The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 648

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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 648

Chapter 648. Wrapping Up (1)

About two weeks had passed since I arrived at the Cheongseong Sect.
My party and I had opened a path toward the Poongyeon Pavilion, and in the meantime, the disciples of the Sichuan Tang Family and the Ami Sect had been moving about busily.
As a result, the Cheongseong Sect had stabilized considerably.
I was now heading to meet the Sect Leader.
Seongbo Wang had been summoned by the Crown Prince and was away with the Imperial Inspectorate, so this time I was going alone.
“Sect Leader. The Seonhyeop Mirang Great Swordmaster has arrived.”
“Show him in.”
I opened the door and stepped inside, offering a proper bow to the Sect Leader.
“So-sang greets the Sect Leader.”
“Please, be at ease.”
I took a seat, and the Sect Leader offered me tea.
We each took a sip, and the Sect Leader spoke first.
“So, what is your reason for asking to see this humble one?”
“Surely you already have an idea?”
At my question, he nodded.
“It concerns the assassin who attempted to kill my son.”
“Precisely. I thought the interrogation might be finished by now.”
At my words, the Sect Leader let out a sigh.
“I regret to disappoint you. All that came from his mouth was that he was merely hired to carry out the task, and that he would receive fifty gold coins if he succeeded in killing Geum Bong. Nothing more.”
“That’s quite a sum for the price of a single life.”
“Indeed. Since he had to infiltrate the Main Compound, the difficulty was no trivial matter. However… he knew nothing beyond that.”
“So it was simply a hired arrangement?”
“That is what has been revealed so far.”
I recalled the words of Jin Yu Warrior.
He had said that the assassin we captured this time was quite famous in that world.

“That man is called the Explosion Needle Assassin among the assassins.”
“The Explosion Needle Assassin?”
“Yes. One of his specialties is detonating poison needles so they embed themselves in his opponent’s body. Since the fragments are so finely shattered, treatment is nearly impossible.”
“A brutal fellow indeed. But you seem quite knowledgeable about assassins. Like that one we encountered in Shandong before.”
Jin Yu Warrior had recognized that the Head Chef at the Shandong Golden Rooster Tower was an exceptional assassin.
He had only learned later that the man was a Dark Feather Guest, given how thoroughly he concealed his identity.
“The superiors of the organization I belonged to once had me investigate assassins throughout the Empire for their purposes. That’s how I came to know of him.”
“So it was for times like these.”
“It would seem so.”

I lifted my head to look at the Sect Leader.
“What do you intend to do from here on?”
“I’m still deliberating. To extract more information from him, perhaps we should send him to the Murim Alliance?”
What?
That cannot happen.
The Murim Alliance was suspected to be either the backer of Hyung-su or connected to her, so sending him there would only result in his elimination to silence him.
That would be a mercy, in a way.
It would at least prevent some innocent person from being wrongly accused and sacrificed as the culprit.
But I couldn’t say that aloud.
“That doesn’t seem like a sound approach.”
“Why not?”
“The assassin was attempting to kill a Cheongseong Disciple. How could you entrust this to an external organization like the Murim Alliance?”
“Hmm….”
The Sect Leader still hesitated.
I offered another reason.
“I believe there is a Murim Alliance branch even here in Sichuan, is there not?”
“That’s right. The Wulin Alliance Sichuan Branch is in the Provincial Capital.”
“Then why haven’t they sent reinforcements? Even the Ami Sect, which suffered earthquake damage, sent aid. Yet the Wulin Alliance Sichuan Branch sent not a single person.”
My words darkened the Sect Leader’s expression.
“The Murim Alliance these days concerns itself only with maintaining its position as the representative of the White Path Martial World, paying little attention to the circumstances of individual sects.”
“Hmm….”
“Moreover, this assassin incident is connected to a scandal of the Cheongseong Sect. Would you hand over evidence that could expose that scandal to them? I certainly would not.”
“You’re right. We must handle this ourselves, by any means necessary.”
Fortunately, the Sect Leader accepted my opinion.
“If you find further interrogation difficult, I would be willing to assist.”
“No need. That won’t be necessary.”
He shook his head and continued.
“We’re not some rigid, closed sect. When needed, we don’t hesitate to shed blood.”
“I see. Forgive me for speaking out of turn.”
I cupped my fist in apology, and the Sect Leader waved his hand dismissively.
“That seems fine.”
I carefully steered the conversation in a new direction.
“There’s one more thing I’d like to ask.”
“What is it?”
“I heard you’ve decided to accept financial support from the Sichuan Tang Family.”
“That’s right. We’ve decided to do so. It seems the main sect’s strength alone isn’t sufficient for what we need.”
“I’m not sure how much the Sichuan Tang Family will provide, but will that be enough on its own?”
“I can’t say for certain. From that point on, we’ll have to do our very best.”
That’s fortunate.
He doesn’t seem to have any reservations about accepting support.
“If you don’t mind, we at the Eun Hae Trading Company would also like to lend our strength.”
“From the Eun Hae Trading Company?”
“Yes. The Eun Hae Trading Company also maintains a branch in Sichuan, doesn’t it?”
“I’ve heard as much… but how much are you thinking of supporting?”
“We’ll provide Construction Merchants.”
“Construction Merchants?”
“Yes. And for the construction costs, we’ll only accept payment for materials. We won’t charge for their food and provisions, nor will we add any profit margin.”
The Sect Leader’s expression showed genuine surprise at my words.
“Is… is that truly the case?”
“It is.”
But soon the Sect Leader’s expression became cautious.
“…What do you want from us? If you’re offering such substantial support, you must want something in return?”
“We want word of mouth.”
“Word of mouth?”
“Yes. Buildings that nearly collapsed from earthquakes typically don’t last long. So most people tear them down and rebuild, and if such people come to consider our Construction Merchants, that alone would make this endeavor worthwhile.”
“Is this your personal thinking, or the Eun Hae Trading Company’s position?”
As expected, you’re quite perceptive.
But since I’ve already received my father’s approval through Geumryeong, I can answer with confidence.
“It’s the Eun Hae Trading Company’s position.”
“I see.”
“In return, if the Eun Hae Trading Company’s name were engraved on the foundation stone of each completed building, it would be a tremendous honor.”
When buildings are constructed, a foundation stone is typically erected.
The date of construction and other details are inscribed there.
“…”
“Will you accept our company’s proposal?”
“This isn’t a decision I can make alone. I’ll convene the Cheonmun Council, so please wait a moment.”
“Understood. However, I hope that decision won’t take too long. Since I have many responsibilities, I must depart when the Crown Prince leaves.”
And since the Crown Prince must now formally proceed to Nanking, he won’t be able to stay here much longer either.
“Understood. I’ll inform you as quickly as possible.”
“Then I shall take my leave…”
I was about to bow and rise from my seat when the Sect Leader grabbed my arm.
“Seonhyeop Mirang Great Swordmaster.”
“Please, just call me Eun Small Merchant Leader.”
“You’ve also learned martial arts and set foot in the Murim world, so why would I call you that?”
“Everything people say I’ve done in the name of righteous chivalry was actually done for my own benefit. That’s why the title feels burdensome to me.”
“Is that so? Heh heh.”
The Sect Leader sipped his tea while observing me.
“Does the intention matter? If the results of your actions appear virtuous, then you are virtuous.”
The Sect Leader continued.
“However, people’s eyes are often more accurate than one might think. If you were truly evil, they would never have called you Seonhyeop Mirang Great Swordmaster.”
“….”
“And I heard that thanks to you, a foolish master finally got to meet his son. I wanted to express my gratitude for that.”
A foolish master? That must be…
Ah, he was referring to Inbong Master and his father, Sunchung True Person.
“Inbong Master made the first request of me.”
“I see. But how did you come to know of Sunchung?”
“He thanked me for helping your son, and this time he also assisted in subduing the assassin.”
“I see. That had been weighing on my mind for quite some time. I’m truly grateful.”
Since the conversation had turned this way, I decided to ask something that had been puzzling me.
“Sect Leader, may I ask you something personal?”
“If it’s something I can answer, I will.”
“I’ve heard that you treat your children strictly. I’m curious about the reason why.”
“The reason I treat those brats so strictly….”
Tap.
The Sect Leader set down his teacup and spoke.
“Because I am the Sect Leader.”
“Pardon?”
“The Main Compound’s sect leader doesn’t wield as much authority as leaders of other sects. But still, I represent the sect. If my children were to abuse power by using my name as their backing, what would become of Cheongseong?”
So that was his intention.
Certainly, if he hadn’t done so, greater problems would have arisen.
Geumbbong Master’s actions were a perfect example of that.
And properly governing one’s children is indeed one of the virtues of a good leader.
But there is one thing I find regrettable.
“In that case, I think it would be good to explain this to your children.”
“Hmm?”
“You shouldn’t assume they’ll understand your intentions without being told.”
I continued.
“Some children will understand, but others won’t. Children are individuals too, aren’t they?”
“….”
“If you had explained it beforehand, Geumbbong Master wouldn’t have made such a foolish choice. From what I’ve seen, he acted out of a simple desire to be loved by his father.”
“….”
The Sect Leader seemed lost in thought, as if he hadn’t considered that aspect.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
“Go carefully.”
I left the Sect Leader’s quarters and headed toward my barracks.
We were already well into the fourth month.
When I returned to Beijing, I would be able to see the plum blossoms in full bloom.
I organized my thoughts about the various projects I had set in motion.
Haenam Island would still be under construction, and the Martial Hall in Beijing would be having its buildings erected as we spoke.
By my estimates, a merchant ship departing from Nanking for foreign trade would set sail sometime between the fourth and fifth months.
When personnel were dispatched from Beijing to Nanking for this purpose, it was highly likely that the Crown Prince would accompany them.
The Emperor valued efficiency, after all.
Since I was already in Sichuan, I should discuss the pepper trade with the Ming Ming Trading Company before returning.
Wow… I have so much to do.
Come to think of it, I brought all of this upon myself, so it’s only natural.
– Whimper?
Why am I crying?
I’m not crying. My hair is just poking me in the eye.
.
.
.
That afternoon.
“Oh! Do you know about that?”
“Pardon?”
I was currently washing dishes with the Ami Sect disciples.
How had I ended up washing dishes?
I had come to help when I spotted someone carrying a large stack of dishes alone.
But then I discovered Seo Hyang washing dishes there, and ended up joining in.
It was an unexpected turn of events, but thanks to it, I was able to hear stories about Sister Hyang-ok from the Ami Sect disciples.
The stories about Sister Hyang-ok that I hadn’t known before were quite fascinating.
“Several young masters who had fallen for Senior Sister Hyang-ok once fought a duel over her.”
“Really? What do you mean?”
“Oh my! You didn’t know? Well, you see, the young masters who had fallen for Senior Sister Hyang-ok were flirting with her, but when their numbers grew uneven, they decided to settle it with a duel.”
“So who won?”
“Senior Sister Hyang-ok won.”
“What?”
“Senior Sister Hyang-ok said that she was an Ami Sect disciple and wouldn’t tolerate such nonsense, then knocked them all down.”
“Haha. I see.”
That’s exactly like Sister Hyang-ok.
“Still, since Sister Hyang-ok’s martial prowess is exceptional, the Ami Sect must be quite proud.”
“Of course.”
“Last time, you made great contributions in the Green Forest Bandit suppression. I heard the Crown Prince himself commended you for it.”
“Hyang-ok Senior Sister is the pride of the Ami Sect.”
So this news had become famous even among the Ami Sect Disciples.
“Now that I think about it, I heard she headed out again to suppress the Green Forest Bandits?”
“What? She only just returned, and she’s going out again?”
“That’s what I heard.”
“I heard it was to the northwest this time. Apparently, it’s not far from here.”
“I heard she volunteered to go.”
Elder Sister really…
It would be good if she took better care of herself, but knowing her temperament, that’s probably wishful thinking.

That afternoon.
I received a summons from the Sect Leader.
“You called for me?”
“Come in.”
I sat across from the Sect Leader.
It seemed he called me because of the earlier support matter…
“I called you because I’ve just finished discussing with the Elders.”
“The conclusion came very quickly.”
The Sect Leader smiled faintly and spoke.
“There wasn’t much to discuss. To tell you the conclusion, we’ve decided to accept your proposal. However, there is one condition.”
“What is it?”
“The marker stone you mentioned. We will compose the inscription on that stone.”
“That’s fine. As long as it mentions that the Eun Hae Trading Company built it. And I’d like our side to review it before it’s carved into the stone.”
“Understood. That shouldn’t be difficult.”
Thus we discussed the matter.
The discussion wasn’t long. There was no need for it to be.
After finishing the discussion, I left the Sect Leader’s quarters.
Thinking of the rising reputation of the Eun Hae Trading Company and the Construction Merchant Guild from this affair, I felt good.
That reputation would eventually return to us as profit in the long term.
I returned to the barracks in good spirits and composed a letter to send to Father.
Just then, Palgap suddenly burst into my barracks.
“Young Master! Young Master! Something terrible has happened!”

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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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