The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 107

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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 Nakhyang Jin Family — Chapter 107

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Jin Ga-muk, the Family Head of the Nakhyang Jin Family, had four children.
Among them, Jin Ga-ryang, the eldest, had shown a talent for commerce from childhood, and had solidified his position as the presumed Young Master So amid great expectations.
This was before Jin Cheon-u was born, but at that time, no one doubted that Jin Ga-ryang would become the Young Master So.
That Jin Ga-ryang was now confined to his own office.
With hollow eyes, he reviewed documents stacked like mountains, brushing his seal on each one, and whenever drowsiness and fatigue threatened to overwhelm him, he drank medicinal broths brought by the maids to persevere.
“…Damn that youngest brother….”
Jin Ga-ryang recalled his younger brother with tears welling in his eyes.
The moment he returned from the long trade expedition to the Western Regions, he found himself locked away.
All of it was work that the Young Master So should have been handling, yet for some reason, the youngest had not touched any of it.
He had heard from the Chief Administrator that the youngest had been too busy managing the aftermath of what transpired at Sega.
But even so, this mountain of accumulated documents meant the youngest had not touched them at all.
The one who had overlooked this was undoubtedly Father, Jin Ga-muk.
Jin Ga-ryang gripped his brush tightly, veins bulging at his temples.
“Father is… far too lenient with the youngest. That’s the problem.”
It was undeniable that he had been born with talent that overshadowed his siblings from childhood.
Because of that, he had captivated the Elders in an instant and claimed the position of Young Master So.
Moreover, there were many special privileges granted only to Jin Cheon-u.
Wherever one went, places called Yun Ryong could be used for free, and even if one took a little money from there, no one said a word.
But what of himself and the others?
Like ordinary people, they paid to use such places.
Though the amount they paid was roughly half, it seemed a clear distinction had been made between the Young Master So and those who were not.
Look even further.
The residences of Jin Ga-ryang and his other siblings were large but not ornate—the sort of ordinary dwellings one could see anywhere.
But Jin Cheon-u?
Befitting his status as Young Master So, his residence was splendid, grand, and beautiful.
It was a discrimination that made one understand why his uncle had not remained in Nakhyang but gone to Beijing, and why he had schemed to become the Family Head even after leaving.
If one received such privileges, then surely——
“One should at least do the work!”
Jin Ga-ryang threw down his brush with a harsh shout.
In truth, it was not the privileges themselves that angered him.
The greatest problem was that the Young Master So, who should be leading the Nakhyang Jin Family, was not working.
And Father, who shielded that Jin Cheon-u from criticism.
Himself, shouldering all of that man’s duties.
Jin Ga-ryang ground his teeth and could only lament his fate.
Then.
The commotion outside grew oddly pronounced.
Furrowing my brow, I turned my gaze toward the window and caught sight of maids and servants scurrying about in haste, heading somewhere with urgency.
It was then that I heard the familiar voice of a servant.
“Young Master!”
“What is it?”
“Young Master So has returned.”
“What?!”
At those words, Jin Ga-ryang sprang to his feet.
Now, hope bloomed that he might finally be liberated from this hellish work.
And he resolved that he would certainly have words about it.

* * *

The massive gates of the Nakhyang Jin Family swung wide open as the carriage rolled through.
Listening to the rhythmic clatter, I gazed out the window and saw the household staff of Sega hastening outside, bowing their heads in reverence.
It was as though witnessing the return of a king.
“How burdensome…”
“Indeed… Why are they all like this?”
“Perhaps because of what happened in Beijing? You caused quite a stir, but it ultimately benefited Sega. They’re showing their respect.”
At Chaeseoha’s words, I let out an incredulous snort.
It was inconceivable that they would turn out in such grand fashion for merely one such deed.
Unless someone had orchestrated it.
I regarded those gathered ahead with a skeptical gaze.
Familiar faces stood assembled around Father.
Guard Commander Baek Ja-hyeon, Chief Administrator Yu Hyeon, and even the Elders—rarely seen in public.
It seemed the Elders had orchestrated this situation.
Father had simply consented to it.
I could tell from the contented smile playing across his face.
I clicked my tongue and withdrew my gaze.
Soon the carriage came to a halt and the door opened.
Stepping down first and looking ahead, I saw Father beaming with a broad smile.
“My apologies. Pressing matters delayed my return until now.”
“Ha ha, no matter. I have already heard from His Majesty of what you accomplished in Beijing. Splendid work. You have saved the Jin Family.”
“You are too kind with your praise.”
“Heh heh heh—too kind? If anything, my praise falls short of what is due. Tell me, Young Master So. How exactly did you win over His Majesty?”
Upon hearing those words, I grasped a singular truth.
The Current Emperor who ascended during my absence seems to have taken quite a liking to me.
Otherwise, such words would never have been spoken.
I shook my head with a respectful gesture.
“One cannot win over someone of His Majesty’s stature through mere flattery. I simply spoke the truth.”
“Haha, that’s precisely my assessment as well. Your discerning eye truly sets you apart.”
Father gazed at me with a pleased expression and nodded approvingly.
Though my younger brother’s head had been severed in that ordeal, Father prioritized the security and prosperity of the Nakhyang Jin Family above all else.
One might call it cold-hearted, yet if the Nakhyang Jin Family were to falter, the livelihoods of countless people would crumble beyond imagination.
Father, true to his merchant’s nature, had chosen the latter.
His heart surely ached, yet he forced himself to smile with composure—unwilling to reveal even a hint of his own wavering resolve.
Then.
Oh—
A sudden exclamation rippled through the crowd, and all eyes turned toward a single point.
Following their gaze, I saw Chaeseoha descend from the carriage with a radiant smile, taking her place beside me.
“It has been a long time, Family Head.”
“…Long time? Do I know you? I don’t recall ever meeting you before…?”
Father tilted his head in bewilderment, and Chaeseoha offered a bitter smile in response.
Recognizing that no one could possibly believe her past self and present self were the same person, she steadied her breath and spoke with careful deliberation.
“I am So-ha. Chaeseoha. Have I changed so much?”
“What?! You mean the Physician Chaeseoha? Is it truly you?!”
“Ah yes, that’s correct.”
Father’s eyes, widened in astonishment, barely settled. The same held true for everyone else present—even those who boasted of having witnessed countless women found Chaeseoha’s current appearance utterly shocking.
Observing their reactions, Chaeseoha gestured toward Namgung Baek and Namgung Yeon standing behind her.
“This is Namgung Yeon, who has become my escort. And this gentleman is Namgung Baek, who will serve as my servant in place of Chu Hyeongi.”
“Namgung?”
“What?! Did you say Namgung?”
“Good heavens.”
Though the Namgung clan had fallen into decline, their former prestige remained known to all.
The elderly Elders, having grown up hearing tales of the Namgung despite their decline, understandably displayed their shock.
The Elders stared intently at the two, whispering among themselves.
They were undoubtedly discussing the stories they had heard of the Namgung.
“An escort and a servant? Surely you made this decision knowing they are Namgung?”
“Of course. I see no particular issue with it.”
“Hmm.”
Father’s gaze sharpened as it fixed upon the two.
His eyes resembled those of a merchant appraising merchandise.
Father studied them expressionlessly before a faint smile played at the corners of his mouth. He then turned his attention to Namgung Baek and spoke.
“You once worked at the Cheonhyang Seal Bureau, did you not?”
“Ah, yes. Well, rather than as a seal courier proper, I assisted the seal couriers with odd tasks a few times.”
“Indeed, I recall seeing you there once or twice.”
Father stroked his beard thoughtfully.
After a moment of contemplation, a knowing smile crossed his face, and he turned his gaze toward me.
“Send that young man not as a servant, but as a seal courier.”
“Send that child as Pyosa, not as a Servant.”
“Pyosa… are you saying?”
“Besides, Young Master Pyo Du mentioned he was short-handed, so it would be helpful. Would it not?”
“Yes, Family Head. I will nurture him well.”
Yang Jachun, having read Father’s thoughts, stepped forward and bowed his head.
Soon after, he approached Namgung Yeon with a subtle gesture.
As if beckoning him to follow.
As the situation unfolded differently than expected, the bewildered fellow widened his eyes and looked toward me—a gaze that seemed to be seeking help.
I simply ignored it.
If Father had decided to use him as a Pyosa, there must be good reason for it.
Moreover, the position of Pyosa offered better monthly wages than that of a servant, and there would be much more to learn.
Though I could not discern his complete thoughts, the fact that Yang Jachun had been directly designated suggested that Namgung Yeon was being groomed as his successor.
Since Father had witnessed him working as a Pyosa at the Cheonhyang Seal Bureau, it was clear he had discovered something worthy of his attention there.
In any case, it seemed he had done quite a variety of work.
I let out an incredulous laugh.
“Ah, my apologies. We have taken up far too much of your time. You must be exhausted—go rest now. We can catch up properly another time.”
“Understood.”
I excused myself from the adults with proper courtesy and rose from my seat.
Only then did everyone’s tension ease, their shoulders relaxing.
Jang Chuchyeong, in particular, who knew the Elders’ temperaments well, seemed even more relieved. Fearing he might have been scolded, he had been nervously sweating profusely, which was quite unlike him.
As I entered the Annex, we all dispersed silently to our respective rooms.
It seemed no one had the energy left for conversation.
The journey had been that long.
Only Gu Gunbaek was different.
Whistling cheerfully, he was heading somewhere—apparently intending to drink with Father and Baek Ja-hyeon.
Without thinking, I shook my head and turned my gaze away.
It was then that I noticed Namgung Yeon standing there vacantly.
“Ah, that’s right. I had forgotten.”
“I would be grateful if you did not forget.”
“This is my residence, and empty rooms are scattered throughout. Feel free to use any room that suits you.”
“Truly… is that really acceptable?”
At his cautious words, I nodded.
After all, this was my residence that no one visited.
No one would complain about one more person occupying an unused room.
“Cheon-u—! Jin Cheon-u, you bastard—!”
It was then that a booming voice rang out from outside.
In that instant, I instinctively grabbed my head and gestured urgently to Namgung Yeon to go inside. As I hurried back out of the Annex, I saw someone rushing toward me in a frenzy.
I simply observed the sight.
Vacant eyes and a haggard complexion.
Gone was the usual neat appearance—judging by the disheveled hair and wrinkled clothes alone, it seemed he had barely managed to bathe, let alone change his garments.
His appearance was such that anyone could tell he had gone without sleep for several nights.
Who would look at the Evaluator and call him the eldest son of the Nakhyang Jin Family?
His appearance was so disheveled I nearly failed to recognize him myself.
It appeared that Yu Hyeon, who had been managing my affairs in my absence, had eagerly thrust work upon Jin Ga-ryang the moment he returned.
Moreover, while Father was away in Beijing, Jin Ga-ryang would have been managing the Family Head’s duties in his stead—sleep and grooming would have been unimaginable luxuries.
He must have relied on medicinal broths just as Father does.
I found myself offering a bitter smile, scratching my cheek.
I felt sorry for him.
I had completely forgotten.
I regarded Jin Ga-ryang with sympathetic eyes as he approached, opening my mouth with an awkward expression.
“It has been a long time, Elder Brother.”
“…Y-you—!”
A resonant voice rang out loudly across Nakhyang.

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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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