The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 712

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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 712

Chapter 712. The Shandong Ak Clan (4)

The one who received us was none other than Ak Young-gyeong, the Military Commander of Nanking.
But wait—shouldn’t he be in Nanking? What brings him here?
First, I should offer my greetings.
“Small Merchant Eun Seo-ho pays his respects to Ak Dae-in.”
“It’s been a while.”
“I never expected to meet you here.”
Ak Young-gyeong smiled at my words and replied.
“I came to offer some advice. Isn’t cultivating a Martial Hall that will become the spear and shield of the Empire a worthy endeavor?”
“I am already grateful for the letter you sent previously.”
Ak Dae-in had given me a letter, hoping it would prove useful when I eventually went to the Shandong Ak Clan.
That’s why I brought it along this time.
“Come to think of it, the Main House is practically on my doorstep from Nanking, so sending only a letter felt insufficient.”
Though Shandong isn’t quite that close to Nanking, if I’m being honest.
And with the Crown Prince currently in Nanking, can the Military Commander really afford to leave his post like this?
The Ak Dae-in I know is meticulous about such matters.
Then again…
“Don’t worry. I received the Crown Prince’s permission.”
Well, that settles it.
In that case, the letter he gave me earlier won’t be necessary.
“I just finished consulting with the House Master. Wait a moment—he should be coming out shortly. And once our business is concluded, let’s share some tea.”
“Of course.”
If Ak Young-gyeong had traveled with his full entourage, it would have caused quite a stir.
The fact that nothing unusual occurred suggests he came in secret.
In the meantime, Ak Jin, the Guest Hall Master, announced my arrival from within, and soon the door opened. A man emerged.
With his flowing white beard, his imposing frame was so commanding that he looked every bit the great general.
Moreover, his martial presence was formidable.
Ak Young-gyeong spoke from behind me.
“The House Master of the Main House.”
At this, I withdrew the imperial edict from my robes and spoke.
“This is the Emperor’s edict.”
“I, Ak Yeon-gae, receive the Emperor’s edict with gratitude.”
The House Master immediately knelt before me and accepted the scroll with both hands.
I’ve felt this before, but it’s rather embarrassing.
He unrolled the scroll right there, read its contents, and then carefully rolled it back up before bowing respectfully.
And I rose from my seat.
I cupped my fist in salute to him.
“I am Eun Seo-ho, Small Guild Master of the Eun Hae Trading Company. It is an honor to meet the House Master of the Sandong First Ak Royal House, who commands Mount Tai.”
“Pleased to meet you. I am House Master Ak Yeon-gae.”
The House Master then turned his body and spoke.
“Let us go inside.”
“Thank you.”
I glanced back, and Ak Dae-in waved his hand and said.
“I will call for you later.”
“Understood.”
As we were heading inside, the House Master spoke.
“It is curious that he has taken a liking to you… truly remarkable.”
“Pardon?”
“Have you not heard such words often?”
“I am hardly someone so remarkable, yet everyone seems to find me so.”
At my words, the House Master laughed as if greatly amused.
Thus we entered the Guest Reception Room.
Following behind, I noticed the House Master wore the same style of garment as the others.
The difference was that his was pure white, unmarred by any other color.
The robe he wore was also white, and upon its back was embroidered a hawk soaring through the heavens.
Now that I thought of it, the hawk was indeed the symbol of the Shandong Ak Clan.
Perhaps that was why the Shandong Ak Clan’s spear technique was characterized by the swift movements of a hawk hunting its prey.
Shortly after, a servant brought tea, and we conversed while drinking.
“Are you aware that you have become quite famous in Shandong?”
“You honor me with such words.”
“In truth, we also owe you a debt of gratitude. Was there not a time when the Baekcheon Trading Company monopolized whetstones? We too suffered greatly from the shortage, but thanks to your development of a whetstone quarry in Shandong, we could finally breathe easy.”
So that whetstone quarry had influence here as well.
Though I labored considerably to locate and develop the quarry swiftly, moments like this are truly satisfying.
For with each passing day, the Baekcheon Trading Company’s position narrows while the Eun Hae Trading Company’s renown grows.
“Then let us proceed to the main matter.”
“Yes.”
“As Young Kyung mentioned earlier, we have discussed one matter. Since this is a place for cultivating elite martial artists, the main house wishes to give it greater attention.”
“What aspect do you speak of, sir?”
“From what I have heard, the Martial Hall currently teaches primarily swordplay. Is this correct?”
“Yes, that is so.”
Since everyone refuses to reveal their martial techniques, I have no choice but to teach what I know.
“This will not do! The spear is the king of close combat!”
The House Master’s words revealed tremendous pride in the spear.
There is no need to oppose him here.
“You speak truly. Especially for a Martial Hall, it is good for students to master the spear. However, what family would reveal their secret techniques? Thus, I have endeavored to teach the students the Heavenly Stream Technique and Heavenly Stream Sword Method that I have mastered, as best I could.”
“That’s why the Main House is also disclosing one of our spear techniques and wishes to contribute eight arms’ worth of strength to that cause.”
That was remarkable news.
If measured by merchant standards, it was equivalent to surrendering one of his business establishments.
“By chance, might I inquire which spear technique it is?”
“It’s called the Twelve Spear Method. The Ak Family spear techniques must be learned from the foundation, and if any part is omitted, it cannot function as a proper technique. But the Twelve Spear Method is different. Even learning only that alone makes it a complete spear art in itself.”
“I see.”
“But do you know why the technique is named the Twelve Spear Method?”
“…Pardon?”
I was caught off guard.
Why would he ask me that…?
But I wasn’t confused because I didn’t know the answer—I was simply unprepared for the question itself.
The Twelve Spear Method means attacking four directions four times and defending four times.
It’s a spear technique with exceptionally well-balanced offense and defense.
In truth, this technique is neither a secret martial art of the Shandong Ak Clan nor a traditional one.
From my memories of my previous life, it couldn’t have been created more than a few years ago.
I responded with a somewhat awkward expression.
“It seems the number twelve carries significance. Could it perhaps relate to the cardinal directions?”
“To think you’d grasp that! Remarkable! Hahaha! You’re absolutely right. It means four attacks and four defenses from the four cardinal directions—north, south, east, and west.”
I reacted as though hearing this for the first time.
“Is that so?”
“In fact, this technique was created by someone a few years ago. While not a traditional method, it’s an exceptional technique that I can confidently vouch for. That’s why I intend to pass it to the Martial Hall.”
“I am grateful for the House Master’s consideration.”
I said this while suppressing an inward smile.
An extraordinary treasure I never expected was now being transferred to the Martial Hall.
The House Master doesn’t seem to fully understand yet, but the true value of the Twelve Spear Method lies in its combined execution.
If twelve people instead of one were to deploy it, it would form a spear formation capable of repelling a hundred men with devastating power.
“The one who created this Twelve Spear Method is called Ak Yu. He’s thirty-eight this year.”
“He created a martial technique at such a young age?”
I was surprised the creator was younger than expected.
That meant he’d actually created the technique in his early to mid-thirties.
I had assumed it was created by someone considerably older.
“Indeed. And I’m considering sending him to the Martial Hall as an Instructor.”
“For us, that would be cause for celebration with open arms. There could be nothing better than having the technique’s creator directly educate our martial practitioners.”
“Hmm… but there is a problem.”
What problem could suddenly darken his expression like this?
“Yu does not wish to disclose the Twelve Spear Method to outsiders. He wants it to remain the Shandong Ak Clan’s technique.”
“I beg your pardon?”
No, House Master.
That’s not merely a problem—it’s a considerable one, isn’t it?
The House Master’s reason for sending such a talented individual to the Martial Hall must be for the family’s benefit.
And the Shandong Ak Clan was a place where absolute obedience to hierarchy was paramount.
Forcing someone unwilling to go could carelessly destroy an entire person’s life.
Why else would there be a saying that you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot force it to drink?
“Ahem, shameless as it may be, could you persuade him?”
“Me? You mean I should speak to him?”
“Young Kyung said so. He believes you could persuade him.”
No, Ak Dae-in.
What confidence gave you such certainty?
“I would appreciate it greatly. Honestly, we’ve tried every method imaginable, but we couldn’t break his stubbornness.”
“Even the House Master couldn’t persuade him. How could I possibly succeed? You’re overestimating me, Ak Dae-in.”
“I don’t think so. The fact that the Emperor trusts you means you possess the capability to do so.”
.
.
.
I left the Guest Reception Room.
The Guest Hall Master approached me.
“I shall escort you to your quarters.”
“Very well.”
As we stepped outside the building, Seo-woo Warrior and Lee Pil Warrior stood waiting.
“Palgap and the others have already gone ahead to the quarters.”
“Understood. Let’s go.”
On the way, Seo-woo Warrior asked carefully.
“But why does your expression look so dark?”
“Well… I’ve been given a task I never expected.”
The quarters provided to me were quite spacious.
There was plenty of room for training, which was excellent.
And only the necessary furnishings were placed, with most of their colors being neutral tones—it carried a distinctly military atmosphere.
“You may stay here.”
“Please convey my gratitude for providing such fine accommodations.”
“I shall do so.”
Then a warrior entered.
“Ak Young-kyung Elder says to bring you to his quarters when you’re ready.”
“Understood. Let’s go at once.”
I followed the warrior down the corridor.
The paths through the Ak Family Estate were quite intricate.
“If I lost sight of you, I’d surely get lost.”
The warrior guiding me laughed at my words.
“Guests do lose their way frequently, actually.”
“What about the Ak Family members?”
“Trainees might, but apprentice warriors rarely have trouble finding their way.”
“I see.”
As we walked, I tilted my head at what I observed around us.
“It seems nearly everyone, regardless of gender, wears the same clothing.”
“Ah, you’re referring to the Taesin robes. We call them that because they’re designed to cultivate the great spirit of Mount Tai. That’s why they’re called Taesin robes.”
“I see.”
“In truth, we’re permitted to wear casual clothes on days off or during leave, but since we’ve trained in these robes since childhood, we’ve grown accustomed to them. Besides, they’re well-made, so they’re genuinely comfortable.”
As we exchanged such pleasantries, we arrived at a residence located in the central district of the Ak Family Estate.
Upon entering, I was immediately guided to the Guest Reception Room.
After a brief wait, Ak Dae-in entered.
“Ak Dae-in.”
“Sit comfortably.”
“The House Master mentioned something to me. What exactly is this about?”
“Just as I said.”
Ak Dae-in took a sip of tea before continuing.
“The Emperor holds great expectations for the Martial Hall, and this decision stems from that.”
So he sensed it as well.
That Martial Hall serves to strengthen the Emperor’s influence within the military while simultaneously checking the power of the martial sects.
More precisely, it’s to guard against the schemes of the Murim Alliance.
“If the Main House were to donate martial techniques under such circumstances, wouldn’t the Emperor be pleased?”
“That would certainly be the case.”
The Shandong Ak Clan’s survival strategy is loyalty. To demonstrate this, they needed to show something, yet they couldn’t surrender the Ak Family’s most precious treasure—the Ak Spear Technique.
In this situation, someone from the family created a respectable martial technique, and the House Master intends to transfer it to the Martial Hall to demonstrate loyalty to the Emperor.
A clever move to secure both justification and practical benefit.
“As a result, I’ve been tasked with persuading someone named Ak-yu Scholar. I hear you recommended me, Dae-in.”
“Yes, I believe you’re capable of convincing him.”
“Sigh… I’ll do my best.”
From my perspective, I have no choice but to make the effort, because if I succeed, fortune will roll in like a pumpkin down a hill.
The Twelve Spear Technique is far superior to what they realize.
“And the Crown Prince sends his regards.”
“How is the Crown Prince doing?”
“Of course he’s well. And he’s governing Nanking admirably.”
The Provincial Governor who previously oversaw Nanking was scheduled to transfer to another prefecture.
With the Crown Prince in Nanking, the Provincial Governor’s position would inevitably become awkward.
However, he chose to retire, saying he wished to rest.
Now the Crown Prince is serving as both Crown Prince and Provincial Governor of Nanking.
“Wasn’t the Crown Prince also involved in the Martial Hall matter? That’s why he showed such keen interest.”
So that was it.
They were demonstrating loyalty not only to the current Emperor but also to the future Emperor, the Crown Prince.
If the Shandong Ak Clan pushes forward like this, how will the other martial warlords—the Hwangbo Family and the Jin Zhu-eon Clan—respond?
Everyone is competing for the Emperor’s favor, after all.
Well, that’s something I can observe and judge later.
“By the way, where is Ak-yu Scholar?”
“Ah, he went to celebrate the birthday of an old friend’s father—practically a childhood companion. Since that family is also a vassal house of our main family, the House Master sent him with a congratulatory letter as well.”
“I see.”

Four days passed in this manner.
During that time, Ak Dae-in returned to Nanking, and I rested while waiting for this man called Ak-yu.
With this rare moment of leisure, I spent my time catching up on sleep and reading books.
This was practically a vacation.
I was turning the pages with that thought when it happened.
“Young Master! Ak-yu Scholar has returned home!”
“Is that so?”
I immediately rose from my seat and, with the help of the Warrior attached to me, made my way to Ak-yu Scholar’s House.
“This is the place.”
The Warrior then called out loudly.
“We have a guest!”
“Pardon my intrusion.”
Stepping inside with those words, I blinked and pointed ahead.
“Huh?”

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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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