The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 46

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

The Youngest Son of the Nakhyang Jin Family – Chapter 107

* * *

Jin Ga-muk, the Family Head of the Nakhyang Jin Family, has four children.
Among them, the eldest, Jin Ga-ryang, had shown a talent for commerce from childhood and solidified his position as the future 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.
Now, that same Jin Ga-ryang found himself confined to his office.
With hollow eyes, I examined documents stacked like mountains, one by one, wielding my brush, and whenever drowsiness and fatigue overtook me, I endured by drinking medicinal broth brought by my attendants.
“…Damn that youngest brother…”
Jin Ga-ryang recalled his younger brother with tears welling in his eyes.
The moment I returned from the long merchant journey to the Western Regions, I was locked away with work.
Every single task was something the Young Master So should handle, yet for some reason, my youngest brother hadn’t touched any of it.
I had heard from the manager that he had been busy cleaning up the aftermath of what happened at Sega.
But even so, the sheer accumulation of documents like this meant he hadn’t touched them at all.
The one who overlooked this was undoubtedly Father, Jin Ga-muk.
Jin Ga-ryang gripped his brush with veins bulging on his forehead.
“Father is…too lenient with my youngest brother. That’s the problem.”
It cannot be denied that he was born with talent that overwhelmed other siblings from childhood.
Because of that, he quickly captivated the elders and claimed the position of Young Master So.
Moreover, there were many special privileges given only to Jin Cheon-u.
Wherever one goes, the place called Yunryong can be used for free, and even if one takes a little money from there, no one says anything.
But what about us in contrast?
Like ordinary people, we pay to use it.
Though the amount I pay is about half the price, it seemed to create a perfect distinction between the Young Master So and those who are not.
Look even at this.
The dwellings of Jin Ga-ryang and my other siblings, though spacious, were not ornate and were the kind commonly seen anywhere.
But Jin Cheon-u?
Befitting his status as Young Master So, his residence is splendid, grand, and beautiful.
It is a discrimination that makes me understand why my uncle did not remain in Nakhyang but went to Beijing, and why he schemed to become the Family Head even after going there.
If one receives such privileges, then naturally!
“One must do the work—!”
Jin Ga-ryang shouted harshly and threw down his brush.
In truth, I was not angry about receiving privileges.
The greatest problem was that the Young Master So, who should be leading the Nakhyang Jin Family, does no work.
And Father, who shields the non-working Jin Cheon-u.
Myself, taking on all his tasks.
Jin Ga-ryang ground his teeth and had to lament his fate.
Then.
Something stirred outside in a peculiar way.
Furrowing my brow, I turned my gaze toward the window and saw servants and attendants scurrying about frantically, heading somewhere with urgency.
It was then that I heard the familiar voice of a servant.
“First Young Master!”
“What is it?”
“The Young Master So has returned.”
“What?!”
At those words, Jin Ga-ryang shot up from his seat.
Finally, hope bloomed that I could escape this hellish work.
And I resolved that I would certainly have words with him about this.

* * *

The grand gates of the Nakhyang Jin Family swung wide open as a carriage rolled inside.
Listening to the rhythmic clatter of hooves, I gazed out the window and saw the servants of Sega hurrying 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 it’s because of the Beijing incident? You caused quite a stir, but ultimately it benefited Sega. They’re showing their respect.”
At Chaeseoha’s words, I let out an incredulous snort.
It was unthinkable that they would welcome me so grandly for merely one such matter.
Unless someone had orchestrated it.
I gazed at those gathered ahead with a skeptical eye.
Familiar faces had assembled around my father.
Baek Ja-hyeon, the commander of the Imperial Guards, Yu Hyeon the chief steward, and even the elders whom I rarely saw.
It seemed the elders had arranged this situation.
My father had simply agreed to it.
I could tell from the pleased smile on his face.
I clicked my tongue and averted my gaze.
Soon the carriage came to a halt and the door opened.
As I stepped down first and looked ahead, my father’s beaming smile caught my eye.
“My apologies. Matters overlapped, so I have only just returned.”
“Haha, no matter. I have already heard from His Majesty of what you accomplished in Beijing. Well done. You have saved the Jin Family.”
“You are too kind with your praise.”
“Hehehehe—too kind? If anything, my praise falls short of what is deserved. Tell me, Young Master So. How exactly did you win over His Majesty?”
In that moment, I realized one truth.
The Current Emperor who ascended the throne during my journey seems to have taken quite a liking to me.
Otherwise, such words would never be spoken.
I shook my head with a respectful gesture.
“His Majesty is not one to be swayed so easily. I merely spoke the truth.”
“Ha, I see the same thing. Your eye for people truly is exceptional.”
Father gazed at me with a pleased expression and nodded.
Though my younger brother’s head had nearly been severed, Father prioritized the safety and interests of the Nakhyang Jin Family above all else.
One might call it cold-hearted, but if the Nakhyang Jin Family were to falter, the livelihoods of countless people would crumble beyond imagination.
As a merchant, Father had chosen the latter.
Though his heart must be troubled, he forced himself to smile calmly—a man who understood he could not afford to show weakness.
Then.
Ooh—
A sudden exclamation rippled through the crowd, and all eyes turned in one direction.
Following their gaze without thinking, I saw Chaeseoha descending from the carriage with a bright smile, standing beside me.
“It has been a long time, Family Head.”
“…Long time? Do I know you? I don’t recall ever seeing you before…?”
Father tilted his head in confusion, and Chaeseoha offered a wry smile.
Recognizing that no one could possibly believe her past self and present self were the same person, she steadied her breath and spoke carefully.
“I am So-ha. Chaeseoha. Have I changed so much?”
“What?! You mean the physician Chae? Is it truly you?!”
“Haha, yes, it is.”
Father’s eyes, wide with shock, barely settled. The same was true for everyone else—even those who boasted of having seen countless women found Chaeseoha’s appearance genuinely startling.
Noting their stares, she gestured to 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 attendant in place of Chu Hyeongi.”
“Namgung?”
“What?! Did you say Namgung?”
“Goodness.”
Though the Namgung clan had fallen, there was hardly anyone who didn’t know of their former prestige.
The elderly elders, having grown up hearing tales of them despite their decline, showed understandable surprise.
The elders stared intently at the two, whispering among themselves.
They were certainly discussing the stories of Namgung they had heard.
“An escort and an attendant? You must have decided knowing they are Namgung?”
“Of course. I see no particular issue with it.”
“Hmm.”
Flinch—!
Father’s gaze fixed upon the two.
A look as though he were appraising merchandise.
His expressionless face gradually curved into a faint smile, and he turned to address Namgung Baek.
“Haven’t you worked as a courier for the Cheonhyang Courier Station?”
“Ah, yes. Well, rather than as a courier proper, I helped with the couriers’ miscellaneous tasks a few times.”
“Yes, I’ve seen you around a few times.”
Father stroked his beard thoughtfully.
After considering something, he smiled faintly once more, then turned his gaze to me.
“Send that boy not as an attendant, but as a courier.”
“A banner bearer… Is that what you mean?”
“Besides, Young Master Yang mentioned that the banner corps is short-handed, so it would be helpful. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yes, Family Head. I will nurture him well.”
Yang Jachun, as if reading Father’s thoughts, stepped forward and bowed his head.
Soon after, he approached Namgung Baek with a subtle gesture.
As if beckoning him to follow.
When something unfolded differently than expected, the bewildered fellow widened his eyes and looked at me—a gaze that seemed to be seeking help.
I simply ignored it.
If Father had decided to use him as a banner bearer, there must be a reason for it.
Besides, the position of banner bearer paid better wages than a servant and offered much more to learn.
Though I couldn’t read his detailed thoughts, the fact that Yang Jachun was directly appointed suggested that Father had already marked Namgung Baek as his successor.
Since he had worked as a banner bearer at the Cheonhyang Banner Bureau, Father must have discovered something worthy of his attention there.
Regardless, it seemed he had done quite a variety of work.
I let out an incredulous laugh.
“Ah, my apologies. We’ve taken up too much of your time. You must be exhausted, so go rest. We can catch up properly another time.”
“Understood.”
I excused myself politely from the elders and left my seat.
Only then did everyone’s tension ease, their shoulders relaxing.
Especially Jang Chuchyeong, who knew the elders’ temperaments well, seemed even more relieved—perhaps fearing he might have been scolded—and was wiping away cold sweat that had been pouring down his face.
As we entered the separate quarters, everyone dispersed silently to their own rooms.
It seemed no one had the energy left for conversation.
It had been such a long journey, after all.
Only Gu Gunbaek was different.
Whistling cheerfully, he headed somewhere—apparently intending to drink with Father and Baek Ja-hyeon.
Without thinking, I shook my head and turned my gaze away.
That’s when I noticed Namgung Yeon standing there vacantly.
“Ah, that’s right. I had forgotten.”
“I appreciate you remembering.”
“This is my quarters, and there are empty rooms all around. Feel free to use any room you like.”
“Really… Is that truly acceptable?”
At his cautious words, I nodded.
After all, no one ever visited my quarters anyway.
There was no one to complain about one extra person occupying an unused room.
“Cheon-u—! Jin Cheon-u, you bastard—!”
A booming voice rang out from outside at that very moment.
Instinctively, I grabbed my head and gestured urgently to Namgung Yeon to go inside. As I hurried back out of the separate quarters, I saw someone rushing toward me in a frantic state.
I simply observed the sight.
Hollow eyes and an exhausted complexion.
His usually neat appearance was nowhere to be found—judging by his disheveled hair and rumpled clothes, he hadn’t even managed to wash properly or change his garments.
His appearance was such that anyone could tell he hadn’t slept for several nights.
Who would dare claim that this disheveled figure before me is the eldest son of the Nakhyang Jin Family?
I nearly failed to recognize him myself, given his deplorable appearance.
It seemed that Yu Hyeon, who ordinarily managed my affairs with diligence, had eagerly thrust a mountain of tasks upon Jin Ga-ryang the moment he returned.
Moreover, while Father was away in Beijing, he must have been managing the Family Head’s duties in his stead—sleep and grooming would have been impossible luxuries to afford.
Without question, he had relied on medicinal tonics just as Father does.
I found myself offering a bitter smile, scratching my cheek despite myself.
I’m sorry.
I had completely forgotten.
I regarded Jin Ga-ryang as he approached with pitying eyes, my expression awkward as I opened my mouth.
“It has been a long time, Elder Brother.”
“…Y-you!”
His voice rang out with a piercing cry that echoed loudly through Nakhyang.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————