.”
I smiled at her words.
Not everyone can like me.
In my previous life, I learned that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t make those who disliked me grow fond of me.
Such people are best ignored.
I’m busy enough thinking of and caring for those who love and cherish me—I have no need to concern myself with the rest.
But what if they irritate me and pick a fight?
The answer is simple.
Make it so they cannot pick a fight.
Hauling carts from Beijing to Yunnan is genuine hardship.
Once the journey ends, they’ll collapse from exhaustion.
If they try to sabotage me in that state, well, I suppose I must acknowledge their effort.
After all, causing trouble requires leisure time, and they won’t have any.
.
.
.
After a brief meeting, we departed for Chungyeongseong.
One hundred people.
And I would not be taking orders from this Exploration Team’s commander.
In other words, I possessed considerable freedom.
“Huff, huff….”
From my carriage window, I observed two Grand Heroes pulling the carts behind us instead of riding horses.
Their names were Jang Gal and Song Cheong.
I had memorized their names beforehand, uncertain what might happen later.
Both had reached first-rate mastery, so hauling carts posed no technical difficulty—but such a long journey was never easy.
Ah, how satisfying!
Why did this feel so delicious?
Some might think I was excessive, but I was no gentleman.
The other workers’ eyes held no pity either.
They had witnessed the insult directed at me from the front row.
Their gazes now gleamed with schadenfreude, as their usual demeanor had been poor.
We departed at the Mao hour and traveled for three time periods before stopping for lunch and rest.
“We depart again in one quarter hour!”
“Yes!”
At those words, the pupils of Jang Gal and Song Cheong—who lay collapsed from exhaustion—trembled.
Having traveled only three time periods, the road ahead must have seemed impossibly long.
So why did they dare pick a fight with me?
But I could not let my heart soften at the sight.
I had seen such men before, more than once or twice.
At this stage, they harbored only defiance and hatred.
I had to break them thoroughly until such feelings ceased to exist.

With this composition, it would take nearly a month to reach Chungyeongseong in Yunnan Province.
Given the sheer scale of our expedition and the fact that not everyone could ride horses at full gallop, the journey was bound to consume considerable time.
Moreover, we had to transport supplies by cart.
This was why I was permitted to travel by carriage—I needed to manage our provisions during the journey and prepare for resupply stops along the way.
Before long, we drew near Hubei Province.
This was where the Eun Hae Trading Company’s main headquarters stood, and it served as our midpoint.
From here onward, the climate would shift dramatically.
So I decided to leave behind the fur garments I’d been wearing and continue from there.
Before arriving, I sent word ahead to Father.
“Small Merchant Eun Gil-sang greets the Great Master and the Grand Heroes.”
Upon receiving my message, Father came out personally to welcome our entire expedition.
“I am Kwon Jik, appointed leader of the Exploration Team. I am grateful for the Merchant Guild Leader’s generous hospitality.”
“It is only natural courtesy to receive one engaged in such important work for the nation. Please, come inside.”
Im Man led Kwon Jik and the rest of the Exploration Team toward the guest pavilion.
“It has been a while.”
“Yes, Father.”
Seo Hyang removed her veil and bowed in greeting.
“Young Lady, I greet the Merchant Guild Leader.”
“No.”
“Pardon?”
“From now on, you should call me Father, not Merchant Guild Leader. My daughter-in-law.”
At Father’s words, Seo Hyang’s cheeks flushed crimson.
“Yes, Father.”
Those words meant that matters in Guizhou had progressed well.

I headed to my separate pavilion with my entourage.
A banquet was scheduled for the evening to honor the Exploration Team, and I couldn’t afford to be absent.
If I had my way, I’d skip it and sleep soundly.
After washing and changing clothes, I immediately paid my respects to my family.
Then I headed to Father’s office with Seo Hyang.
Since I couldn’t stay here long, I needed to move quickly.
“Father, we’ve arrived.”
“Come in.”
Seo Hyang and I entered Father’s office, where he offered us seats and poured tea.
“Thank you.”
“Thank you, Father.”
“Haha! That sounds pleasant.”
Father chuckled heartily and sipped his tea.
He must be gathering his thoughts.
Tap.
“Autumn would seem to be the best time.”
“Autumn works well for me too. What do you think, Gwak Vice-Manager?”
“I think it’s good.”
“Your mother will handle the preparations, so if you want anything, tell her directly.”
“Yes, understood.”
Since I was busy, it seemed Mother had decided to take charge herself.
“And I’ll send a letter directly to Gwak Myeong-hyeon asking him to serve as the groom’s representative.”
“Thank you.”
“Give me a list of people you want to invite separately, and are there people you want to deliver invitations to personally?”
“Yes, there are.”
“Then handle that part yourself.”
After concluding our discussion about the wedding, we moved on to other matters.
Since Father had already finished his discussion with the Guizhou Poju Master, there wasn’t much left to discuss.
“First, Father. The Emperor has designated the Eun Hae Trading Company as the official supplier for the Exploration Team’s provisions…”
I explained the general circumstances surrounding this matter and the profits we could gain from it.
“That seems reasonable. But you’re not planning to enter Geom Chong yourself, are you?”
“Pardon?”
“Geom Chong is a dangerous place.”
“I understand.”
But Father, even knowing the danger, I have no choice but to enter.
It’s not just for my revenge—it’s for the future of our Eun Hae Trading Company.
“Father, I’ll be careful. So please don’t worry.”
“You’re not saying you won’t enter Geom Chong.”
“I can protect myself.”
“Sigh, very well. How can I stop your stubbornness? At this point, nothing you do surprises me anymore.”
“Hahaha.”
I couldn’t fathom why Father’s words kept pricking my conscience so sharply.
“A report came from the Luoyang Branch. The Physician you invited discovered the Branch Manager’s illness and is proceeding with treatment.”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“And you interrogated the Physician who pretended not to notice the illness, extracted a confession, and thanks to you, the matter was resolved without incident.”
“I’m embarrassed.”
“I’m grateful as well. If not for you, this could have become quite a serious affair.”
“It was simply the Branch Manager’s fortune to survive.”
“Yes, I understand you wish to move past it. Very well.”
My conversation with Father grew quite lengthy, as there were numerous other matters to discuss.

After concluding my discussion with Father, I made my way to the banquet hall.
Since the feast was for nearly a hundred guests, the banquet hall had been arranged outdoors.
Though somewhat cool, it was hardly uncomfortable enough to diminish the enjoyment of the gathering.
“Thank you for hosting such a splendid banquet.”
“Please, think nothing of it. I merely hope to provide some small comfort to those serving the nation. I trust you will all enjoy yourselves this evening.”
Father spoke to the attendants.
“Let the music sound forth.”
“Yes, sir.”
Soon, lively melodies filled the air, and the guests began their meal.
Since the alcohol prohibition had not yet been lifted, there was no wine, but the atmosphere was pleasant nonetheless.
It was a rare opportunity to replenish our strength by enjoying delicious food at leisure.
I suppressed a quiet laugh.
Before me, Jang Gal and Song Cheong were nodding off, chopsticks still in hand.
“That’s precisely why you shouldn’t have provoked him. Tsk, tsk.”
At Kwon Jik’s words beside me, I feigned ignorance.
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
“No need to play dumb. I’ve already heard from others. Those merchants quarreled with you and harassed the woman who will become your bride.”
“….”
“Allow me to apologize on their behalf.”
With such directness, I could no longer pretend otherwise.
“That’s not necessary.”
I shook my head gently and spoke softly.
“Those responsible must bear the consequences of their own actions. They are adults, not children. They must be held accountable for their conduct.”
“….”
“However, what I did was also for their own benefit. They acted that way during personal training time. I feared that if I overlooked such behavior, it would bring shame upon the Geumui Guard.”
I continued.
“I have received much kindness from the Geumui Guard members. Therefore, though it may be presumptuous, I could not simply ignore it. So I deliberately had them pull the cart as a form of personal training. On the return journey, adding more weight to their load will make the training even more effective.”
Kwon Jik’s expression showed genuine emotion.
“How can one be so righteous? I now understand that the title ‘Immortal Chivalry Beauty’ is no mere reputation. Even in the moment of your own insult, you thought of our Geumui Guard!”
I scratched the back of my neck.
I’d only meant to mess with them a bit, but I’d really let my tongue run loose.

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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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