The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 627

—————
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 627

Chapter 627. The Sword Shrine of Chungyeongseong (6)

So right now, Yeon Yu-mun believed the Emperor was sending the Princess to advance the marriage as a sort of test or scheme.
No, why?
The doubt crossed my mind for a moment, but I soon shook my head.
From his position, I could see how he might think that way.
The Imperial Envoys who came to Chungyeongseong had exploited them, and not content with that, they had assaulted his younger sister, driving her to take her own life.
Yet the Emperor had not resolved the matter.
Only after Prince Ju-hyeon became involved and the incident erupted did the Emperor send the Geumui Guard to handle it, but the Fortress Lord lost his arm and Yeon Yu-mun suffered grave humiliation at their hands.
Had I not intervened, he would have faced the same terrible fate as in my previous life.
Thinking of it this way, the Emperor seemed like a truly wicked man.
But from the Emperor’s perspective, he too had grievances—such an incident had occurred because of the Geumui Guard he had trusted.
Still, since it was the Emperor who sent the envoys that exploited Chungyeongseong and dispatched the Geumui Guard, from the perspective of Yeon Yu-mun, who would inherit the position of Fortress Lord, there was no choice but to feel uneasy.
There was even suspicion that perhaps they meant to eliminate him under the pretext of coveting the Princess.
That is why he asked in this manner.
“I do not fail to understand your anxiety, Young Master. But this time, you need not worry.”
“You mean to say it is not a trap?”
“That is correct. In truth, the previous incident was shocking to His Imperial Majesty as well. When you think about it, was it not nearly a situation where he lost his son because of the very officials he trusted?”
“That is true.”
“His Imperial Majesty desires his hand to reach throughout the entire Empire. Thus, he has sent the Imperial Princess here.”
I continued speaking.
“And the Imperial Princess who has come this time is one of those whom His Imperial Majesty holds in particular regard. She is so wise that she will surely bring no harm to Chungyeongseong.”
I smiled.
“And who would dare commit any impropriety in a place where the Imperial Princess resides? Should they do so, they would not merely face charges of bribery, but charges of treason, and suffer the ultimate punishment.”
At my explanation, he nodded.
“Now that you mention it, that makes sense. But….”
He trailed off as if something troubled him.
“Working at the Imperial Palace will be difficult, won’t it?”
“Pardon?”
“Once this matter is concluded, I too must go to the Imperial Palace. I am to remain there for about three years, developing practical administrative skills. They said a future imperial son-in-law cannot be without such competence….”
Then he looked up at the sky with a gloomy expression, and seeing that sight, I found myself at a loss for words.
Indeed, His Imperial Majesty is a fearsome man.
No matter the circumstances, had the other party been lacking, he would not have chosen him as the consort of his cherished Princess.
Since he shows such promising potential, the Emperor is advancing this marriage.
Wait? Then he is taking the son of the Fortress Lord as a hostage and intends to use him shrewdly.
“….”
I reached out and patted his shoulder, speaking reassuringly.
“Do not worry yourself. He is a man who understands precisely how much one can be worked without dying from exhaustion. There is no danger of that.”
.
.
.
After breakfast, we immediately began our exploration of Geom Chong.
The most critical task was investigating the entrances and exits.
This responsibility fell to the Imperial Palace specialists who had accompanied us.
I found myself curious about why the Imperial Palace maintained experts skilled in tomb exploration, so I asked Kwon Jik.
“Ah, well, you see….”
Kwon Jik explained readily.
“There are far more grave robbers than one might expect. Through constant practice in that profession, they have become true experts.”
“Ah… I see.”
It was hardly a laughing matter.
“We have found the entrance to Geom Chong.”
At that moment, Cha Geo, the chief leading the specialists, approached us with his report.
“So Geom Chong truly existed. Where is it?”
“I shall guide you there.”
We made our way toward the location of Geom Chong’s entrance.
What? This place?
Upon seeing it, I blinked my eyes in surprise.
This was the very spot where Yeon Yu-mun had brought me this morning to discuss his troubles?
That meant it was inside the fortress.
More specifically, within the inner city itself.
So this was why they sought to either seize or destroy Chungyeongseong.
To access Geom Chong, one would first need to eliminate those who currently ruled the fortress.
“We are now searching for a secondary entrance.”
Cha Geo’s expression suggested he was certain another entrance existed.
I posed a question to him.
“It would certainly be fortunate if another entrance existed, but do you truly believe one does?”
“Of course.”
Cha Geo replied.
“A place like Geom Chong must necessarily have two entrances. They invested such effort in installing traps and mechanisms that to reverse course and return would be like shattering a carefully crafted ceramic vessel. If one is not meant to die within, there must absolutely be an exit that allows escape without damaging the masterwork.”
“I understand.”
About two hours had passed since we received word and arrived at Geom Chong’s entrance.
Then someone’s voice rang out.
“Here! We have found the secret passage!”
A secret passage?
Noticing my confusion, Cha Geo explained.
“The secondary entrance is called a secret passage.”
“Well, it’s certainly a fitting name.”
“Then I shall begin the next phase of work.”
“Very well.”
At Cha Chief’s words, Kwon Great Master nodded, and Cha Chief headed toward the entrance of Geom Chong.
A moment later, Kwon Great Master spoke quietly.
“I owe you my thanks.”
“Sir?”
“It seems Yeon Yu-mun has made his resolve.”
Ah, he was referring to the marriage with the Imperial Princess.
But this was a matter best left unacknowledged.
“I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you mean, Master.”
“Heh. There’s no need to play coy. I already know that Yeon Yu-mun consulted with you about his troubles, and that you encouraged him.”
“Ah….”
I scratched the back of my neck.
What exactly had I said?
I’d merely mentioned he wouldn’t work himself to death—did he take that as encouragement?
“Given the terrible ordeal he endured, he seemed gripped by fear. I simply helped dispel that misunderstanding.”
“I see. Yet you don’t seem surprised.”
“Surprised by what, sir?”
“That Seo Im was actually the Imperial Princess.”
At those words, I feigned shock.
“What! Is that truly the case?”
“…You seem genuinely startled, but I know you well enough. And His Imperial Majesty himself said you would have already discerned it. So when did you figure it out?”
“On the first day.”
“Hmm, well, I see.”

I had assumed exploring the Geom Chong would be a matter of trial and error, pushing forward through repeated collisions, but the experts’ movements proved far more systematic than I expected.
“Judging by the shape of this entrance, it appears that something heavy will fall from above the moment we enter.”
“However, I cannot determine whether it triggers when the door opens or if it’s activated by weight detection.”
“Then let us test it with bait.”
“Yes.”
They opened the door and hurled a sandbag—weighted to match a human body—inside as a test.
Crash!
Just as they predicted, a heavy stone structure plummeted from above.
Had we entered without knowing, we would have been flattened instantly.
Even the thought of it was horrifying.
“Now let us clear away this stone.”
“Yes!”
The stonemasons rushed forward and chiseled away the rock, creating a safe passage for entry.
So this is why they call themselves tomb and Geom Chong exploration specialists.
The structure of Imperial tombs and Geom Chongs is fundamentally the same.
There is wisdom in the saying: entrust leather to the cobbler and pottery to the potter.
“We are entering!”
The entry began shortly after, with the warriors divided into two groups—two-thirds entering while the remainder remained outside to prepare for any contingencies.
“Eun Small Merchant Leader.”
“Yes.”
“Are you planning to enter as well?”
At Kwon Great Master’s words, I nodded.
“Yes, of course.”
“It may prove dangerous.”
“I came prepared for such risks.”
“True enough. And considering your abilities, you may well be safer than we are. Very well. Do as you wish.”
“Thank you.”
Having received permission from Kwon Great Master, I called my companions together.
“From now on, I intend to enter the Geom Chong. Therefore, we must decide who will remain here. I need two people.”
“….”
But no one answered.
Their eyes all gleamed with determination to follow me no matter what.
“I absolutely must enter with you, Young Master!”
“What are you saying? You must stay here.”
“Pardon? What do you mean by that?”
“If I go in there, who will take my place in managing supplies for the people here?”
“Gwak Vice-Manager is here.”
“Then who will assist Gwak Vice-Manager?”
“…Me.”
“Right. That’s correct.”
In an instant, Palgap’s ears drooped like a dejected bear’s.
“I’m entrusting Gwak Vice-Manager to you because you’re me. If you don’t understand my heart and act like this, it pains me deeply….”
Then I pretended to wipe away tears.
“Ah, no! I was shortsighted!”
Seeing me like that, Palgap quickly corrected himself.
“Of course! As your reliable attendant, I should stay here so you won’t worry, Young Master.”
“Good. I’m counting on you.”
I turned my gaze to the warriors. The tension seemed to ease slightly thanks to Palgap.
Myeong-jong Warrior spoke first.
“I believe Jin Yu Warrior must go with you. And for your safety, take those with higher cultivation levels.”
But his face was filled with reluctance.
He clearly disliked this situation where he was telling himself to be left behind.
After thinking for a moment, I called out the warriors’ names.
“I will take Jin Yu Warrior, Myeong-jong Warrior, Chang-un Warrior, and Lee Pil Warrior with me.”
“Pardon?”
Everyone’s eyes widened at my unexpected words.
Seeing their confused expressions, I explained calmly.
“This experience will be invaluable for all of you.”
If I always took only those with higher cultivation levels, the guards with lower levels would have nothing to learn.
So I wanted to give them a chance to gain experience through this opportunity.
Of course it was dangerous, but warriors cannot grow if they only avoid danger.
Besides, with the Geom Chong specialists and the Geumui Guard together, it shouldn’t be that perilous.
Furthermore, Seo-woo Warrior and Yeo Eung-am Warrior had tasks to complete here.
I sent a telepathic message to the two warriors, and they nodded in acknowledgment.
“Then, prepare for departure.”
“Yes.”
When I turned my head toward Seo Hyang, she spoke.
“Please take care of yourself.”
“I will.”
“And….”
She said something to me in a small voice, and I smiled.
“Thank you for the advice.”

Boom, boom, boom!
Along with the sound of the drum, I heard Kwon Jik Grand Hero’s voice from behind.
“We’re entering now!”
“Yes, sir!”
.
.
.
We carefully made our way inside.
Since the Master Craftsmen assigned to reconnaissance had already cleared a path to some extent, our movement was quite comfortable.
Those who entered Geom Chong each had their own role to play.
First, the Master Craftsmen disarm traps and mechanical devices to clear the way.
And if force becomes necessary, the Master Craftsmen fall back while the Geumui Guards take the front line to engage.
The laborers who came with us prepare meals or carry supplies as we move.
Since I’m in charge of supply logistics, my role is to oversee those laborers.
The interior of Geom Chong was quite dark, so we had to move with torches.
I held the torch and walked ahead of the porters, touching the walls I had confirmed to be safe.
Despite being underground, there was no peculiar dampness.
That meant whoever built Geom Chong was an exceptionally skilled craftsman.
Normally, underground structures suffer from moisture accumulation, but this one had almost no dampness despite the passage of a very long time.
And that’s in Yunnan Province, with its humid climate.
What exactly was Geom Chong built for?
Why was so much effort invested? Enormous amounts of money, time, and labor must have gone into constructing Geom Chong.
Holding such questions, I followed the procession ahead. And I sent a telepathic message to Geum-ryeong.
– Geum-ryeong.
– Chirp?
– If you find anything valuable here, let me know.
– Chirp? Chirp?
– What, you want silver? Of course I’ll give it to you.
– Chirp!
I felt Geum-ryeong, having concluded our negotiation, wagging its tail excitedly inside my sleeve.
After walking for about two hours.
My stomach was beginning to feel quite empty.
“Eun Small Merchant Leader. Prepare a meal for us.”
“Understood.”
Kwon Jik Great Master announced rest for everyone, and the laborers prepared food according to my orders.
Given that this was hardly a leisurely dining situation and we couldn’t prepare proper cooking, we had to make do with dried meat, dried fruit, and tea.
“I apologize for the meager spread.”
“What are you saying?”
Cha Gongdu spoke.
“This is a feast compared to before. When we entered that tomb previously, we just chewed on raw rice.”
“Master! That nightmare from back then is haunting me again!”
“Haha. My apologies.”
I smiled back at their conversation while casting a sidelong glance toward Kwon Jik Grand Hero.
The Golden Robed Guard was eating without any complaints.
Well, when one is on duty, there are times of hunger, so he would have no objection to such a simple meal.

After finishing our meal, we resumed our exploration.
After walking for about two more hours, the destination still remained out of sight.
Since Geum-ryeong had fallen silent, it seemed we still had quite a distance to go.
“It would be best if we rested here for a moment.”
“Understood.”
The open ground ahead was wider than the path we had traveled, so we decided to rest here for a while.
“And do not touch anything unless we say it is safe.”
“I will be careful.”
I asked the workers to prepare a meal.
That was when it happened.
Boom boom boom boom boom.
Suddenly, Geom Chong began to shake.

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