The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 655

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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 655

Chapter 655. The Crown Prince’s Advisor (1)

Two days later.
At last, the day had come to return to Beijing.
“Long live the Emperor!”
“Ten thousand years to the Crown Prince!”
“Your Highness Seongbo Wang! We eagerly await your return to our Sichuan!”
The people of the Provincial Capital gathered to cheer the Emperor, the Crown Prince, and Seongbo Wang.
Your Majesty, rejoice.
In this Sichuan, your ill reputation has been erased, and only praise remains.
Are you satisfied now?
Yet the problem was that my name also echoed within those cheers.
“The true hero! Seonhyeop Mirang Great Swordmaster!”
“Waaaaaa!”
My face burned with embarrassment.
I had done it all for my own benefit and the Eun Hae Trading Company’s gain, yet they called me a hero.
Ugh… please, just stop.
Watching me like this, Palgap spoke.
“Now I finally understand what your weakness truly is, Young Master.”
“What is my weakness?”
“You suffer when you hear praise, sir.”
Jin Yu Warrior received those words with a laugh.
“This is quite a predicament. You wish not to hear praise, yet everything you do deserves it.”
“Why not try growing accustomed to praise?”
At Myeong-jong Warrior’s words, I let out a sigh.
“For some reason, no matter how much I wish to grow accustomed to praise, I simply cannot.”
That was the problem.
Thus, after I had suffered alone for a brief time, we were finally able to depart the Provincial Capital.

That evening.
Since there was no inn nearby capable of accommodating such a large contingent, we decided to camp along the roadside.
The soldiers swiftly erected the military camp with practiced efficiency.
Once the camp was complete, one of the soldiers approached me and relayed the Crown Prince’s message.
“He requests that you join him for dinner.”
“Understood.”
I made my way directly to the Crown Prince’s tent, and upon seeing me, the Guard Captain announced my arrival to those within.
“Your Highness, the Crown Prince. Eun Small Merchant Leader has arrived.”
“Show him in.”
“Yes, sir.”
The Guard Captain drew back the cloth serving as the tent’s entrance, allowing me to pass through.
“So-sang pays his respects to the Crown Prince and to Seongbo Wang.”
I bowed to both the Crown Prince and Seongbo Wang, and they graciously acknowledged my greeting.
“Come, sit here.”
“I am deeply grateful for your kindness.”
The dining table inside the tent already had food laid out.
As I took my seat, I asked the Crown Prince a question.
“Is camp life proving difficult for you, Your Highness?”
“Difficult? What difficulty is there? We’re not sleeping on bare ground, and there’s even a simple cot.”
The Crown Prince’s expression showed genuine comfort with the situation.
Now that I thought about it, Seongbo Wang had never complained about camp life while at the Cheongseong Sect either.
Seongbo Wang himself answered the unspoken question.
“Ah! You wouldn’t know this, Eun Small Merchant Leader. All males of the Imperial House must undergo a particular education before reaching adulthood—a trial called the Stone Pillow and Dew Blanket.”
A stone pillow and a blanket of dew.
From the name alone, it seemed to speak of an austere life, but if that were truly all it entailed, the Crown Prince and Seongbo Wang wouldn’t be wearing such reluctant expressions.
The faces of those who never wish to repeat the experience.
“For three months, they must survive naked in the forest within the Imperial Palace grounds.”
“They bathe in the springs found within the forest, and must endure with only the single set of clothes they brought with them.”
It was far more grueling than I had imagined.
“Then how do they manage meals?”
“At the start, they’re given a single book containing methods for surviving in the forest. Naturally, it includes information about food sources.”
“I see. And regarding sleep—do they light fires and set up tents to sleep?”
At my question, the Crown Prince and Seongbo Wang exchanged a brief glance before letting out a soft chuckle and shaking their heads.
“Why would it be called the Stone Pillow and Dew Blanket? They must sleep with a stone as their pillow and endure the night dew—hence the name.”
“And they cannot light fires. After all, the very purpose of this trial is to simulate wartime conditions.”
“Throughout the entire ordeal, they must evade instructors posing as enemy soldiers to avoid capture.”
Ah…
Only then did I truly understand the purpose of the Stone Pillow and Dew Blanket trial.
As members of the Imperial House, whether Crown Prince or Imperial Prince, their foremost priority was survival and avoiding capture by enemies.
If even one of them survived, the Imperial lineage would endure.
Should I find myself in such a critical situation, that’s when the Seokchimro-geum education would truly shine.
It’s undeniable that someone with at least some experience has a better chance of survival than someone who knows nothing at all.
And the reason I set the training period at three months is because that’s the minimum needed for proper adaptation and for the skills to become second nature.
Come to think of it… the Imperial Palace Forest was far more expansive than I’d realized.
To think I could receive three months of survival and evasion training in that forest.
“In any case, I’ve become grateful simply for the fact that such training allows me to live comfortably within this military camp.”
“Indeed.”
I had inadvertently obtained a piece of information.
In truth, matters concerning Imperial education are treated as classified. The fact that they explained it so readily to me, despite the two of them being fully aware of its sensitive nature, must mean they trust me that much.
“Well then, let’s eat before it gets cold.”
“Yes.”
We began our meal while conversing.
The food prepared was nothing particularly elaborate.
It was simply what the other soldiers ate, with the addition of a dried fruit beverage.
“We’re not moving in haste—wouldn’t it be appropriate to prepare something more substantial for you?”
At my question, the Crown Prince waved his hand.
“Not at all. My father always said that a commander must eat the same food as his soldiers to truly understand the weight of waging war.”
I nodded at those words.
The Current Emperor is truly an exceptional man.
That’s precisely why the Murim Alliance poisoned the Empress—to make the Emperor lose his favor. Only then could they create the chaos in the Empire they desired.
And by installing a new Empress, they could seize power.
This time, I absolutely will not let things unfold as they wish.
When the Emperor governs the state with such integrity, the ones who suffer most are the officials.
They must work themselves to the bone just to avoid being reprimanded by the Emperor—there’s no room for laziness.
And I am among those who must work themselves to the bone.
Yet there are several reasons why I hope the Emperor continues to rule in good health.
First, the Emperor favors me greatly.
While the result of that favor is that he works me relentlessly, I have gained considerable benefits in return.
So if the Emperor were to neglect his duties, I would find it far more difficult to gain such advantages.
Second, if the nation falls into chaos, merchants suffer.
When the nation descends into chaos, bandits proliferate first.
From the small-time Green Forest Bandits to corrupt officials—they all cause tremendous headaches.
Third, I cannot allow the Murim Alliance to achieve their goals.
If the Murim Alliance gains greater power, my dream of making the Eun Hae Trading Company the Greatest Under Heaven Trading Company will crumble to dust, and my revenge against the Murim Alliance will become impossible.
“What occupies your thoughts?”
The Crown Prince asked then, and I quickly composed myself.
“Ah! My apologies. I was briefly contemplating matters ahead…”
“Now that I think of it, you do have quite a lot on your plate.”
“Embarrassingly so, yes.”
I nodded in acknowledgment.
“Since I must return to Beijing with His Majesty this time and then proceed directly through Hubei Province to Nanking….”
As I trailed off, Seongbo Wang spoke.
“Elder Brother, now that I think of it, doesn’t our route pass through Hubei Province?”
“Indeed it does.”
“The rapid stabilization of the chaos in Sichuan Province this time owes greatly to the merit of Eun Seo-ho here.”
Seongbo Wang continued.
“Since Songyang County in Hubei Province lies not far from our path, would it not be fitting to stop briefly? I should like to experience the spiritual essence of Songyang County, which has nurtured such an exceptional talent.”
“I too have been curious about the spirit of Songyang County.”
Beneath the dining table, I clenched my fist tightly.
Excellent!
Everything unfolded exactly as I had hoped.
The reason I had broached the subject of Hubei Province so subtly was precisely for this.
And as anticipated, both of them readily proposed it.
There is a vast difference between my making a request that is accepted and the other party proposing it first, which I then accept.
The matter of responsibility.
When the other party proposes first, I can visit with an easy conscience.
Still, I ought to send word to Father beforehand.
He would be startled if these two suddenly appeared.

We rose at dawn the next morning and set out on our journey, arriving at Songyang County in Hubei Province not long after.
Thanks to the advance notice I had sent, my family came out early to receive our party.
“We small merchants bow before the Crown Prince and Seongbo Wang. Long live the realm! Long live the realm! Long live the realm!”
The Crown Prince, receiving their obeisance, personally helped Grandfather and Father to their feet and spoke.
“Rise.”
“Your grace is immeasurable.”
“I know my coming here places a burden upon you, yet I did not come to burden you. Rather, I wished to experience the spirit of Songyang, which has cultivated such remarkable talent.”
“That Your Highness regards Songyang County so favorably and evaluates my inadequate son so highly is a grace beyond measure.”
Father continued with utmost courtesy.
“Please, come inside. We have prepared quarters for your stay.”

A moment later.
I visited Father’s office.
“Sigh, I don’t understand what this is all about. I never imagined in my lifetime that I would have the chance to meet the Crown Prince.”
“Why are you so nervous? Didn’t you have an audience with the Emperor not long ago?”
When I was appointed as a salt retailer before, Father had an audience with the Emperor.
Back then, he completely overturned those Eunuch Officials who had looked down on us.
Hmm… now that I think about it, that’s when the Emperor first took notice of me.
“Is meeting at the Imperial Palace the same as meeting at a private residence?”
Father spoke with a hint of amusement in his voice.
“By the way, how are things progressing in Sichuan?”
“Yes. Uncle is managing it well.”
I explained the progress in detail to Father.
“You’re doing well. Indeed, entrusting the Sichuan region to your uncle was an excellent choice.”
“You’re right, sir.”
“Your second uncle is a talented man who followed me closely during my competition for Merchant Guild Leader.”
Father took a sip of tea and changed the subject.
“By the way, it’s already April.”
“Yes.”
“Preparations for your marriage this autumn are progressing well. By the way, are you delivering the invitations properly?”
“I’ve sent them by messenger to most places, but… I haven’t been able to deliver to a few people yet.”
I continued speaking.
“By the way, is the Ghost Face Broker Elder still at West Street?”
“Yes. He’s still living there leisurely.”
I had wanted to visit before, but he was away at the time.
“Since I’m visiting the Main Headquarters anyway, I should go see him.”
I said so and took out a bottle from my pocket, placing it on the table.
“What is this?”
“It’s a medicinal tonic for Grandfather.”
It’s a decoction made from the Kangnyeong Herb I obtained this time.
“Please give it to Grandfather yourself, Father. And make sure to watch him take it.”
“Very well, I understand.”
.
.
.
The next day.
After breakfast, I headed to West Street.
West Street is a place where day and night are different, but since the drinking ban hasn’t been lifted yet, only the faint fragrance of the Courtesans remains.
This time, I went with Seo Hyang.
When I arrived at the pawnshop, the Elder was sitting outside in the sunlight.
It had been a long time since I last saw him.
I approached him and bowed respectfully.
“I hope you’ve been well, Elder.”
“Who is this? Isn’t this the ungrateful wretch who hasn’t shown his face in all this time?”
“It’s not that I didn’t wish to see you, Elder. Strangely, whenever I’ve come to Hubei Province, you’ve always been away on business.”
“Hmph. So you’re saying it’s my fault?”
“You understand perfectly.”
“Cheeky brat.”
The Elder and I let out soft chuckles.
“So, what else have you come to squeeze out of this old man?”
“If you’re willing to be squeezed, would you allow it?”
“You don’t lose a single exchange, do you?”
The Elder clicked his tongue and grumbled.
I smiled lightly and pulled a crimson envelope from my breast, offering it to him.
“What is this?”
“I am to be married.”
“You?”
“Yes, myself.”
Seo Hyang bowed respectfully.
“I am Gwak Seo-hyang. I have heard that you have cared for the Small Merchant Guild Leader with great devotion.”
“Ah, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you. Hehehehe. Come, sit here.”
“Yes, Elder.”
Seo Hyang sat beside the Gwimyeon-po Elder.
“And what of me, Elder?”
“You can sit or stand as you please.”
At those words, I sat down in front of him with an awkward expression.
But wait… did he just say it’s been a long time since he’s seen her?
Does he already know Seo Hyang’s true identity?
“But why on earth would you marry such a rascal? Tsk, tsk.”
“No! Elder! A rascal? I feel hurt just hearing it.”
“If you marry that wretch, a life of hardship awaits you! Am I wrong?”
“….”
I have nothing to say.
Because he’s not wrong.
“Still, while he may cause the girl’s heart anguish, he won’t turn her world upside down.”
Is that praise?
“His sense of loyalty and trust is unwavering. His abilities are more than adequate, and his appearance… well, it’s the sort that drives women mad.”
It is indeed praise.
Now that I think about it, the Gwimyeon-po Elder said he was the Emperor’s old friend.
They say old friends resemble each other, and somehow the Emperor and the Gwimyeon-po Elder do seem alike.
“The wedding will be this autumn.”
“Understood. *Cough, cough.*”
The Elder coughed at that moment. Now that I thought about it, he seemed far more frail than when I first met him.
Based on my memories from my previous life, the Elder would pass away from old age a few years from now.
I had found that regrettable, but Geumryeong had brought me something truly excellent.
“Palgap.”
“Yes, sir.”
I received a bottle and a cup from Palgap.
“I’ve procured a fine tonic for you, Elder.”
I poured the decoction of Kangnyeong Herb from the bottle into the cup and offered it to him.
“Please drink it.”
“This doesn’t seem like an ordinary tonic.”
“Well, if I’m presenting a tonic to you, Elder, it certainly shouldn’t be ordinary, should it?”
The Elder looked at me and the cup, then nodded slowly.
“True enough. You’ve brought this for me, so if I don’t drink it, you’ll feel slighted. There’s no one quite as persistent as you….”
Ah, Elder….
– Chirp!
Geumryeong, be quiet.

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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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