The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 635

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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 635

Chapter 635. A New Venture (2)

Son Mun’s shock stemmed from the contents of that pouch—medicinal herbs.
Had they been ordinary herbs, he would not have reacted so dramatically, but what lay within was far from ordinary.
Poison-Suppressing Herb—precisely what his son desperately needed.
This herb possessed the efficacy to suppress toxic essence, and being relatively rare, its price was extraordinarily steep.
His son’s need for such an expensive remedy stemmed from a congenital affliction.
When working with raw stones, one sometimes required toxic compounds. His wife had mistaken the substance for something else and consumed it.
The poisoning was severe enough to be immediately fatal, yet his wife endured through sheer will to deliver their child.
Though she succeeded in giving birth, the toxic essence lingered within the newborn as well.

“The poison that entered the mother’s body has remained in the child’s. It will continue to corrode him.”
“Then what must we do? How can we save my Yun Seok?”
“There is a way. The Poison-Suppressing Herb will work, though its cost is considerable.”
“Does money matter now? He is my only son. My only son, left behind by his departed mother!”
“I understand. We shall do our utmost. Fortunately, it appears he will not require the herb for his entire life—only until he reaches adulthood.”

Thus, he had poured every coin he could spare toward acquiring the Poison-Suppressing Herb, yet it remained insufficient.
He had gradually depleted his savings, but was now approaching his limit.
His contract with the Eun Hae Trading Company had extinguished the immediate crisis, yet no further funds were forthcoming.
This was why he found himself wavering at the temptations of those seeking to buy his allegiance.
‘How in the world did this arrive here?’
Consumed by this bewilderment, he examined the pouch’s interior and discovered a single slip of paper.
He carefully withdrew it and unfolded it.

[We are grateful for your contract with the Eun Hae Trading Company. We understand that the Poison-Suppressing Herb is necessary for your son’s treatment. We shall provide this herb to you. We hope you will dedicate yourself to the Eun Hae Trading Company’s jewelry venture. – Eun Seo-ho.]

“….”
Cold sweat beaded across Son Mun’s back as he read the message.
“Son Mun! What are you doing?”
“Are you not leaving?”
“Ah, I have a few things to organize. Please go on ahead.”
He carefully composed his expression and sent his fellow craftsmen on their way, then read the note once more.
The words before his eyes took on an entirely different meaning.

[Do not underestimate the Eunhae Trading Company. We already know everything about you and all your actions. If you remain loyal to the Eunhae Trading Company, I will spare your sons’ lives, but if you betray us, neither you nor your sons will live. So choose.]
He bit his lip and burned the note in the flames.

* * *

I sat alone in my office, attending to business while awaiting the arrival of my expected guest.

Son Mun, one of the Master Craftsmen who created ornamental pieces.
His skill was considerable.
He was a craftsman capable of producing works so extraordinary that even I could not help but marvel—creations worthy of being called masterpieces rather than mere merchandise.
Had he not betrayed the Eunhae Trading Company, our ornamental business would have expanded at a remarkable pace.
Then the Eunhae Trading Company could have risen even more swiftly.
His betrayal cut deeply for that very reason.
When the Eunhae Trading Company’s Information Bureau discovered that details about the ornamental business had been leaked, they eventually identified the culprit and learned his motivation.
It was because of his ailing son.
The circumstances were pitiful, and his talent was too valuable to waste, so I had intended to forgive him and work together, but it was not to be.
He was murdered by those who had bought him.
Even his son was killed alongside him, and I could not hide my sorrow at this tragedy.
Our Eunhae Trading Company specializes in medicinal herbs.
I wish he had simply spoken honestly and asked for help….
But such a thing would not have been easy for him.
In his desperate circumstances, his vision may have narrowed, or perhaps he felt shame in asking.
So this time, I extended my hand to him first.
Yet this was simultaneously a warning.
A warning that I knew his situation and that he should judge wisely.

The reason I moved ahead under the pretext of an inspection was simple.
I understood why Eun Jung-ho had thrown himself into this ornamental business venture.
To solidify his position as the next Merchant Guild Leader.
Since both Jin-ho and I had already declared that we would not become the Merchant Guild Leader, it was already certain that Eun Jung-ho would assume that role.
But Eun Jung-ho himself did not wish to become the Merchant Guild Leader based solely on his achievements thus far.
He also desired to prove his capabilities to the company’s retainers and employees.
Since Eun Jung-ho had taken on this endeavor with such enthusiasm, I, as his younger brother, had to do my utmost to support him.

“Master, Son Mun the Master Craftsman has arrived.”
I heard Seo-woo Warrior’s voice from outside.
Good—he came at just the right time.
I called out toward the door.
“Please, come in.”
The door opened and Son Mun entered, then prostrated himself before me.
“This humble wretch greets the Small Guild Master.”
“Humble? I know how many beautiful things are created by your hands, Master Son. Why would you speak such words?”
I personally helped him to his feet.
“Please, rise.”
“No! I have committed a grave sin.”
He continued without lifting his head.
“I dared to consider betraying the Eunhae Trading Company.”
“So you passed our guild’s secrets to others?”
“That… I did not.”
“Then you have committed no crime. Why torment yourself?”
I tapped my temple with my index finger as I spoke.
“Who can fault a man for mere thoughts within his own mind? The true transgression comes only when such thoughts become action, does it not?”
Yet Son Mun still could not bring himself to look up.
“I do not wish to conduct this conversation while staring at the top of your head. Please, rise.”
He hesitated before finally lifting his gaze.
I helped him up and seated him in a chair before the tea table.
“My Elder Brother knows of this matter. He is a gentle soul, brimming with virtue, but at his core he remains a merchant. When he chooses to be, he can be truly formidable.”
“…”
“As I said, because he is so virtuous, he grants one opportunity. This opportunity I offer you comes by his instruction.”
Of course, it was a lie.
Eun Jung-ho knew nothing of this matter.
Which is why in my previous life, I had been deeply grieved by it.
“I am pleased you have made such a wise choice.”
At my words, Son Mun placed the Eokdok Herb on the table with trembling hands.
“How can I accept something so precious?”
I regarded it and spoke.
“I heard your son is ill.”
“He is.”
He sighed deeply before continuing.
Though I already knew the story, I listened as though hearing it for the first time.
In doing so, I learned several details I had not previously known.
One of them was that once he reached adulthood, he would no longer need to consume the Eokdok Herb.
In my previous life, I recalled that when Son Mun passed away, his son was still several years away from coming of age.
Sigh…
I just needed to hold on a bit longer.
I spoke to him.
“Our Eun Hae Trading Company specializes in medicinal herbs. If you needed herbs, why didn’t you simply ask us? We offer special discounted prices to our employees.”
“…Is there such a benefit?”
“There should certainly be a pamphlet detailing the benefits our company provides… Haven’t you read it?”
Son Mun scratched his head.
“We cannot personally manage every employee benefit. If you don’t seek them out yourself, that’s your loss.”
“I shall keep that in mind.”
“In any case, my Elder Brother and I hold Son Mun’s talents in high regard. Therefore, we shall provide you with Eokdok herb until your son comes of age.”
Son Mun’s eyes widened at my words.
“Thank you! Thank you so much!”
“However, it is not free.”
“I never expected it to be. How could I shamelessly accept something so expensive for nothing?”
“A commendable attitude.”
I smiled and produced a contract.
It was a lifetime contract.
I could not allow such an extraordinary talent to seek employment elsewhere once his current contract expired.
The Eokdok herb was essentially bait to keep Son Mun bound to the Eun Hae Trading Company for life.
“What do you think?”
“There is nothing to consider. I shall sign immediately.”
Son Mun could not refuse the bait I dangled before him.

After Son Mun departed, I carefully preserved the signed contract.
With this, Eun Jung-ho’s jewelry business would never hear complaints about the beauty of the pieces again.
Now I needed to deal with whoever had approached Son Mun.
Son Mun had confessed that someone had sent him a letter attempting to recruit him.
However, he said he did not know who they were.
Of course. They were not fools, so they would not reveal their identity so hastily.
Son Mun said the letter stated that if he was interested in the deal, he should come to a designated place at an appointed time.
But I already know who the culprit is.
“Palgap!”
“Yes! You called for me?”
“Could you summon the Yeo Eung-am Warrior for me?”

* * *

In the dead of night, the surroundings shrouded in darkness.
A Bloodied Man licked his lips with his tongue, his gaze fixed forward.
What he was observing was the entrance to the Eunhae Trading Company.
Soon the door opened and someone emerged.
‘The Merchant is Son Mun.’
His eyes gleamed with intensity.
The reason he was engaging in such contemptible conduct was rooted in his family’s business interests.
He was Hwang Gon, the Second Son of the Hwang Clan Trading Company’s leader, and a concern had arisen for the Hwang Clan Trading Company.
It was the rapidly expanding Eunhae Trading Company’s entry into the ornament business in Beijing.
If they inserted themselves into this market, the Hwang Clan Trading Company’s position would narrow, and profits would plummet.
Therefore, he had to obstruct the Eunhae Trading Company’s ornament business by any means necessary.
And so he had stepped forward.

“Father! Please entrust this to me!”

Having volunteered so eagerly, he discovered that the core of the Eunhae Trading Company’s ornament business lay in the Master Craftsmen brought in this time.
He had also identified the identity of the Master Craftsman with a sickly son among them, and attempted to coerce that Master Craftsman by using his son as bait.
That target was Son Mun.
Hwang Gon did not rush forward upon seeing his target emerge; instead, he cautiously observed what lay behind him.
He possessed a very cautious disposition.
After surveying the surroundings for quite some time, no one was following Son Mun.
‘Now I need only proceed to the Appointed Meeting Place.’
The Appointed Meeting Place was beneath a nearby Tree.
He had deliberately tied three white cloths to the Tree to mark the location.
There, Master Craftsman Son Mun stood with an anxious expression.
Soon he approached him, bringing his Guard Warrior along. He then instructed the Guard Warrior to stand at a distance before approaching Master Craftsman Son Mun.
“You came as promised.”
“….”
“Are you the one who sent me that letter?”
“I am.”
“If I cooperate with you, what shall I receive in return?”
Hwang Gon smiled wickedly.
“I shall give you money. With that sum, you will have more than enough to purchase the medicinal herbs you need.”
“….”
“What say you?”
“Then what must I cooperate with you on?”
“I heard the Eunhae Trading Company is starting an ornament business. Those wretched fools—why can’t they simply continue their own trade instead of meddling in others’ affairs?”
“….”
“In any case, all you need do is tell me everything you know about their ornament business.”
“Is that truly all?”
“Of course.”
“….”
“Why do you hesitate?”
“Well, it’s because this would be a betrayal of the one who hired me….”
“Isn’t your son’s life worth far more than such guilt? Do you think those Eunhae Trading Company dogs would care whether your son lives or dies?”
“….”
“This is an advance payment.”
Hwang Gon handed him a pouch, and Son Mun accepted it.
“So tell me what you know.”
“I understand.”
He nodded.
“First, the Eunhae Trading Company’s jewelry business will achieve great success.”
“I know that already! That’s what infuriates me!”
“If you dislike falling behind, why not exert yourself to create jewelry as excellent as the Eunhae Trading Company? If you squander money on pleasures instead of using it to discover craftsmen and research jewelry designs, then you’re not ruined because of the Eunhae Trading Company—you’re ruined by your own lack of effort.”
“That, well….”
Hwang Gon found himself at a loss for words.
It was true that the Hwang Clan Trading Company had reaped unexpected profits from their success and indulged in pleasures with that wealth, becoming consumed by such delights and neglecting their efforts.
But then… something felt amiss.
He realized that Son Mun wasn’t providing him information—he was reproaching him.
His anger flared.
“Did I ask to hear such drivel? Give me the information! The information! You’re not trying to pocket my money, are you? You think I’ll just leave your son alone….”
He could say no more.
Someone had leaped down from the tree where they stood.
Thud.
“Y-you are!”
An exceptionally handsome man.
In Beijing, there was no one who didn’t know who he was.
“Eun Seo-ho! H-how did you get here?”
“What business do you have speaking with one of our Eunhae Trading Company people here?”
“Your timing is perfect!”
He quickly fabricated an explanation. After all, there was no evidence.
“This Master Craftsman Son Mun stole our company’s techniques, so I was pressuring him, and now he’s trying to settle it with money—you don’t think I’d just let it slide, do you?”
“Is that so? What specific technique did he steal?”
“That, well….”
“Yet something seems odd. If this man stole techniques, it would be martial arts, but does your company possess martial arts of such caliber?”
“That’s word games! I’m talking about the techniques of a craftsman who works with raw gems!”
“A craftsman, you say? My! Are your eyes not working well?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Look closely. Does this man still appear to you as Master Craftsman Son Mun?”

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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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