The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 664

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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 664

Chapter 664. The Emperor’s Secret Decree (5)

I made my way to Jocheon Palace.
I couldn’t be certain why the Crown Prince had summoned me, but I had my suspicions.
As I entered the office, I saw the Crown Prince seated at a wooden table, attending to his duties.
“So-sang, I pay my respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
“Sit.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Once I took my seat, the Crown Prince settled into the chair across from me, his gaze fixed upon my face.
His eyes held a distinctly different light than what I had witnessed before.
It was as though he were channeling the very gaze of the Emperor himself, and I steeled my nerves accordingly.
“Eun Small Merchant Leader. You’ve become far too valuable, haven’t you?”
“I am grateful for your kind words.”
“Do you truly regard that as praise?”
“A merchant, by nature, rejoices when the hand they hold grows more valuable. If Your Highness speaks as you do, it means the worth of my position has increased—how could I not be pleased?”
“I see I cannot best you with words.”
The Crown Prince grumbled.
“So then, what would you have me do?”
“I’m not certain what you mean, Your Highness.”
“Sigh, I suppose I must speak first.”
The Crown Prince shook his head slowly and continued.
“The contract with our current tea supplier for Jocheon Palace has expired, and they were not a particularly satisfactory vendor. I intend to change suppliers and transfer the right to supply my tea to the Eun Hae Trading Company.”
“What assistance may I provide, Your Highness?”
“I require a blade that cuts exceptionally well. Can you procure one for me?”
A blade that cuts well.
The words themselves do not ask for a legendary sword.
Rather, they request that I eliminate the agents of the Murim Alliance who operate covertly within Jocheon Palace.
Previously, I had told the Crown Prince to handle such matters himself, but now the circumstances had changed.
The right to supply tea to Jocheon Palace held considerable value.
While not quite equal to the Imperial Palace, it surpassed even the Princely Estate in scale.
Moreover, the tea consumed by those who worked in such a place was of an entirely different caliber than what common folk used.
The financial gains would be substantial, and its value as a means of promotion was extraordinarily high.
Simply by supplying Jocheon Palace, one’s credibility and reputation would be proven beyond question.
I bowed lightly and spoke.
“I shall procure for you a blade that cuts exceptionally well.”
“Those are the words I wished to hear. I look forward to your service.”
It’s a bit of a bother, but there’s still time before we set sail.
For something of that magnitude, I can afford to be diligent.
Besides, I’d already thought through how to proceed.
I immediately sent a transmission to the Crown Prince.
– Your Highness, if I may, there is something I must ask of you.
“…?”
Through the transmission, I made several requests of the Crown Prince.

* * *

Not long after Eun Seo-ho left the Crown Prince’s office.
The Crown Prince burst into hearty laughter without realizing it.
“Puhahahaha!”
Jang Chief Eunuch could only widen his eyes at the sight.
“Now I understand why Father finds Eun Seo-ho so exasperating.”
“What do you mean, Your Highness?”
“He already had the solution in his mind. Yet he played innocent the whole time.”
From the Crown Prince’s words, Jang Chief Eunuch grasped the general situation.
It seemed Eun Seo-ho, being a martial artist, had transmitted the solution to the Crown Prince through a secret transmission.
“That is fitting. Eun Seo-ho is a capable merchant, after all. He must have maximized his own value.”
“I’m aware. From the first time I met him, he was skilled at elevating his own worth. He’s so capable that I’d like to employ him as an official. If he became one, I could keep him close and entrust him with work without burden. After all, his salary would be paid from the treasury.”
“Perhaps that is precisely why Eun Seo-ho avoids such a position.”
Jang Chief Eunuch continued.
“Compared to the wealth Eun Seo-ho generates, an official’s salary is pittance. Could one who loves money as he does be satisfied with such meager compensation?”
“True enough.”
The Crown Prince nodded.
“If I feel this way, how much more must Father? Yet he continues to leave him as a merchant—he must have judged that to be the better course. If so, I too should follow Father’s intentions.”
“I concur, Your Highness.”
“Still, I cannot resist the urge to tease him a little.”
A deep smile formed at the corners of the Crown Prince’s mouth.
‘Though I must do so in moderation.’
Hwangbo Hui, who had advised him to take Eun Seo-ho as a counselor, had given him a warning.

“That fellow is intriguing and tempting, but do not push him too hard or handle him recklessly. If he runs away, that would be fortunate, but if you’re not careful, he bites.”

So the Emperor must be using him to a certain extent and exploiting him as well.
And now it was time for me to move as Eun Seo-ho had requested.
“Jang Chief Eunuch.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“There are still some of Ajeong Eunuch’s belongings remaining, are there not?”
“Ah, yes. We sent only the important items, so there are still some things left.”
“Then keep one suitable item in storage, and send me a Palace Maid who is discreet and skilled with her hands to serve in my private chambers.”
“I shall do so at once.”

* * *

I was now at the harbor.
I had set out immediately upon receiving word that the Eun Hae Trading Company’s merchant ships had arrived.
Along the river, vessels bearing the Eun Hae Trading Company’s flags were entering the port.
They docked at the wharf one by one, and temporary gangplanks were lowered.
Thud!
Through those gangplanks, the Eun Hae Trading Company’s crew members descended, followed by four ship captains.
They approached me and greeted me with a fist salute.
“We pay our respects to the Small Guild Master.”
“You have traveled far and endured much. Let us discuss the details after we wash and provision the ships.”
“Yes.”
And as I headed toward the inn, I caught sight of Captain Yong approaching his elder brother.
The two brothers reunited after a long separation, their joy evident.

A short while later.
Everyone who had come by boat had washed up and gathered around the dining table at the inn.
“Such an abundant spread! Thank you so much.”
“It’s only proper to treat those who will be working hard for us going forward.”
The dining table where we now sat was laden with dishes so lavish that the table legs seemed ready to buckle—all arranged at my special request.
It was then that Han Haeng-su spoke up.
“I can’t help but think it feels like we’re being fed fodder before being put to work.”
I responded playfully to this.
“My, you have keen instincts.”
“Gasp!”
“Ha ha ha. I’m only joking.”
And so we ate and drank while exchanging conversation.
“Ah, but what of Yu Inner Chief Manager and Cho Vice-Commander? They seem quite disappointed that the wedding has been postponed.”
Originally, the wedding of Yu So-ak Chief Manager and Cho Young-young was scheduled for the third month of this year.
However, it had been postponed due to the earthquake that struck Sichuan.
The return of Cho Vice-Commander’s father, who had been dispatched to Sichuan, had been delayed.
The bride’s father isn’t deceased, and it’s merely a matter of work keeping him away—one cannot simply proceed with the ceremony under such circumstances.
By this point, the alcohol ban should have been lifted… yet it continues to be delayed beyond expectations.
But I shouldn’t view this negatively.
In my previous life, I lifted the alcohol ban to appease an angry populace.
But in this life, since the general sentiment of the people is not poor, I am not hastily lifting the ban.
I find it quite satisfying that the affairs set in motion by my intervention are flowing favorably overall.
Both the delay in lifting the alcohol ban and the marriage of Yu So-ak Inner Chief Manager and Cho Young-young are thanks to my actions.
Of course, I cannot say that everything stemming from the future I’ve changed flows in a positive direction, but honestly, that would be too idealistic.
The rather elderly Haeng-su answered.
“There’s no need to worry too much. It seems the ceremony will likely take place right after the Small Guild Master’s wedding.”
“I see.”
In that case, I could prepare a fine wedding gift.
“How is the construction project on Haenam Island progressing?”
While there is the Empire’s naval base being built on Haenam Island, what I’m asking about is the Eun Hae Trading Company’s main port.
Captain Yong, understanding my intent, answered.
“Yes. It’s proceeding very smoothly, and the local people’s response has been quite positive.”
“That’s fortunate.”
“I believe the construction will be largely completed by next year. So when we return from Dae-Wol Kingdom this time, I’m thinking of making that place an intermediate port of call.”
“I see. I do hope it will be completed by then.”
We continued to discuss various matters regarding this maritime trade venture.
“Ah, Captain Yang.”
“Yes, Small Guild Master.”
Captain Yang was a person introduced to us by the Baekbuik Trading Company, which handles trade with the Marae Seo Kingdom.
The Baekbuik Trading Company had welcomed our venture into trade with the Marae Seo Kingdom with open arms.
Typically, when rival merchant guilds emerge, it’s customary to be wary and disapproving of them, but this situation was different.

“The Eun Hae Trading Company is venturing into trade with the Marae Seo Kingdom! This is truly wonderful news.”
“Aren’t you delighted about this?”
“How could I not be? The Invincible Palace Guard accompanying the Eun Hae Trading Company provides such reassurance! Moreover, our Empire doesn’t have many merchants engaged in this trade, so when the Marae Seo Kingdom tries to drive down prices, we have no way to counter them….”
“You’ve had quite a difficult time of it, then.”

Securing safety in maritime trade and enhancing competitive advantage in transactions.
These two factors alone were sufficient reason for the Baekbuik Trading Company to welcome the Eun Hae Trading Company.
Perhaps that’s why they eagerly stepped forward to help us find a captain.
According to Captain Yong, the results exceeded expectations.
So we’re methodically working to ensure he becomes a genuine member of our Eun Hae Trading Company.
“Tomorrow, you need only accompany me to Jocheon Palace. I’ll introduce you to Hong Seon-il, who will be traveling with us to the Marae Seo Kingdom, and to Princess Sinaa.”
“Understood.”
It was then that Han Haeng-su cautiously broached a subject with me.
“I… heard something upon arriving here. They say the Crown Prince, who is currently in Nanking, is gravely ill. May I ask what happened?”
At those words, I sighed and nodded.
“Ah… so you’ve heard about that. Sigh, it’s all a mess I’ve created.”
Seeing their puzzled expressions, I explained to them the circumstances surrounding Ajeong Eunuch’s death.
“The problem came after that.”
I continued with a somber expression.
“Ajeong Eunuch’s restless spirit cannot depart and appears in the Crown Prince’s dreams, expressing his resentment. The Crown Prince hasn’t been able to sleep at all.”
“Oh my….”
“They say sleep is the greatest tonic, but since he cannot sleep, everyone is deeply concerned.”
“So that’s what happened.”
“That is indeed a grave matter.”
“That’s why tomorrow they’re performing a ritual to appease his resentment. And since I’m involved in this matter, I’ve become a participant as well.”
.
.
.
The next day.
I set out for Jocheon Palace, bringing Captain Yong with me.
In the front courtyard, preparations were underway for a ritual to appease the spirit of Ajeong Eunuch.
I passed through them and made my way to Hong Seon-il and his wife.
“You’ve arrived?”
“Yes, Elder Brother, and Your Highness.”
“Call me Elder Brother’s Wife. If you keep refusing, I’ll tell Father about it.”
Hong Seon-il also laughed as he spoke.
“Is calling me Elder Brother’s Wife really so difficult?”
It was still awkward for me… but I couldn’t help it.
It doesn’t roll off the tongue easily, but I should make the effort.
“Yes, Elder Brother’s Wife.”
“That sounds pleasant.”
Only then did a smile bloom at the corners of Princess Sinaa’s lips.
I introduced Captain Yong standing beside me.
“This is Captain Yong, who will be escorting both of you to the Marae Seo Kingdom. And these are my cousin and his wife.”
At my introduction, they introduced themselves to one another.
“I am Hong Si-gang from the Hanlin Academy. By order of the Emperor, I am to serve as an Imperial Envoy to the Marae Seo Kingdom.”
“I am Sinaa.”
“It is an honor to meet Hong Si-gang and Your Imperial Highness. I am Yang Do-jik. I shall do my utmost to serve you both.”
“Thank you.”
I rose from my seat.
“Then please continue discussing the details of your journey. I must pay my respects to the Crown Prince.”

I made my way directly to the Crown Prince’s office.
I possessed the necklace the Emperor had given me, so I could meet with the Crown Prince whenever I wished.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, Eun Seo-ho requests an audience.”
“Let him in.”
“Yes.”
The door opened and I stepped into the office.
“Small Merchant Eun Seo-ho pays his respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince. I am—”
“Just sit.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
I took my seat before the tea table, observing the Crown Prince seated across from me.
His face was deathly pale.
Dark shadows hung beneath his eyes.
“Did you do that yourself?”
“Of course not. I had a Discreet Palace Maid do it. How does it look?”
“It’s convincing enough to spread rumors.”
“That maid’s skill is quite serviceable.”
Saying so, the Crown Prince let out a soft chuckle.
The Crown Prince’s claim of suffering from nightmares was deliberately spread as a rumor.
Yet if his face appeared too healthy, that would seem suspicious, so he had deliberately applied makeup to appear haggard from lack of sleep.
“Today’s ritual will prove quite the spectacle.”
“A rare treat indeed.”

That evening.
“Welcome, Cheong-su Taoist.”
I greeted Cheong-su Taoist warmly as he arrived at Jocheon Palace.
Fortunately, the Moshan Sect’s main headquarters was located near Nanking, so I had personally sought them out and invited the Taoist.
As it happened, Cheong-su Taoist, whom Yeon-i and I had encountered before, was there, and when I made the request, he readily agreed to participate in the performance.
“Ah… my, my!”
Cheong-su Taoist spoke while shaking the spirit bell in his hand.
“The spirits of the dead are so abundant in this Jocheon Palace! And among them, there is one particularly malevolent spirit. Could that be the Crown Prince’s quarters?”
“You can already sense it?”
“It is merely this humble one’s meager skill.”
Kling, kling.
As I watched him shake the spirit bell and walk toward the prepared location, I tilted my head in confusion.
His performance was far too convincing.
So much so that I wondered if it might actually be real.
At this, Palgap was startled.
“Oh! Young Master. It seems there are truly many ghosts in this palace.”
Why was this bear-like fellow trembling when he had such a massive frame?
More than that…
“But why are you clinging so tightly to my side?”
“For some reason, I thought the ghosts would avoid you, Young Master.”
“…”

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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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