The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 731

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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 731

Chapter 731. Wedding Preparations (3)

We each washed and changed into fresh clothes.
After waiting briefly in our room, Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master came to fetch us.
“Please follow me. I shall escort you.”
We followed her deeper into the estate.
Normally, when guests arrived, meetings took place in the Guest Reception Room, but we ventured further inside.
The place we arrived at was somewhere I had visited before.
Previously, I had been invited by the Grand Patriarch, and in this very room, he and Yu So-ak Chief Manager had exchanged poetry.
Having little interest in poetry, I had found it tedious.
Yet thanks to that occasion, I had managed to save the Grand Patriarch’s life from poisoning.
Entering this place again stirred memories of that time, and I felt an odd sensation wash over me.
Soon, the Grand Patriarch and House Master came into view.
“Grandfather, Father. The Merchant Guild Leader of the Eun Hae Trading Company, the Great Swordmaster of Seon Hyeop Mi-rang and his lady, and Yu Chief Manager and his lady have arrived.”
“Welcome! Come in, come in!”
The Grand Patriarch greeted us with a hearty laugh.
He still appeared vigorous and healthy.
We bowed respectfully and took our seats before him.
Soon, a Maidservant in charge of tea service brought the tea.
Now that I thought about it, the Jegal Family also operated a separate establishment for handling tea, just like our Eun Hae Trading Company.
The Grand Patriarch gazed at us with a pleased expression.
“What a perfectly matched pair you are.”
“Thank you.”
“And to think Seon Hyeop Mi-rang is already getting married! How time flies.”
“Indeed, it does.”
Even as we exchanged these pleasantries, that peculiar feeling did not fade.
Perhaps it was because the Jegal Family from my previous life no longer existed in this world.
Of course, there were surviving descendants like Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master, but since they no longer bore the Jegal name, it was effectively the same as clan annihilation.
I had twisted the fate of a family as prominent as the Jegal Family, and I was curious about their future path and how Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master’s life had changed.
But I did not let such thoughts show and spoke instead.
“You must take good care of your health. After all, you should be there to see the Minor Clan Master’s wedding, should you not?”
“Ha ha ha. That is certainly true.”
The House Master spoke from beside him.
“Speaking of which, we have decided to hold a martial arts tournament at the Main House this autumn.”
“Is that so? A martial arts tournament?”
A martial arts tournament was an event where one enjoyed a banquet while watching martial demonstrations, but regardless, a champion always emerged from such competitions.
“A martial arts tournament to find Yu A’s husband.”
Hup!
I nearly spat out my tea in that instant.
“What do you mean? A martial arts tournament to find the Small Patriarch’s groom?”
Given her position as Small Patriarch, I had assumed she would arrange a strategic marriage with an appropriate family, but a martial arts tournament to find a husband…
At this, Jegal Yu-ah, the Small Patriarch, offered an explanation from beside me.
“I would prefer my husband to be stronger than myself.”
The Jegal Family, known as the Divine Jegal.
For such a prestigious clan to undertake something of this magnitude, there must surely be reasons beyond what she had just stated.
“I must certainly attend and observe.”
After our conversation concluded, the Grand Patriarch spoke with Yu So-ak Internal Chief Manager.
He seemed to welcome Yu So-ak Internal Chief Manager more warmly than myself, but from my perspective, that was rather welcome indeed.
Sip.
Ah, this tea is truly delicious.
I had been too focused on the conversation to properly savor this exquisite tea and the beautiful scenery, but now was my chance.
– Father.
I called to my father through a secret transmission.
– You’ll be conversing with Chief Manager Yu for at least an hour or more, so please take a moment to rest and enjoy your tea.
At my words, Father smiled and raised his teacup to his lips.

That evening.
The Jegal Family held a banquet in our honor.
While enjoying the festivities, I stepped outside the banquet hall for a moment to get some fresh air.
And I sensed someone following me.
Why would he be here?
“The wind carries the chill of autumn—it seems the season has truly arrived.”
“Indeed.”
“I mentioned to you before, did I not? About the letter that Yi Mok-yi left for me.”
“Yes.”
The one who had followed me out and spoken was the Jegal Family’s Grand Patriarch.
And I also knew who this Yi Mok-yi he spoke of was.
He was my Master’s father, and the previous Seolpung Palace Master was called Yi Mok-yi.
“And when the Changin Escort Agency began its escort business in Hubei Province, I came to realize that fate had granted me the opportunity to fulfill an old friend’s request.”
The Grand Patriarch continued.
“I had never seen that man’s son, nor did I know where he had gone.”
Ah… yes, that made sense.
It is quite difficult for someone from a foreign land to establish themselves in a new place.
Unfamiliar customs and culture are challenging enough, but there is always the matter of local prejudice.
However, if the most powerful figure in that region were to offer protection, things would be entirely different.
I nodded in understanding.
“It was thanks to the Grand Patriarch’s assistance that Master was able to establish himself here safely. I offer my gratitude on Master’s behalf.”
At my words, the Grand Patriarch chuckled softly.
“All I did was provide work to the Changin Escort Agency.”
“Surely that alone was considerable help?”
“That’s embarrassing to hear from you. What I gave the Changin Escort Agency is nothing compared to what you’ve done.”
“I haven’t really done much….”
“Hahaha.”
The Grand Patriarch laughed softly at my words.
“You jest well.”
“Pardon?”
“Who is the primary trading partner for the Eun Hae Trading Company’s merchant caravans currently?”
“The Changin Escort Agency.”
“Do you realize how much the Eun Hae Trading Company has grown since you took the forefront? And the Changin Escort Agency has experienced explosive growth alongside it. I hear you’ve even established the Northern Sea Territory recently?”
“Ah….”
I scratched my cheek awkwardly.
Now that I thought about it, the Escort Agency had indeed expanded considerably.
“That’s why I wanted to express my gratitude. For looking after the Changin Escort Agency in my stead.”
I simply smiled without responding.
Of course I had to look after it.
The Changin Escort Agency was founded by the survivors of Seolpung Palace, and I am the Lesser Palace Mistress of Seolpung Palace.
.
.
.
The next day.
We departed from the Jegal Family Estate.
I would have preferred to stay a few more days, but there were still many people I needed to meet.
“Sigh, I don’t recall making so many courtesy visits when Eun Jung-ho and Jin-ho got married.”
Father laughed at my words.
“Why? Is it exhausting?”
“It’s not exhausting.”
“Haha, what can we do about it now? This is all your karma.”
Father continued speaking.
“Isn’t it tiring for me too, given how much you’ve meddled in affairs here and there?”
Even as he chided me, his expression appeared quite delighted.
For a merchant, connections are power, after all.
I wonder if Jin-ho has returned yet?
He’s taking longer than expected.
.
.
.
That evening.
We arrived at the Eun Hae Trading Company Hubei Headquarters.
I was finally home.
“You must be exhausted.”
“Not at all. Compared to traveling across the entire Empire with the Small Guild Master, this is merely a pleasant outing.”
“I suppose that’s true enough.”
I descended from the carriage first and extended my hand to help Seo Hyang down.
“Welcome back.”
Those waiting at the Cha-jang greeted us warmly, and we exchanged pleasantries as we made our way inside.
Fortunately, I would be able to share this evening’s meal with everyone.
However, Eun Jin-ho had not yet returned.

* * *

At that very moment.
Eun Jin-ho exhaled a heavy sigh.
And for good reason—he had encountered an enormous obstacle.

He was in the midst of a trading expedition to Fujian Province, selling grain and purchasing Wuyi Rock tea.
The transaction had concluded successfully, and under normal circumstances, he should have arrived in Hubei Province by now, but a problem had emerged.
It was the rain.
He had known that Fujian Province received considerable rainfall during this season, but there was nothing to be done about it.
The sudden surge in demand for Wuyi Rock tea had depleted their inventory, forcing them to stay longer than anticipated.
“The rain has stopped.”
“We must depart immediately while we have the chance.”
The members of Eun Hae Trading Company and those from Changin Escort Agency moved with urgency and set out.
To miss this window would be to find themselves hopelessly stranded.
After traveling for roughly two days, the rain suddenly began pouring down again that afternoon.
Though they had packed the tea with considerable care to protect it from moisture, there were limits to such precautions.
The rain fell as if poured from a vast pitcher.
“The merchandise is one concern, but at this rate, we could be in genuine danger.”
Being in Fujian Province, the weather was not cold enough to freeze them to death, but prolonged exposure to such rain posed a serious risk.
“We must find shelter soon….”
Eun Jin-ho gazed up at the sky.
“Damn it!”
What he cursed was not the heavens themselves, but rather his own judgment.
He felt the weight of self-reproach for not waiting longer at the inn, even if it meant arriving late.
Perhaps it was the anxiety of potentially missing his younger brother Eun Seo-ho’s wedding ceremony.
Yet if Eun Seo-ho were to see him now, he would surely scold him, saying “Brother, are you an idiot?”
He suddenly recalled the memory of that distant day when he was first permitted to meet the newborn Eun Seo-ho.
The times when he had smiled at me.
Even after becoming an adult, I had received considerable help from him on several occasions.
When I went missing, when he helped me obtain the elixir for my wife, and even in arranging my marriage to her.
‘Ah, at least Hongryeo’s name wasn’t given by Seo-ho, which was fortunate.’
In any case, that was precisely why I wanted to witness Eun Seo-ho’s wedding ceremony with my own eyes.
It was then.
“Stop!”
“Everyone, halt!”
The Head of Changin Escort Agency, who was traveling with us, suddenly brought everyone to a standstill.
“What is the matter?”
“The rapids in the valley have made passage impossible.”
The rain had swollen the waters, and the mountain valley had become a raging torrent, cutting off the path entirely.
As they say, mountains upon mountains—another predicament had befallen us.
“This is troublesome!”
“What shall we do?”
Eun Jin-ho, the de facto leader of the merchant caravan, and the Head of Changin Escort Agency found themselves lost in deliberation.
Then, a voice suddenly rang out.
“Please step back. The rapids are growing stronger by the moment.”
At this, they started in alarm and grew wary of their surroundings.
The presence had not registered clearly to their senses until now.
Soon, someone stood before them who had appeared without warning, and peculiarly, some strands of hair flowing from beneath a bamboo hat were blue in color.
One of the escort masters cried out upon seeing this.
“A, a Tal-myeong Guest!”
At this, he pouted his lips and spoke.
“When did I abandon that name? Why do you still call me that?”
“Ah….”
The embarrassed escort master wore an awkward expression.
“In any case, please step back from here. The water is rising now. If you do not retreat at once, you will be swept away by the rapids.”
“Thank you for the warning.”
Eun Jin-ho had everyone retreat backward.
It was then that Tal-myeong Guest—or rather, the one who had been called by that name before—introduced himself.
“My name is Woo Gyeok.”
“I am Eun Jin-ho, Small Guild Master of Eun Hae Trading Company.”
“Ah!”
At this, Woo Gyeok’s eyes widened.
“I thought I had seen that emblem somewhere before, and it was Eun Hae Trading Company!”
He asked warmly.
“Then, do you perhaps know Seonhyeop Mirang?”
“Of course.”
Eun Jin-ho answered with pride.
“He’s my younger brother. Now that I think about it, I heard that you once made a wager with my brother regarding the name Seon Hyeop Mi-rang.”
“Haha, that was quite embarrassing. Still, thanks to that connection from back then, I was able to find my Master, who had gone missing.”
He laughed awkwardly and changed the subject.
“But what brings you to this place? Looking at the sky, it seems the rain will take quite some time to stop.”
“Well, that is…”
Eun Jin-ho explained the situation from beginning to end with an uncomfortable expression.
“What! Is that truly the case? The wedding of Seon Hyeop Mi-rang, the Great Hero?”
“Indeed. So in our haste, we ended up in this predicament.”
“I see. In any case, please follow me. It would be best if you stayed at our main compound for a while before continuing.”
Thus, Eun Jin-ho and his party followed Woo Gyeok, and before long, they arrived at a sect.
[Cheong Young Moon]
It was a sect of considerable scale.
Eun Jin-ho felt as though he had been bewitched by a ghost.
Such a large building had been so close, yet he hadn’t seen it at all.
“To think such a grand sect existed in this place—how remarkable!”
Yet he expressed his amazement straightforwardly, as was his nature, and Woo Gyeok responded.
“That is due to the martial arts characteristics of our main compound. As you know, our sect’s martial arts are those of illusion swordsmanship.”
“I see.”
Soon they entered the sect grounds.
Thanks to the abundance of large buildings, the merchandise could be stored without getting wet.
And with a considerable number of servants and maidservants to handle chores, they received their help in washing with warm water and changing into dry clothes.
“Pardon me, Small Guild Master.”
“Yes?”
“My Master requests that you join him for a meal.”
At Woo Gyeok’s words, Eun Jin-ho nodded readily.
“Having received such help, it is only proper that I pay my respects.”
Eun Jin-ho and the Head of Changin Escort Agency followed Woo Gyeok inward.
Upon seeing the person seated before the dining table, they bowed respectfully.
“I am Eun Jin-ho, Small Guild Master of Eun Hae Trading Company.”
“I am Im Jeon, Head of Changin Escort Agency.”
“We are grateful for your assistance in our difficult situation.”
“I am the Sect Leader of Cheong Young Moon. It is said that all seas are one path. Moreover, to be able to aid the blood relative of the Great Hero Seon Hyeop Mi-rang is heaven’s blessing.”
After exchanging greetings, they began their meal.
Then Woo Gyeok spoke.
“I did not receive an invitation, but if it would not be an imposition, might I also accompany you to celebrate the wedding of the Great Hero Seon Hyeop Mi-rang?”
“Of course. In truth, we only sent invitations to a few important individuals, not to others. That means anyone who wishes to come is welcome.”
Eun Jin-ho continued.
“However, since we don’t know when the rain will stop… I worry that by the time we arrive in Hubei Province, the ceremony may already be over.”
At this, Woo Gyeok grinned widely.
“Do not worry about that. There is a shortcut path that allows us to bypass the valley you were trying to cross earlier.”
“That’s fortunate. Then, might I trouble you for directions?”
Woo Gyeok nodded.
“Of course. I’ll accompany you and show you the way. And I’d like to prepare a gift to celebrate the wedding, but what does Seonhyeop Mirang prefer?”
When it came to what Eun Seo-ho enjoyed, Eun Jin-ho could answer with complete confidence.
“Money.”

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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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