The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 90

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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 Eunhae Trading Company – Chapter 90

Chapter 90. For My Aunt (2)

My uncle’s name was Hong Ram-cheon.
He was the Merchant Guild Leader who operated the Yeonjun Trading Company.
The former Merchant Lord of the Yeonjun Trading Company and my Grandfather were old friends, and I heard they had promised to arrange a marriage between their respective children.
Thus, my Aunt and Uncle came to be married.
My serious Uncle and my lively Aunt were surprisingly well-matched. Their harmony was quite good too.
My Aunt’s name was Eun Hee.
It meant joy, and her spirited nature matched the name perfectly.
Standing beside my Uncle and Aunt were Seon-il Elder Brother and Seon-mi.
Seon-il Elder Brother was twenty-one this year, and Seon-mi was two years younger than me at fifteen.
She grew more beautiful with each passing day.
“It seems you’ve been doing well.”
“You must have endured quite a journey, Father-in-law. Welcome.”
“Welcome home, Father.”
My Grandfather exchanged greetings with my Aunt’s family, and I did the same.
“But who are these children?”
In response to my Aunt’s question, I answered quickly.
“They are apprentices of our trading company. Gwak Hyung-jin and Seok Il-song.”
Both bowed respectfully.
“They are receiving instruction from Yu Chief Manager. When I heard that Seon-il Elder Brother had passed the civil examination, I thought they might be inspired to dedicate themselves even more to their studies, so I brought them along.”
“Ah, so these are the young men mentioned in the letter I received from Older Brother Kil-sang.”
Seon-il Elder Brother’s expression brightened.
“Tell me, how old are you?”
In response to his question, Gwak Hyung-jin and Seok Il-song answered.
“Fifteen.”
“I am as well.”
“And what of your scholarly achievements?”
“We are both studying the Book of Documents.”
“The Book of Documents at that age?”
Seon-il Elder Brother’s eyes sparkled with interest. Now that his attention was entirely focused on them, he would have no tedious remarks for me.
That was precisely why I had brought them along.
But this trip to Beijing would only benefit Gwak Hyung-jin and Seok Il-song—there was nothing to lose.
When interests align, all conversation becomes enjoyable.
.
.
.
The banquet was the day after tomorrow.
Though we were holding a celebration for my success in the provincial examination, we couldn’t make it too grand since the imperial examination still lay ahead of us.
We had to remain cautious in all matters.
So we invited only close relatives to the banquet. Even so, those preparing for it couldn’t help but be busy.
But it was my Uncle and Aunt who were occupied with the preparations—Seon-il Elder Brother and Seon-mi had little to do.
My Grandfather said he was tired and retired to his chamber, while my Uncle and Aunt were too busy to remain in the Guest Reception Room.
Thus, only I, Gwak Hyung-jin, Seok Il-song, Seon-il Elder Brother, and Seon-mi remained in the Guest Reception Room.
“So, what are your thoughts on this matter, young master?”
“Wow! Is that so? I’ve been curious about that….”
“Then what does it mean that a master who has attained the Way possesses no self?”
“In my view….”
“Remarkable.”
“Your insight is astounding.”
“Remarkable, perhaps, but the world holds far more wondrous people than I. More to the point, to possess such insight at your age! I’m the one who’s astonished.”
“Not at all.”
“You’re too kind.”
Teaching such talents of the Realm! I envy your master.”
Seon-il Elder Brother’s expression was filled with genuine envy.
“I may not be your master, but would you allow me to be your elder brother instead? Would you become my younger brothers?”
“How could we possibly….”
“Is that acceptable?”
The two of them turned their gazes toward me, asking silently if it was alright.
I met their eyes.
They seemed pleased.
I smiled softly and spoke.
“If you’re comfortable with it, then it’s fine. Do as you wish.”
Once I gave my consent, the two of them quickly bowed respectfully.
“Then, young master, we shall regard the great one as our elder brother.”
“I too shall regard you as my elder brother.”
The three of them discussed the classics and became kindred spirits.
For some reason, I could see the shadows of Yu Chief Manager and the Grand Patriarch of the Jegal Family in them.
.
.
.
The day of the banquet arrived.
“Hahaha! Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“You have a truly remarkable son.”
“He is indeed my pride. Hahaha.”
My uncle’s face was radiant with joy.
Seon-il Elder Brother had begun preparing for the civil service examination partly because my elder brother favored it, but it was also my uncle’s deepest wish.
Though the current Emperor’s policies promoting commerce and industry had lessened it somewhat, merchants and master craftsmen remained a disparaged class.
To those with even a modicum of education, they appeared as vulgar money-grubbers obsessed with profit.
Such prejudice seemed petty to me.
In Beijing, where officials congregated, this tendency ran even stronger.
Thus, my uncle and his ancestors had endured considerable humiliation over the years, though they bore it quietly.
When my uncle perceived scholarly talent in Seon-il Elder Brother, he seized the opportunity to dispel that sorrow by providing him with a classical education.
As a result, at the remarkably young age of twenty-one, Seon-il Elder Brother had fulfilled my uncle’s cherished dream.
Observing this touching scene, I made my way toward the banquet hall.
It was then that I overheard a conversation between some of the guests.
Though the gathering was primarily composed of family members, we could hardly exclude close acquaintances from the vicinity.
Consequently, several merchants active in Beijing had also been invited.
“How wonderful this is.”
“Indeed, it is.”
“But I’ve heard that Seon-il Prince possesses such exceptional talent that he might even aspire to the top honor?”
“Is that so?”
“I have an acquaintance among the officials of the Ministry of Rites, and he mentioned it to me.”
“Oh!”
I tilted my head at this exchange.
Talent worthy of pursuing the top honor?
From what I recalled, Seon-il Elder Brother had placed in the lower ranks during the final examination, let alone achieving the top honor.
Yet even that result had filled my uncle with pride.
Now that I think about it…
It seemed that Seon-il Elder Brother’s enthusiasm, once so evident in all his endeavors, had vanished after taking that final examination.

The banquet had ended, but I couldn’t return immediately.
I hadn’t yet received a response to the report I’d submitted to the Emperor.
I observed Gwak Hyung-jin and Seok Il-song.
They were beginning to show signs of boredom.
It was hardly surprising—they’d been confined to my Aunt’s House this entire time.
“You two.”
“Yes?”
“Did you call for us?”
“How about we go out for dinner this evening?”
“Sir? You mean go out?”
“We’ve come all this way to Beijing—we might as well explore the Marketplace Street while we’re here.”
At my words, Gwak Hyung-jin and Seok Il-song’s faces brightened considerably.
“Truly?”
“Are we really going to see Beijing’s Marketplace Street?”
“Yes.”
I took the two of them, Palgap, and the Yeo Vice-Commander out to the Marketplace Street.
The two were too busy gawking wide-eyed at Beijing’s magnificent sights to notice anything else.
They looked exactly like typical country bumpkins.
But the fact that no one approached them with ill intent was thanks to the Guard Warrior standing behind me.
After we’d finished our sightseeing and evening approached, we entered an inn.
The Three-Story Pavilion Restaurant specialized in roasted duck, and I remembered it being quite delicious.
In my previous life, this place had been one of my regular establishments.
The fact that the taste hadn’t changed despite being passed down through generations suggested the son had learned the craft well from his father.
“Welcome.”
“Bring us three varieties of oven-roasted duck and five-color dumplings.”
“Understood. What tea would you prefer?”
“Your recommendation.”
“Very well.”
The Shop Attendant soon brought the tea first.
Upon tasting it, the fragrant aroma identified it as jasmine tea.
Indeed, jasmine tea was the finest complement to rich dishes.
As we made conversation, the dumplings arrived first. After eating a dumpling or two, the duck dishes emerged.
The glossy, caramel-colored duck looked appetizing at first glance.
“Allow me to carve the duck for you.”
The Shop Attendant took the duck and skillfully carved it before us, arranging the pieces on a plate.
The graceful movements as he sliced the tender meat and arranged it on the plate were a spectacle in themselves.
In moments, all the edible portions of the duck were thinly sliced and neatly arranged on the plate.
The remaining bones would be made into broth.
And when noodles are added to that broth….
My mouth watered at the thought.
“Please enjoy your meal.”
The Shop Attendant spoke respectfully as he placed the dish in the center of the table. I addressed everyone.
“Shall we eat then?”
“Thank you for the meal.”
As I ate the duck, I watched Gwak Hyung-jin and Seok Il-song. Seeing them eat with such enthusiasm warmed my heart.
Ah, so this is the kind of taste that makes one want to provide meals?
After finishing our meal, as I was returning to my Aunt’s House, I spotted a familiar face.
Hmm? It’s Seon-il Elder Brother?
But he wasn’t alone—he was with several young men who appeared to be his age.
What?
My expression hardened in an instant. One of the people with Seon-il Elder Brother was someone I recognized.
His name was Du-jin.
He was the son of the Ja-yeong Merchant Guild Leader and would later become the one who led the Ja-yeong Merchant Guild.
Despite being the fifth son with a succession rank far down the line, he had become the Merchant Guild Leader.
It would later be revealed that he had received backing from the Murim Alliance since his youth. In other words, he had become the Merchant Guild Leader through the power of the Murim Alliance.
The Ja-yeong Merchant Guild was used as a puppet organization of the Murim Alliance, and the Murim Alliance eventually abandoned it after using it.
But that was more than twenty years in the future.
Still, it was certain that Du-jin Prince had aligned himself with the Murim Alliance.
But why was he there?
Something felt unsettling.
I felt I should investigate.
I spoke to the Yeo Eung-am Warrior.
“Take the others and return home.”
“What are you suddenly saying?”
Naturally, Palgap objected to my words.
“I think I can entrust the children to you with peace of mind.”
“Is that so? Then I understand.”
After sending them to my Aunt’s House, I spoke to the Lee Pil Warrior.
“There is somewhere I need to go with you.”
I purchased a bamboo hat nearby and had Lee Pil wear it.
I took out my fan.
This implement prevented others from recognizing my concealed face. Now I finally had use for it.
This fan had a name, though I couldn’t quite recall it.
As I pondered, I simply gave it a name of my own.
Face-Veil Fan.
It meant a fan that conceals one’s face.
Direct names are always the best.
I followed Seon-il Elder Brother and his group into the establishment they entered.
It was a quite lavishly decorated tavern.
There happened to be an empty room right next to where Seon-il Elder Brother sat, so I took a seat there and concentrated my inner energy on my ears to listen.
And I overheard what they were discussing.
“Congratulations on passing the civil service examination.”
“Thank you.”
“So one of the Seven Jewels of Beijing is becoming an Imperial Palace official?”
“Right? Haha.”
The Seven Jewels of Beijing…
Seven precious gems of Beijing.
Now that I think about it, including Seon-il Elder Brother, that makes seven of us.
Without realizing it, goosebumps rose on my arms, and I rubbed them.
“Are you cold?”
At Lee Pil Warrior’s question, I shook my head.
“No, I’m fine.”
Then the Shop Attendant placed wine and appetizers before me and withdrew.
Various conversations continued.
Just then, Seon-il Elder Brother came out of the room, apparently needing to use the privy, and Du-jin Prince followed after him.
I instinctively sensed that I needed to hear their conversation.
So I told Lee Pil Warrior to remain seated for a moment, then quickly approached them.
Of course, I suppressed my presence completely.
Because Lee Pil Warrior knew of my abilities, he allowed me to go alone without protest.
Shortly after, they met beneath a tree near the tavern.
“Seon-il, shall we talk?”
At Du-jin Prince’s words, Seon-il Elder Brother replied.
“What do you want to discuss? If it’s something that must be said when we’re alone, I’d rather not hear it.”
Indeed, Seon-il Elder Brother was a man of the merchant world.
He sensed this was not a pleasant matter.
“No, it’s something you must hear, for your own sake.”
“…What is it?”
“On your examination answer sheet this time, write a different name.”
“What are you talking about? Write a different name?”
Seon-il Elder Brother’s brow furrowed deeply.
And for good reason.
I too was shocked by what I’d just heard, so how much more must Seon-il Elder Brother, the one directly involved, be reeling.
“There is someone I serve. That person needs to place someone in the Imperial Palace. And with excellent examination results at that.”
“…”
“That’s why I need your help.”
Du-jin Prince smiled.
“If you help that person, they will greatly benefit your Yeonjun Trading Company. But if you refuse, they will destroy the Yeonjun Trading Company in an instant.”
“…”
“You’re my old friend, so I couldn’t bear to watch your family’s ruin. That’s why I’m trying to persuade you.”
“…”
“Seon-il, what you truly need is the honor of having a civil service examination passer emerge from a merchant family. The actual exam is merely a means to determine rankings. Even if your scores fall short, you can still become an official and bring glory to your household.”
“…But that would be cheating.”
“Yes, it would be cheating.”
“Are you asking me to help you cheat? Honestly, I don’t even desire wealth or an estate. How can you ask me to abandon my conscience?”
“Is your conscience really worth more than watching your entire family crumble to ruin?”

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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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