The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 638

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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 638

Chapter 638. Upheaval in Sichuan Province (1)

As I stepped out of the exhibition hall, four noble ladies were approaching the entrance together.
“We are honored to receive such distinguished guests.”
Eun Jung-ho and I greeted them respectfully and welcomed them in.
“My daughter has received such praise that we simply had to come see for ourselves.”
Eun Jung-ho responded with a smile to the elderly noblewoman’s words.
“Thank you so much. We do hope that the works of Hwayunryeo will also please your heart. Did you happen to bring an invitation?”
The noblewoman I had seen recently produced an invitation, and after verifying it, we guided them inside.
With an invitation, they could enter immediately without waiting in line.

After that, noble ladies continued to visit the exhibition in succession, each purchasing one or more pieces of jewelry.
Though they were quite expensive, watching them purchase without hesitation confirmed that my decision to hold this exhibition was correct.
“My, what truly beautiful jewelry.”
“There’s only one of these in the world, isn’t there?”
“I must make this a regular destination.”
Watching this unfold, I smiled with satisfaction.
Through their word of mouth, the name Hwayunryeo would soon spread far and wide.
.
.
.
The four-day exhibition had concluded.
And Haeng-su, who had overseen this Hwayunryeo venture, reported the final accounting.
“…Thus, the net profit from this exhibition was….”
Upon hearing this, all of us could only gape in astonishment.
We had anticipated substantial profits, but never imagined it would be this much.
“It appears that the jewelry made from the cursed raw stones generated far more publicity than we expected.”
“Whoever spread that rumor must be quite bitter about it.”
They had moved with considerable cunning, and we still had not found evidence of who had spread the rumors.
However, though we lacked physical evidence, we had our suspicions.
Eun Jung-ho nodded at the words of the managers.
“Indeed. But as they say, it is simply reaping what one has sown, is it not?”
“Quite right.”
“If the income is this substantial, what would you think of holding another exhibition?”
That was thinking far too narrowly.
I was about to refute that opinion when Eun Jung-ho beat me to it.
“I don’t believe that would be a wise course of action. Drawing attention and promoting through exhibitions should end here. People adapt far more quickly than one might expect. They could grow bored, or worse, perceive a decline in quality.”
As expected of Eun Jung-ho.
He grasps the nature of exhibitions perfectly.
Such ventures must be one-time affairs, not something repeated periodically.
“Still, I’m grateful that you’ve offered such thoughtful perspectives for Hwayunryeo.”
And his capacity to embrace everyone’s views.
Looking at it this way, Eun Jung-ho is truly the vessel suited to lead the Merchant Guild.
For someone with a temperament as disagreeable as mine, such a thing would be difficult.
– Whimper?
Are you still upset about what Palgap said before?
No… well, not particularly.
It’s true that I have a poor temperament, and it’s also true that this temperament proves useful at times.
It’s just that his words struck close to the bone, so it stung a little.
Still, because it’s Palgap, he speaks his mind without reservation to me—who else would dare do such a thing?
In any case, now that Hwayunryeo’s venture has begun successfully, I need not concern myself further.
And just as in my previous life, Eun Jung-ho will guide it forward admirably.
Soon it will be March, when the weather grows warm.
It seems something significant occurred around this time…

When I returned to my office after the meeting, I found Seo Hyang pacing anxiously.
“Ah! Small Guild Master!”
“What is the matter?”
At my question, Seo Hyang glanced furtively at Gal Deputy.
Understanding her meaning, I suggested a brief walk.
“Shall we take a stroll?”
“Yes.”
I made my way with her to the back garden, and in a secluded spot, I asked her directly.
“What troubles you?”
“A great earthquake will strike Sichuan Province.”
“…!”
The moment I heard those words, I recalled what I had been trying to remember.
The catastrophic event that shook the Empire as the famine was ending.
A massive earthquake that occurred in Sichuan Province.
Though earthquakes were common in that region, this one would be of unprecedented magnitude.
Yet I had not immediately recalled it because the Eunhae Trading Company suffered almost no damage.
The great earthquake originated in the western reaches of Sichuan Province, and the east, including the Provincial Capital, sustained relatively lighter losses.
Thus, the Cheongseong Sect, one of the martial forces in the region, suffered the greatest devastation.
The Ami Sect also felt the earthquake’s aftermath, though not severely, if I recall correctly.
Then there would be no need to hastily evacuate Sister Hyang-ok.
Let me think through this calmly.
From what I recall, the aftermath of that great earthquake in Sichuan Province proved far more devastating than the initial tremors themselves.
The quake struck at a completely unexpected time, and with landslides cascading across the region, numerous areas became isolated, which delayed proper relief efforts considerably.
Moreover, given Sichuan’s geographical characteristics, assistance from other regions proved difficult to mobilize.
The very terrain that served as a natural fortress became a curse instead.
Though the Imperial Officials of Sichuan labored tirelessly on reconstruction, true stabilization only came after the Emperor dispatched massive reinforcement forces.
So then, my course of action was clear.
I would send aid to Sichuan in advance.
I could not prevent the earthquake itself, but I could at least ensure the aftermath was handled properly.
“Gwak Vice-Manager. I intend to depart for Sichuan. It would be best if you remained here where it is safe.”
She shook her head at my words.
“I am promised in marriage to the Small Guild Master. Husband and wife are one body, so how could I not follow wherever my husband goes?”
“The path ahead is perilous and treacherous.”
“Is it because I am holding you back?”
“That is not it at all.”
I quickly waved my hand in denial.
“You have been such an invaluable help to me—how could I say such things?”
“Then I shall accompany you. There will surely be places where my strength is needed.”
With her resolve stated so firmly, I found myself unable to dissuade her further.
“Besides, among the places we have traveled together before are the Northern Sea Ice Palace and Yunnan. Is there anywhere more dangerous than those?”
….
I had no words to counter that.
“Very well. Let us go together.”

Now I needed to find Eun Jung-ho.
I had to seek his understanding regarding my prolonged absence, and there were other matters I wished to discuss with him as well.
I made my way directly to Eun Jung-ho’s office.

“What’s the matter?”
Despite the exhibition’s resounding success, Eun Jung-ho’s expression lacked the warmth I had anticipated.
“I thought you’d be more pleased than this?”
“Ah…”
Eun Jung-ho exhaled a long sigh.
“This is just the beginning. Do you think maintaining the reputation of a shop called Hwayunryeo is a simple task?”
My elder brother continued.
“As you well know, how many shops shine brilliantly at first only to vanish?”
“True enough.”
Eun Jung-ho’s words rang with accuracy.
“Many establishments start with great fanfare but soon fade from memory, their closures going unnoticed by the masses.”
“Exactly. The crucial matter is remaining unforgotten in people’s minds. While consistently presenting quality goods matters, there’s also the element of social perception involved…”
“We must keep the shop on people’s lips, yet never appear inferior. It’s genuinely difficult.”
If Eun Jung-ho was contemplating such matters, that was fortuitous.
“As it happens, this worked out well. Brother, give me one-tenth of the profits from this exhibition.”
“Hmm? Why would you need that?”
“You know Geumryeong, whom I’ve been raising?”
“Yes. That spirit creature resembling a fist-sized pig?”
“Wait—how did you know it was a spirit creature?”
“When I was stranded, I coerced a spirit raccoon in that place into revealing the location of the Hundred-Year Spiritual Ginseng to me, which saved my life. Wouldn’t it be stranger if it weren’t a spirit creature?”
“That’s true. By the way, how is Young Master Yu Jin faring?”
“Ah, you needn’t worry about him.”
“Hmm?”
“I received a letter before arriving here. He’s already reached the level of a first-rate warrior in martial prowess.”
“That’s a relief.”
Eun Jung-ho’s martial skill level is likewise first-rate.
Thanks to consuming the Hundred-Year Spiritual Ginseng.
But this remains a secret we haven’t disclosed publicly.
That way, we might survive any potential assassination attempts.
“So why bring up Geumryeong?”
“I sent Geumryeong on an errand. I was curious whether that Hundred-Year Spiritual Ginseng continues to grow well. But Geumryeong reported something—a massive earthquake will strike Sichuan Province.”
“What?”
Eun Jung-ho jolted upright in shock.
“A massive earthquake?”
“Yes. An enormous one. Fortunately, the Provincial Capital and its surroundings should be safe, but the northwest is problematic. That’s why I intend to travel to Sichuan Province myself.”
“Ah, so you’re using a portion of the profits from this exhibition for Sichuan Province.”
I nodded in affirmation.
The reason I would venture to Sichuan Province despite the Eunhae Merchant Guild Sichuan Branch suffering no damage.
It aligned with what Eun Jung-ho was contemplating.
While I couldn’t abandon those suffering from natural calamity, this was also an opportunity to elevate the Eunhae Trading Company’s reputation.
“Exactly. If we proceed as you suggest, our reputation will improve significantly.”
“That’s a sound idea. But will it be manageable? After all, venturing into earthquake-stricken territory is perilous, and reconstruction is no trivial matter.”
I smiled at Eun Jung-ho’s concern and replied.
“There’s no need to worry about that.”

With Eun Jung-ho’s approval secured, I immediately ordered preparations for our departure to Sichuan Province and dispatched Lee Pil Warrior to deliver a letter to Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster.

That evening.
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster came to see me.
“So-sang pays respects to the Great Swordmaster.”
“You’ve certainly made quite a spectacle with this venture.”
“What do you mean, sir?”
“That cursed jewel, perhaps? The exhibition this time.”
“Ah! You speak of Hae-baek.”
“So, is it genuine?”
My interlocutor was a member of the Golden Robed Guard.
Though he clearly knew the answer, I couldn’t fathom why he posed the question—but there was no reason to deceive him.
“The jewel is genuine, but the rumors surrounding it are not. We merely capitalized on the gossip spread by our rival merchants.”
“Haha! As I suspected.”
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster laughed heartily.
“The Hwang Clan Trading Company must be seething.”
So it was the Hwang Clan Trading Company’s doing, as I’d suspected.
He mentioned it to subtly confirm my suspicions.
“Indeed, my son visited there recently and brought back a hairpin.”
“Is that so? Had I known of your visit, I would have presented you with a gift.”
“Tsk! What good would that do?”
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster waved his hand dismissively.
“I have sufficient means to purchase a hairpin myself. Besides, with the Emperor watching so closely, accepting such trinkets would invite suspicion.”
Indeed, with the Emperor’s eyes blazing with vigilance, a member of the Golden Robed Guard accepting such ornaments risked losing his head.
Considering the fate of those Golden Robed Guards who had accepted bribes and caused harm to the Empire, it was far wiser to remain faithful to one’s duties without such entanglements.
“I apologize. So-sang failed to consider the circumstances and placed you in an awkward position.”
“Think nothing of it. I appreciate the sentiment.”
“I offer my apologies once more.”
“So then, why have you summoned me?”
Now came the main matter.
I spoke to Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster.
“I am traveling to Sichuan Province and wished to inform you and seek your understanding.”
“Sichuan Province? Is it for the trading company?”
“It could be viewed that way, but more precisely, I am going to conduct relief operations in Sichuan Province.”
“Relief operations? Has some calamity befallen Sichuan Province?”
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster’s face grew grave in an instant.
It was no wonder—he had received no reports from Sichuan Province, so if a calamity had struck, it was indeed a matter of grave concern.
“Not yet, it hasn’t.”
“Not yet? What do you mean by that? Explain yourself clearly so I can understand.”
“Yes. As you surely know, I do experience prophetic dreams from time to time.”
I dusted off a tool I had wielded before, long ago.
This was the best way to explain how I had learned of the earthquake in Sichuan Province beforehand.
I could not reveal Seo Hyang to an outsider, nor could I speak of Geumryeong.
“Prophetic dreams?”
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster stroked his chin thoughtfully, his expression grave.
Prophetic dreams seemed absurd on the surface, but I had already established a precedent for them.
My prophetic dream had allowed us to prepare in advance for a famine.
That was why Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster could not dismiss this lightly.
“Countless common folk will perish without timely medical treatment, the isolated will starve, and bandit gangs will run rampant, compounding the chaos.”
I paused to catch my breath before continuing.
“The Eunhae Trading Company has a branch in Sichuan Province, and my relatives are there as well. How could I simply stand by and watch them suffer?”
“So you mean the company will send aid to Sichuan Province?”
“That is correct.”
I nodded in affirmation.
“We have reaped considerable profits from the exhibition hall opening of Hwayunryeo. I believe we must dedicate a portion of those gains to the welfare of this empire.”
“I see.”
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster rose from his seat, his expression serious.
“Very well. I shall take my leave now. I must see the Emperor.”
.
.
.
The next day.
At my command, Palgap and the Guard Warriors busied themselves with preparations for departure.
For this undertaking, I had requisitioned twenty members of the Eunpung Corps.
I had commissioned the Changin Escort Agency, who had not yet departed, to arrange transport, and we agreed to travel together to Hubei Province.
From there, we would regroup and then proceed toward Sichuan Province.
I was in the midst of preparing for departure at Cha-jang when—
Hmm?
Suddenly, I sensed an enormous crowd approaching this place.
What is this?
I hurried outside and was taken aback.

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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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