The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 640

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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 640

Chapter 640. Turmoil in Sichuan Province (3)

Before heading to the Ami Sect, I needed to visit my Uncle first, so I made my way to the Eunhae Merchant Guild Sichuan Branch with those I had brought along.
“It seems we’ve ended up traveling together all the way here.”
Among those accompanying me was Jang Jin, the head of the Changin Escort Agency.
Originally, I had asked him to travel only as far as Hubei Province, but due to schedule changes, he had come all the way here.
Of course, when I sent a letter to Father, I had also asked that the circumstances be explained to the Changin Escort Agency.
“Not at all. You’ll be compensating us generously for the escort fees, won’t you? Haha.”
At his words, I nodded in agreement.
“You needn’t worry about the escort fees. I’ll even provide additional compensation for the sudden change in plans. And you’re free to return now. After all, your wagons will be empty on the way back.”
At my words, Jang Jin glanced at those behind him and spoke.
“No, sir. Since we’ve come this far, we’d like to participate in the relief efforts as well.”
“It will be difficult work, but you’re certain?”
“By moving about diligently, we’ll forge new connections. And as you know, such connections often prove helpful later.”
His words made sense, but it was clear he couldn’t simply overlook a situation like this.
“Thank you.”
“Please, think nothing of it.”
And then I heard a whispered transmission at my ear.
– I should be the one thanking you, Lesser Palace Mistress.
At that, I let out a soft laugh.
Jang Jin was a master of the highest caliber and a high-ranking official of Seolpung Palace.
So naturally, he would know of my other identity as well.

Soon we arrived at the Eunhae Merchant Guild Sichuan Branch.
My Uncle and Aunt greeted our party warmly.
“Uncle, Aunt, it is an honor to see you.”
“Yes, I heard you came for relief efforts. But how did you even know about the earthquake?”
Here, I would use the Emperor as my excuse.
“It was thanks to the Emperor’s wisdom and foresight. Thus, His Majesty sent me along for this purpose.”
“I see!”
Both my Uncle and Aunt’s faces showed warmth mingled with concern.
It was likely because of Sister Hyang-ok, who was with the Ami Sect.
“Please do not worry too much about Sister Hyang-ok. I heard the Ami Sect suffered minimal damage, and your sister is a master warrior of the highest caliber, after all.”
“I know that, but a parent’s heart doesn’t work that way, does it?”
My Aunt continued from there.
“And we worry she might overexert herself helping others. That child may speak harshly, but her heart is quite tender.”
It would be better to inform them in advance.
“As it happens, I will be heading to the Ami Sect for relief operations. So I shall go and check on Sister Hyang-ok.”
“You’re going to the Ami Sect?”
“Yes. The Provincial Inspector said we must stabilize the Ami Sect and secure their assistance.”
At my words, my Uncle nodded in agreement.
“That would indeed be the wise course of action given the circumstances. We were already preparing to release supplies from our Sichuan Branch. Since things have come to this, it would be excellent if you could lead them in relief efforts.”
“Thank you.”
Most of the Sichuan Branch personnel were natives of Sichuan themselves.
Because of this, gathering people for the relief efforts proved remarkably easy.
Everyone participated willingly.
After all, it was such an insular region that you’d find relatives within five bridges of anywhere.

As soon as we finished our preparations, we set out toward Emei Mountain where the Ami Sect was located.
Before long, we discovered that the entrance to Emei Mountain was blocked by a landslide.
And there were people working to clear it away.
Most of them were disciples of the Ami Sect.
Though exhaustion was evident on all their faces, they seemed unable to rest due to their concern for the Ami Sect.
I approached them.
“Please leave this to us from here on.”
At my words, they blinked as they looked at me….
“Oh! The Seonhyeop Mirang Great Swordmaster?”
“Great Swordmaster, what brings you to this place?”
Those among them who had met me before greeted me warmly.
They were people I had encountered at the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament and the Martial Arts Grand Conference.
“Thanks to the Emperor’s wisdom and compassion, I was able to come here. Now we shall take over, so please rest for a while.”
At my words, Seo Hyang beside me spoke to them.
“That’s right. Come over here and rest a bit. If you push yourselves too hard and collapse, the other members of the Ami Sect will be heartbroken.”
At her gentle persuasion, the Ami Sect disciples no longer insisted on continuing.
I thanked Seo Hyang and turned to address my companions.
“Then, let us clear the way.”
“Yes.”
We each took up our tools and rushed at the pile of earth.
Honestly, clearing away the earth scattered by a landslide was no simple task.
But as the saying goes, human effort is formidable—with over a hundred people rushing forward, the earth pile was disappearing like spring snow melting away.
In about an hour, we succeeded in creating a path wide enough for several people to pass through.
“The path is clear!”
“Then let us move forward!”
“Yes!”
Of course, the pile of earth blocking our way was not the only obstacle we had encountered.
And since Emei Mountain was a rocky mountain region, there were places where large boulders sat squarely in our path.
Just like now.
“This time, we must step forward.”
I came forward with the Guard Warriors and had those around us move back.
“Please step aside for a moment, as you could be injured if the stones scatter.”
Once I confirmed that the people had retreated, we took turns swinging our blades with full force.
Crack!
Since only warriors of peak level and above had come forward, we handled the boulder without difficulty.
We came forward in turns rather than all at once because there was a risk of danger if the blade energy scattered or the boulder shattered.
Soon after, the large boulder that had blocked our path became small stones that people could carry.
After clearing several more blocked passages, night fell.
Sichuan Province’s climate could be described as humid and hot, but that did not mean winters were not cold.
As the weather was warming, we dressed lightly during the day, which made the nights feel all the colder.
Campfires flickered here and there, and we warmed ourselves by their glow while eating our evening meal.
To move with vigor tomorrow, I needed to replenish my strength during the night.
I made my way toward the campfire where the Ami Sect Disciples were resting.
“Please do not worry too much.”
“Ah! Great Hero.”
“Still, the earthquakes here have not been as severe, so the damage should be minimal.”
“I hope that proves to be the case.”
I spoke as I settled beside them.
“But I am concerned about the Cheongseong Sect. I heard they suffered greatly from the earthquake.”
“Ah….”
Their expressions grew sorrowful.
Though we bickered over the position of hegemon in Sichuan Province, we had developed considerable bonds in the process.
“Fortunately, I heard the Sichuan Tang Family has set out to aid them.”
I broached the main subject carefully.
“Given that, would it not be wise for all of you to go assist the Cheongseong Sect starting tomorrow?”
“And abandon this place?”
“Yes.”
I nodded.
“You may entrust this area to us now. As you know, my cousin is a disciple of the Ami Sect. We will devote ourselves entirely to the task.”
At my words, they all hesitated and looked toward one person.
She appeared to be the highest-ranking among the Ami Sect Disciples present.
“We do not doubt the Seonhyeop Mirang Great Swordmaster. We are merely curious why you would suggest such a thing.”
“Is it not said that all lands share the same sky? How much more should those living in the same Sichuan Province help one another?”
“That is true, but….”
“Though the Sichuan Tang Family has moved to aid them, they will surely lack sufficient hands. Your assistance would be invaluable.”
I continued.
“Moreover, the mere fact that Ami Sect Disciples would move to help the Cheongseong Sect—despite the Ami Sect’s own suffering—will prove tremendously beneficial to the Ami Sect in the future.”
She pondered my counsel for a moment, then nodded.
“I understand. Sister Hyang-ok said there is no one as clever as the Seonhyeop Mirang Great Swordmaster, so I shall accept your advice.”
…Was that a compliment?
I had a feeling she was grumbling something like, “That bastard Eun Seo-ho. His mind really does work well! He must have used his head to avoid sparring with me! Just wait until I catch him! I’ll break him into pieces!”
Hmm… I should keep the fact that I deliberately feigned a broken leg a secret forever.
I managed my expression and bowed respectfully.
“I am embarrassed by such praise from you, Elder Sister. Thank you for accepting my counsel.”
“Not at all. Then we shall rest and head toward the Cheongseong Sect tomorrow.”
At those words, I exhaled a silent sigh of relief inwardly.
Fortunately, the persuasion had succeeded.
There were roughly twenty Ami Sect Disciples here.
They had come down the mountain and stopped at the Provincial Capital on some errand when the earthquake struck.
In my previous life, they devoted themselves to clearing the path back to the Ami Sect.
Up to this point, everything was perfectly natural and inevitable.
After all, arms bend inward.
However, the aftermath left Sichuan Province in chaos, and the Ami Sect was too preoccupied with managing the situation to offer assistance to the Cheongseong Sect.
And this ultimately becomes the cause of deteriorating relations between the Ami Sect and the Cheongseong Sect.
By sending them ahead, I aim to eliminate that cause.
In truth, even though the Ami Sect’s actions at that time were not wrong, there must be another reason I’m unaware of that caused the conflict and rift with the Cheongseong Sect.
It was likely scheming from the Sura Blood Sect.
However, without knowing the details of that process, I cannot prevent the scheming itself.
But I can prevent the relationship from deteriorating as a result of that scheming.
If they help the Cheongseong Sect before the Ami Sect even finishes managing its own situation, the Cheongseong Sect will have no choice but to regard the Ami Sect favorably.
Considering the relationship between the Sura Blood Sect and the Murim Alliance, and everything revealed thus far, the discord among the orthodox martial arts sects is likely their scheme.
Then I must prevent it.
.
.
.
Dawn broke.
True to my word, the Ami Sect disciples prepared to depart for the Cheongseong Sect.
“You need only pull this cart along the way.”
“What is this?”
“It contains provisions for the journey and relief supplies.”
Upon hearing my words, the Ami Sect disciple examining the cart’s contents spoke.
“Bandages, wound salve, splints… there are many items for the injured.”
“Yes. Since the earthquake damage is reportedly severe, I assumed there would be many wounded.”
I spoke as though it were mere speculation, but in truth, I knew the Cheongseong Sect’s situation was dire, which is why I prepared accordingly.
Many had suffered serious injuries from being crushed by buildings or struck by debris.
Their shortage of bandages was so severe they had resorted to tearing blankets and clothing for wrapping—the severity was beyond description.
“But what is this chest guard?”
“That is a kind of splint for those with broken ribs.”
And I couldn’t miss this opportunity to promote a new product our Eunhae Trading Company was launching.
It was genuinely needed by them, after all.
Thus, they set off pulling the cart toward the Cheongseong Sect.
Now we must continue clearing the path toward the Ami Sect.

The next day.
While we were working, Seongbo Wang arrived.
“Welcome, Your Majesty.”
“Yes, the work is progressing faster than I expected.”
“Indeed. It’s thanks to everyone working so diligently.”
“Then I shall lend a hand as well.”
Seongbo Wang removed his silk robes and began personally hauling piles of earth.
“Your Majesty! How could you do such work yourself….”
As I rushed to stop him, Seongbo Wang waved his hand dismissively.
“This is work for the people of Sichuan Province. Each of their lives is precious. I cannot allow the Emperor’s cherished subjects to lose their lives in vain.”
But was that gleam in his eye really asking for praise? Or was I just imagining things?
He was reflecting my words with remarkable faithfulness.
“I shall honor your noble intention, Your Majesty.”

After about two days had passed, the Ami Sect finally came into view.
From what I recalled, it had taken nearly a fortnight to break the isolation of the Ami Sect back then.
So even accounting for the time the Ami Sect disciples spent clearing the path beforehand, we had accomplished it in less than half the time.
As we continued clearing away the earth piles with renewed vigor, I heard someone’s voice.
And this aura….
“Sister Hyang-ok?”
Hearing my voice, Sister Hyang-ok’s voice came from the other side of the earth pile.
“What? Could it be Seo-ho?”
“Yes, Sister. It’s me, Eun Seo-ho.”
“Why have you come here?”
“Why else? I came to rescue you, Sister.”
At my words, silence fell on the other side.
And then…
“Senior Sister Hyang-ok. Are you moved right now?”
“I’m deeply moved!”
“Ah! Be quiet!”
“You’re embarrassed, aren’t you….”
Sister Hyang-ok being embarrassed? I couldn’t quite picture that.
“But was my words truly so moving?”
I asked softly, and Seo-woo Warrior nodded in agreement.
“Even I would have been moved.”
Seongbo Wang spoke next.
“Indeed, the way you speak such words so casually makes them all the more touching to the heart.”
Is that so?
“That’s precisely why I’ve taken a liking to you.”
…That sounds rather dangerous, if I’m being honest.
At my gaze, Seongbo Wang waved his hand.
“Why that look in your eyes? Don’t misunderstand me. When I said I was impressed, I meant you’re a person worthy of respect.”
“I harbored no misunderstanding to begin with.”
“Ahem. Is that so?”
“I’m grateful for your kind words.”
Good, I’d smoothly moved past that.
I turned to Sister Hyang-ok.
“Sister! How is the situation with the Ami Sect?”
“Everyone is safe.”
“Thank goodness. Then please rest for a moment. Since we have more people on our side, we’ll take action.”

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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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