The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 715

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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 715

Chapter 715. Chung-ui Hall (2)

At my words, Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster let out a dry cough.
“Ahem, educational expenses, you say?”
Why are you acting like this? You know full well.
“Education isn’t conducted solely through words. That’s why practical training is necessary. I understand the Gold-Clad Guard Masters also receive such training in that sense. Is that not correct?”
“That’s true.”
“Then do the Gold-Clad Guard Masters pay out of pocket when they receive training?”
“…No, they don’t.”
“Then do those instructors teach for free? Without receiving monthly wages?”
“…No, they don’t.”
“Then why do you ask me to provide education free of charge?”
“…”
I spoke with a smile.
“That is not the way of commerce.”
After a moment of thought, Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster spoke.
“Sigh, I understand. I’ll consult with my Commander-in-Chief and ensure you’re compensated fairly.”
“Thank you. I will accept this proposal.”
“Much obliged.”
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster continued.
“But I don’t think I mentioned how many died in this incident earlier. How did you know two of them perished?”
“…!”
I answered with a composed expression.
“Didn’t you indicate two people with your hand just now?”
“I did?”
“Yes. I simply inferred from that gesture that two people had fallen in the line of duty.”
“Did I really?”
“Perhaps you did so unconsciously. And I am a merchant. A true merchant must read not only the words of their counterpart, but also their gaze, expression, and actions.”
“Indeed, the way of commerce is not simple.”
“Haha, that’s certainly true.”
Even when caught off guard, one must respond with composure.
“I’ll need to be more careful going forward.”
“That’s not necessary. I’m simply more perceptive and sensitive than most.”
“That’s true. I’ve never met anyone as exceptional as you.”
“You flatter me.”
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster rose from his seat.
“Well then, I’ll be on my way. I’ll return within two days with more detailed information.”
“Understood.”
I walked him out past the main gate to see off Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster, then returned to my quarters.
Phew… I nearly let slip that I knew about that matter.
Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster is indeed as sharp as I remembered.
No wonder the Emperor keeps him close and relies on him so heavily.
It seems I’ve grown too comfortable around Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster and let my guard down without realizing it.
But Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster is ultimately the Emperor’s man, so I must remain cautious.
I already knew through the Information Bureau that two Gold Robe Guard Warriors had died in the line of duty.
Palgap had delivered the information after meeting Ha-hwa Officer yesterday.
No matter that it’s a matter concerning the Gold Robe Guard, it happened right here in Beijing’s merchant district—nowhere else.
There’s no way such news wouldn’t reach my ears.
That’s why, when Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster asked me for instruction, my grim premonition proved correct.
There was no other reason for him to seek me out besides something related to that incident.
Still, since it’s a matter of the Gold Robe Guard, it’s better that he doesn’t discover I know about it.
It would only invite unnecessary suspicion.
I don’t know if such situations occurred in my previous life.
Back then, I wasn’t in a position to gather detailed intelligence about Beijing.
But this time, I established myself in Beijing early and accelerated the cultivation of the Information Bureau, which allowed me to obtain such information.
The Gold Robe Guard Warriors were discovered and killed at the headquarters of a group plotting rebellion.
That headquarters turned out to be a merchant guild in Beijing.
But as I listened to Palgap’s account, something felt off.
There must have been more than just two Gold Robe Guard Warriors infiltrating that place—so why were only those two discovered and killed?
And even if they were tortured for information, they were simply killed outright instead.
There must be some reason behind it…
But that’s something the Gold-Clad Guard Masters will uncover themselves.

The next day.
After finishing dinner, while I was working in my office, Palgap came to inform me that Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster had arrived.
I made my way to the Guest Reception Room.
“Small Merchant Eun Seo-ho pays his respects to the Great Swordmaster.”
“As I mentioned yesterday, I’ve come to provide you with the detailed particulars.”
“Thank you.”
At that moment, Palgap entered and placed tea before me.
“The training begins in two days, and due to internal circumstances, we only have three days available.”
“I understand. In truth, more time would be needed to ensure thorough mastery, but I’ll complete the training within three days as best as circumstances allow.”
“I appreciate your understanding.”
He continued.
“The individuals you’ll be instructing this time number twenty. As you’re aware, the Golden Robed Guards are currently scattered throughout the entire Empire on their assigned duties, are they not?”
“That’s correct.”
“Given such circumstances, it would be practically impossible to summon them all for training.”
“So the Golden Robed Guard will select some of their members for training, and later, when the others return, they’ll receive instruction from those who’ve already been trained?”
“Precisely. And that arrangement benefits you as well, wouldn’t you say?”
After all, one person couldn’t possibly instruct all those Golden Robed Guards individually.
“That’s certainly true.”
“And regarding the matter of compensation we discussed yesterday.”
“How much would that be?”
“Ahem. The instruction fee is one silver tael per day.”
One silver tael could purchase five bolts of fine silk cloth.
It was a month’s living expenses for a family of modest means.
Compared to the monthly salaries of officials working in the Imperial Palace, it was quite generous compensation.
So Geumryeong was receiving enough money from a single errand to buy five bolts of fine silk cloth.
– Squeak?
Was I dissatisfied?
No, that wasn’t it. I was simply acknowledging the fact.
I posed a question to Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster.
“Does that fee include the cost of training equipment?”
“It does not.”
“That’s a relief.”
“His Majesty the Emperor said that if the equipment costs were included in your instruction fee, the Golden Robed Guards would have to bear it themselves, and they’d suffer considerably for it.”
I flinched slightly inwardly.
How did he know…?
“In any case, you may use the time from the fourth hour of the morning two days hence onward as you see fit.”
“I understand. Is there anything else I should be aware of?”
In response to my question, Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster explained several matters.

Two days passed like that.
I was permitted to bring three outside personnel.
So I decided to take Palgap and two Guard Warriors, but after discussing among themselves, the Guard Warriors recommended Jin Yu Warrior and Yeo Eung-am Warrior.
Jin Yu Warrior has the highest level of cultivation, so that makes sense, but recommending Yeo Eung-am Warrior was unexpected.
Seo-woo Warrior clarified my doubts.
“This matter concerns the Merchant Guild and trading expeditions. And since there will be parts requiring deception, Yeo Eung-am Warrior will be more helpful than I would be.”
“I understand. I’ll defer to your judgment.”
Thus, the two warriors and Palgap prepared to follow me to the Geumui Guard.
To begin instruction from the fourth watch, I needed to depart for the Imperial Palace early.
Since I had to eat breakfast early as well, I couldn’t share the meal with Elder Brother Eun Jung-ho.
“I should let Elder Brother Eun Jung-ho know I’m leaving.”
Seo Hyang, seated across from me, answered.
“That would be best. Safe travels.”
“Then I’ll be going.”
I made my way to Elder Brother Eun Jung-ho’s quarters.
“Elder Brother!”
“Hmm? You’re here?”
Elder Brother Eun Jung-ho was practicing swordplay in the courtyard.
Ever since consuming the Hundred-Year Jade Antelope in Sichuan and gaining inner cultivation, he’s been training his swordplay every morning, unwilling to waste the progress.
And the swordplay he’s currently practicing is martial technique transmitted by External Chief Manager Go Il-pyeong.
Thanks to his improved physical condition, he could now handle even considerable combat drills with ease.
That’s good news for me.
“I’m heading out now.”
“Sigh… Very well. The nation has called upon you, so it can’t be helped.”
“But Elder Brother, it’s only four days at the Imperial Palace. Why do you look so gloomy?”
“But those four days of work will fall on my shoulders.”
Well, I have no rebuttal to that.
“In any case, I’ll be back soon.”
“Go on then. Just be careful not to give anyone reason to criticize you.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
I waved my hand and left Elder Brother Eun Jung-ho’s quarters.
Then I returned to the departure point.
“Shall we depart now?”
“Yes.”
At that moment, Seo Hyang tugged at my sleeve.
“…?”
She whispered something softly to me, and hearing her words, I couldn’t help but let out a small sigh.
Sigh… My head’s already starting to ache.

* * *

The building where the Geumui Guard is stationed is called Chung-ui Hall.
And today, the Geumui Guard had gathered there.
Twenty members in total had assembled.
Without a clear explanation of the circumstances, they had only received orders to gather, leaving the Geumui Guard bewildered and confused.
“Why did the Commander-in-Chief summon us like this?”
“How should I know?”
“Did you hear anything?”
“Not at all.”
“Senior, do you know anything?”
“No, I don’t either.”
At that moment, the Commander ascended the ceremonial platform. And from beside him came the sound of a drum.
Boom, boom, boom!
At the three beats of the drum, all the Geumui Guard simultaneously raised their fists in salute and paid their respects.
Snap! Crack! Snap!
“We greet the Commander-in-Chief.”
Even in the midst of casual conversation, the Geumui Guard moved with perfect unity.
They were the picture of well-trained elite warriors.
“All attention.”
The Commander gazed across all the Geumui Guard and spoke.
“The reason I have gathered you today is to assign you a mission.”
At the word “mission,” their spirits sharpened.
“You should be aware that recently, two of our comrades who were disguised as merchants have been killed.”
They closed their eyes with sorrowful expressions.
“To prevent further sacrifices and to ensure successful mission execution, your role is crucial.”
He turned his head to look to the side.
“Eun Seo-ho, step forward.”
“Yes, sir.”
Soon a handsome man ascended the ceremonial platform and stood beside the Commander.
The expressions of the Geumui Guard varied upon seeing him.
Some had seen him directly, while others knew of him but had never laid eyes on him before.
“Eun Seo-ho here serves as the leader of the Eun Hae Trading Company’s small unit, and for the next four days, he will teach you methods of disguising yourselves as merchants.”
The Commander turned to Eun Seo-ho and asked.
“Do you have anything to say to them?”
“Ah, yes.”
He nodded and raised his fist in salute to all of them before speaking.
“I am Small Merchant Eun Seo-ho. I am honored to meet the heroes of the Imperial Court.”
Eun Seo-ho continued.
“I have been granted this precious opportunity to provide instruction to all of you, which is beyond my station. Though four days is a short time, I will do my utmost to impart everything I know.”
As Eun Seo-ho finished speaking and stepped back, the Commander spoke.
“Then, I shall begin the instruction.”

Shortly after, in a conference room of the Chung-ui Hall.
Twenty Golden Robed Guards had gathered in a space large enough to comfortably accommodate fifty people.
Then one of the Golden Robed Guards spoke.
“Senior, regarding that Eun Seo-ho. Isn’t he quite different from what we’ve heard?”
“Indeed. I thought he was someone overflowing with confidence, but isn’t he just as terrified as any other merchant? How could proper instruction even be possible with someone like that?”
“This seems like a waste of time.”
The one called senior, listening to their complaints, let out a sigh.
“Eun Seo-ho, that man is scared?”
“Sir?”
The Golden Robed Guard called senior was Kwon Eul.
He was Kwon Jik’s brother, and had come to know Eun Seo-ho through the previous incidents at the Hyeol Gon Seong Seung’s Sword Tower and the Chungyeongseong Sword Tower.
Thanks to that, he had learned that Eun Seo-ho never engaged in unprofitable ventures.
And even against the Golden Robed Guards, he returned what he received twofold or more.
He was a man who spoke his mind even in front of the Golden Robed Guards. For such a man to act that way, there had to be a reason.
He turned his head and asked the man sitting to his left.
“Song Cheong. What do you think?”
At that question, Song Cheong answered quickly.
“He… he is a frightening man.”
During the Chungyeongseong Sword Tower incident, Song Cheong was assigned a mission alongside an officer named Jang Gal, and ended up accompanying Eun Seo-ho.
At that time, they mocked Eun Seo-ho and harassed Gwak Seo-hyang beside him.
They were infuriated by the talk that he had received limited immunity from the Emperor.
But as a result, instead of beating Eun Seo-ho down, he was severely punished himself.
Not only did he have to pull an incredibly heavy cart all the way to Yunnan Province, but on the return journey, he had to pull an even heavier cart back to Beijing.
What drove them even more mad was that the surrounding officers admired his and Jang Gal’s loyalty.
The man who created such a situation was none other than Eun Seo-ho.
That is why he had been gripped with fear since earlier.
“I know from experience. If you touch Eun Seo-ho’s feelings, you’re done for.”
“Well said. And if any of you dare harm Eun Seo-ho, there are quite a few seniors who will punch you in the face and kick your shins in his stead, so don’t act cocky thinking this is easy—receive the instruction properly.”
At those words, everyone fell silent.
And about an hour later, the door opened and a handsome man entered.

* * *

I entered the conference room.
Hmm?
The atmosphere is completely different from what I expected.
I had anticipated that the Gold-Clad Guard Masters would resist or challenge me, refusing to accept instruction willingly.
That’s why I had obtained permission from the Commander Dae-hyeop to use a light hand if necessary.
Yet the eyes of the Gold-Clad Guard Masters gazing upon me held not a trace of defiance.
Instead, there was curiosity and… a hint of fear?
But I had only offered a respectful greeting just moments ago—why are they acting this way?
I haven’t done anything.

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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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