The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 720

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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 720

Chapter 720. Mirage Bookstore (1)

I tidied myself and made my way to where the Emperor was staying.
Upon arriving, I addressed the Eunuch Official standing before me with utmost courtesy.
“Small Merchant Eun Seo-ho. I come to pay my respects to Nae-jae. I understand His Majesty has summoned me.”
“Ah, please wait a moment. I shall announce your arrival.”
The Eunuch Official disappeared inside, then returned to guide me within.
“Please follow me.”
“Yes.”
I followed the Eunuch Official inside and soon stood before the Emperor.
After performing the most respectful bow, the Emperor spoke.
“Rise.”
“Your benevolence is boundless, Your Majesty.”
“Indeed, my Commander reported it to me. You uncovered the crimes of this man Baek Son.”
“I am honored that my humble efforts have proven useful to Your Majesty.”
“Still, there are so many rotten elements among the Golden Robed Guards! I fear I have been too lenient with them.”
A subtle displeasure resonated in the Emperor’s tone.
I responded to him calmly and with candor.
“Every organization has its corrupted parts. While I cannot speak to the exact number of Golden Robed Guards, based on what has transpired thus far, I would not say they are entirely rotten.”
“The Golden Robed Guards exist to uphold my authority in my stead. The Dongchang serves the same purpose. Therefore, they must maintain far stricter self-discipline.”
He was not wrong.
The Golden Robed Guards and Dongchang wielded considerable power, and precisely because of this, they must be held to far higher standards than other organizations.
“If a man without respect wields power, he will breed resentment among others. In the end, that becomes a blade pointed at my own throat.”
That too was not without merit.
“So I intend to pay them more attention henceforth.”
The Golden Robed Guards and Dongchang would have difficult times ahead.
It was unfortunate, but they had brought this upon themselves. Had they maintained rigorous oversight and discipline among their own ranks, they would never have provoked the Emperor’s displeasure.
Though I was curious what he intended to do, I remained silent.
If I asked carelessly and he responded with “You try,” or “Tell me if you have a good idea,” it would be troublesome.
Truthfully, I was exhausted and longed for sleep.
Especially since August was approaching.
I would soon need to travel to Hubei Province to prepare for the wedding.
Before that, I had to clear all the accumulated work in Beijing and handle as many pending matters as possible in advance.
“Regardless, how has the instruction progressed? Have you found any promising prospects?”
“There is indeed one who has caught my eye, Your Majesty.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
The Emperor immediately showed interest at my words.
As expected of someone who always covets talent.
I reported to him about Ak Cheom, a man from the Shandong Ak Clan, and Hae Gon, a man who had ingeniously earned four gold coins.
To be honest, I had coveted them myself, but if I could gain peace of mind by presenting them to the Emperor instead, that was good enough for me.
I felt somewhat sorry thinking of their difficult futures ahead, but since they had thrown down their declaration of candidacy and entered the Imperial Palace, they wouldn’t dislike having caught the Emperor’s eye and opened a path to advancement.
I also reported on several others who had shown decent results.
“But did they all faithfully follow your instruction?”
“Not entirely, Your Majesty. There were some who tried to cut corners.”
Regardless, he would eventually learn what I didn’t mention here anyway.
There was no point in overlooking it and covering for them.
“There was even someone who tried to deceive by bringing their own money when tasked with selling stones.”
“I see.”
The Emperor nodded slowly.
“Well, since you’ve accomplished merit this time as well, a reward is in order.”
My eyes widened at the Emperor’s words.
Especially since I had already given up hope.
“Ha, your true feelings show, you rascal. You looked like a frozen fish just moments ago, but the instant I mention a reward, your eyes sparkle like that.”
“My apologies, Your Majesty. I have shown unseemly behavior. However, Your Majesty, there has never been a person who dislikes receiving a reward.”
At my words, the Emperor chuckled and called for the Eunuch.
“Eunuch.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Bring what I mentioned earlier.”
“Yes.”
The Eunuch bowed respectfully, then left briefly before returning. In his hands was a single box.
“This is a gift bestowed by His Majesty the Emperor.”
“I am overwhelmed by such imperial grace.”
I bowed to the Emperor and then asked the Eunuch.
“May I open it here?”
“Open it when you return home.”
The Emperor chuckled.
“Now go. Off with you.”
“Then I shall withdraw, Your Majesty.”
I hurried away with the box in hand. Since I had obtained what I came for, the wisest course was to leave promptly when the Emperor dismissed me.
I spoke to the Eunuch Official who followed behind me.
“Pardon me, but may I ask a favor?”
“Please speak.”
“Please inform Bang Hyo-myeong Master that I will visit his residence tomorrow evening.”
I smiled as I spoke.
“As the successor who has demonstrated results, surely I should boast of my achievements, should I not?”
“Understood. I shall do so.”
“Thank you.”
When I returned to Chung-ui Hall, the group was ready to depart and waiting for me.
“You’re here?”
“Yes. Let’s go then.”
I had already informed Commander-in-Chief that I was heading out, so we could leave as planned.
The Geumui Guard members were in the middle of their training.
I left Chung-ui Hall and headed toward the Beijing Branch.
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.
.
Soon I arrived at the Beijing Branch.
“You’re here?”
“Yes. I’m back safely.”
I greeted those welcoming me and made my way to Eun Jung-ho.
“Brother!”
Eun Jung-ho, who had been hunched over documents in his office, broke into a bright smile the moment he saw me.
“You came!”
“Yeah. You must have had a rough time.”
“Phew, it was really tough. You must have had it hard too. It must have felt like walking on thin ice among the Geumui Guard.”
“Hmm? Not really.”
Ah, that’s right—Eun Jung-ho still didn’t know about the limited immunity.
I explained it to him.
“When I completed the mission the Emperor gave me before, I received limited immunity as a reward. That’s why the Geumui Guard can’t just arrest me.”
“…What?”
At my words, Eun Jung-ho burst out loudly.
“Hey! You bastard! You should have told me earlier! You made me worry for nothing!”
“It’s not something easy to just mention, and I didn’t really have the chance to bring it up.”
“Sigh….”
I smiled awkwardly as I watched Eun Jung-ho sigh and shake his head.
“Anyway, I’m back safe and sound, and I’ll work hard starting tomorrow.”
In times like these, I should try to appease my brother a bit.
“And let’s eat something delicious this evening. It’s on me. Let’s go out to eat with Elder Brother’s Wife, Geon-hyuk, and Bo-yeon.”
“…Get something expensive.”
“…Okay.”
It’s fortunate that I scheduled the promise with Bang Hyo-myeong Master for tomorrow.

After informing Eun Jung-ho of my arrival, I made my way to my quarters. Seo Hyang was waiting for me, as if she had known I would come.
“I’m back.”
“Welcome.”
“Yes.”
I smiled and spoke to her.
“Your advice was tremendously helpful. Thank you.”
“I’m glad I could be of service.”
It was then that Palgap asked.
“Young Master, what is that box?”
Ah! I should open this.
“It’s a reward bestowed by the Emperor.”
With those words, I placed the box on the tea table and carefully opened it.
“….”
What lay inside was….
“Is this a medicinal tonic?”
I picked up the red paper resting on top and unfolded it.
Just as before, it was a letter written directly by the Physician who had prepared this tonic.

[Eun Seo-ho, listen well—this is a fine tonic for men. I dare not write where it is beneficial, but truly, it is an excellent tonic for men. I have prepared it with your constitution in mind, so feel free to consume it without worry. And I offer my congratulations on your forthcoming marriage in advance. This tonic was prepared by imperial command, sparing no expense on precious medicinal ingredients, so whenever you drink it, remember the Emperor’s benevolence. Below are the instructions for preparing and consuming this tonic….]

I lowered the letter and looked at Seo Hyang.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Well, you see….”
Since this tonic was bestowed by the Emperor, I cannot ask anyone else to prepare it. Naturally, it must be Seo Hyang who brews it for me….
Too embarrassed to say this aloud, I silently handed the letter to Seo Hyang.
As Seo Hyang read the letter, her face grew increasingly flushed, and she stammered her response.
“Since the Emperor has graciously bestowed this tonic, I shall prepare it diligently for you.”
“Thank you.”
I looked up at the sky, and for some reason, I could almost see the Emperor smiling knowingly.
Why not simply give money instead?
The Eun Hae Trading Company specializes in medicinal ingredients, after all.
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That evening.
As promised, I set out with Eun Jung-ho’s family to a nearby tavern.
It was a tavern famous throughout Beijing for its delicious cuisine.
I had reserved the top floor in advance and ordered expensive, exquisite dishes.
A promise must be kept, after all.
“Wow! This looks delicious!”
The dining table was laden with such splendid dishes that Bo-yeon couldn’t help but exclaim in delight.
“I shall eat with gratitude!”
“Yes, eat well.”
Geon-hyuk spoke with dignified composure to Eun Jung-ho and his wife.
“Father, Mother. Please, eat first.”
“Very well.”
Eun Jung-ho picked up his chopsticks first, and only after his wife, I, and Seo Hyang had taken our food did Geon-hyuk and Bo-yeon finally lift their chopsticks.
Geon-hyuk and Bo-yeon were now seven years old and would soon turn eight.
I spoke to my brother.
“The children have such excellent manners.”
“Yes. We teach them etiquette thoroughly. Since they are precious and beloved to us, we want others to view our children with the same affection.”
His wife nodded with a smile.
“Exactly. One cannot dislike ill-mannered children in others while expecting people to tolerate and cherish ill-mannered behavior in one’s own offspring.”
“And for the children’s future prospects, behaving with courtesy is far more advantageous.”
That’s certainly true.
People naturally favor well-mannered children over unruly ones.
Moreover, it reflects the dignity of one’s household itself.
Eun Jung-ho and his wife gazed at the two children eating with contented smiles.
Their expressions were as if they possessed the entire world.
Could it be so wonderful?
Would I wear such an expression someday if I had children with Seo Hyang?
I cannot yet fathom such feelings.
“Ah, Elder Brother Jung-ho.”
“Yes?”
“After I finish handling this matter, I plan to depart for Hubei Province around mid-August.”
“Indeed, there will be much to prepare.”
Eun Jung-ho continued, glancing at Seo Hyang and me.
“We must meet with the family elders and local dignitaries.”
I nodded in agreement.
“That’s how it must be.”
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.
.
From the next day onward, I moved with purpose.
And the most important matter was to visit Bang Dae-in and report on my accomplishments in this affair.
Bang Dae-in was delighted upon hearing my account.
“Hahaha! You are truly my successor! My successor has humbled the Geumui Guards!”
It was hardly to that degree.
I would do well not to mention that it was Commander-in-Chief who advised me to inform Bang Dae-in promptly.
It was wise to have heeded Commander-in-Chief’s counsel. Bang Dae-in nearly took offense.
“On a fine day like this, we must have meat!”
Don’t you usually eat meat quite often?
“Seok Baek! Today it’s beef!”
Ah, beef—that’s a different matter entirely.
“Come over here. Do you have any idea how delicious beef tastes when grilled over charcoal?”
“May I join you?”
“Of course! Haha! Aren’t you my proud successor!”
“The beef is surprisingly tender.”
“It’s thanks to the meat mallet.”
Seok Baek So-i, Bang Dae-in’s attendant, spoke.
“While the aging technique matters, the meat mallet allows us to tenderize the meat beautifully.”
Be pleased, Palgap.
The device you developed is selling remarkably well.
Thanks to it, money was steadily accumulating in Palgap’s name at the Geumsan Money Exchange.
Hmm?
But with that much money, he should be able to easily buy Ha-hwa out of Gijuk, so why did he ask to borrow money from me?
Does Palgap not yet realize he’s a wealthy man?
In any case, that day I ate beef to my heart’s content.
And after diligently finishing my work, time had already slipped into mid-August.
Now it was time to head toward Hubei Province.
The night before departure.
I shared an evening meal alone with Eun Jung-ho.
“You’ll come down for the wedding, won’t you?”
At my question, my brother let out a soft laugh.
“You’re asking something obvious. If I don’t attend your wedding, I’ll never hear the end of it, and I can’t handle that.”
“Ah, brother!”
“So don’t worry. I’ll definitely come to your wedding.”
My brother spoke with a smile.
“Go on ahead. I’ll finish things up here and follow.”
“All right.”
Eun Jung-ho poured tea into my cup and spoke.
“You seem to have announced your wedding everywhere, but did you tell the League Master?”
“….”
I could only fall silent at those words.
“It seems you haven’t. Why not?”
“That’s….”
I could only let my words trail off.
Though I had met the League Master several times, I had no desire to visit him to announce my wedding.
In many ways, we were not people who could walk the same path.
Strictly speaking, I could call him an enemy.
But there was no way I could explain such things to Eun Jung-ho.
“It seems you have your reasons. I won’t ask what they are. But whether you intended it or not, you’ve formed a connection with the League Master.”
“….”
“However, if you don’t inform the League Master about your marriage, consider what he might think. You could invite trouble later because of it.”
Since his words held truth, I bit my lip.
“We are merchants, aren’t we? We should avoid trouble when we can, and exploit every advantage available to us.”
Yes, Eun Jung-ho was right.
No matter how awkward the relationship, he was among the most influential figures in the Murim today.
There was nothing to gain from making an enemy of him—I should use every advantage he offered.
Besides, there was a way to keep his attention diverted.
Thus my journey to Luoyang was decided.

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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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