We kept chatting with the merchant for a while after that.
As night fell, we said our goodbyes, parting with a promise to share tea if we ever crossed paths again.
The next day, we saw him off and soon arrived at the Gwangjun Merchant Group.
As we neared the entrance, a gatekeeper approached and asked.
“Where have you come from?”
“I’m Eun Seo-ho of the Eunhae Merchant Group. Please inform the Deputy Merchant Lord that I’ve returned safely, just as promised.”
“Understood.”
After waiting for about ban gak.
I heard footsteps rushing over and looked up to see a familiar face. It was Deputy Merchant Lord Bok Yun.
“Welcome. I’m glad you returned safely.”
“Yes.”
“Please, come inside.”
He glanced at my party, then his expression darkened slightly as he asked.
“But one person from your group…”
“Ah. You must mean Escort Guard Jin Yu. He’s staying in the North Sea for a bit to handle some business.”
“There’s no problem, I hope?”
“None at all.”
At my firm reply, he let out a small breath of relief.
“Good.”
We were shown to our lodgings, where we washed up with hot water and ate.
After having tea, fatigue crept in.
Deputy Merchant Lord Bok Yun told us we could meet the next day, given our long journey, which was perfect for me.
I was going to sleep well tonight.
.
.
.
The next morning.
After finishing my breathing and circulating my Qi, I stepped outside to find Palgap standing in front of me.
“Young Master, the Deputy Merchant Lord has asked to share breakfast with you.”
“Alright. Let’s eat together.”
Soon after, an attendant arrived to guide me to the dining hall.
Seeing that Bok Yun had hired a new attendant, it seemed he had recovered quite a bit from his previous injury.
He couldn’t go on without attendants anyway.
A Deputy Merchant Lord has far too much to handle alone.
After a short walk, we arrived at the dining hall. Bok Yun was already seated, waiting.
“Good morning.”
“Yes. Did you rest well last night?”
“Thanks to you, I did.”
I sat down and pulled the whistle from my breast, handing it over.
“Thanks to your lending this, the journey was much easier.”
“I’m glad it helped. And more than anything, I’m glad you returned safely.”
Dishes began to arrive.
We ate while chatting about various things. The food was delicious, the atmosphere pleasant, and the company agreeable. Time flew by.
But we were both busy men.
“When do you plan to leave?”
“I’m thinking of leaving tomorrow.”
“That soon, huh. I understand, given how busy Deputy Merchant Lord Eun must be, but it’s a shame.”
“I feel the same.”
“If the chance arises, shall we meet at the next Hundred Great Merchant Groups banquet?”
“I’ll make sure to attend.”
“I look forward to seeing you again.”
With that, Bok Yun raised his teacup and smiled.
“It looks like you have something you want to say. Please, speak freely.”
“Pardon?”
“It seems like you’ve been hesitating.”
“Well… I feel like you and I get along quite well. And we’re the same age, too. So… could I think of us as close friends?”
His words pleased me, so I answered casually.
“Then did you think we weren’t already?”
“N-no, that’s not what I meant…”
“We’ve been friends since the first time we met.”
“Ah…”
At my words, his expression brightened.
“Actually, my father sent some gifts to the Eunhae Merchant Group to thank you for saving my life.”
“Pardon? Gifts?”
“You’ll see once you return.”
From the way he was grinning, it seemed like a substantial gift. He clearly had no intention of telling me what it was.
“I’ll look forward to it then. I’ll have to express my thanks…”
“Unfortunately, my father is away right now.”
“Then I’ll save my greetings for another time. By the way, I heard the Three Axe Merchant Group got crushed.”
“Ah, that.”
Bok Yun smiled and replied.
“No need to show mercy to someone who tried to take my life, right?”
“That’s right.”
The next morning, we left the Gwangjun Merchant Group early.
On the way down, I figured I should stop by Beijing to pay my respects to His Majesty.
North Sea Ice Palace.
The Young Palace Lord, Bing Hae-rin, stood before the Palace Lord.
As always, the white-haired beauty passed her days in quiet solitude.
In the past, Bing Hae-rin hadn’t understood her. But now, she did.
The day the Palace Lord of the North Sea Ice Palace steps into the Central Plains, the Central Plains will freeze.
That was why the Young Palace Lord handled most matters herself.
Bing Hae-rin gave her report.
“The fiend who targeted our palace claimed she got information from a follower of the Demonic Cult.”
“She likely believes that. But how long has it been since we signed a treaty with them.”
“I believe so too.”
“If someone attacks us while ignorant of the non-aggression pact with the Demonic Cult, there’s only one place they could be from.”
“The Murim Alliance.”
“The Murim Alliance… can we even still call them that.”
“…”
“Regardless, let that fiend die on her own. She’s already half-dead. And as our benefactor requested, treat this as a matter handled internally by the Ice Palace.”
“Yes.”
“Take care of the inn repairs as well.”
“Yes.”
Bing Hae-rin hesitated, then spoke.
“Um… Once this is wrapped up, I’d like to go out for a while.”
“Go out? Are you planning to dig into the Murim Alliance again?”
“…”
“Don’t forget. You’re the Young Palace Lord.”
“I know. But I can’t forgive them. They’re the ones who killed my father.”
At that, the Palace Lord’s face also grew cold.
“I can’t forgive them either. But I’m holding that anger in. A chance for revenge will come someday.”
She looked up at the sky and added.
“Just as the prophecy foretells.”
Beijing.
As always, the imperial palace bustled with officials, while the Emperor let out a sigh as he handled affairs.
“When will true talent return to the world?”
He muttered, rolling up a scroll and tossing it aside.
Then the door opened, and a eunuch whispered softly to Eunuch Jeong.
Eunuch Jeong stepped forward.
“Your Majesty.”
“What is it?”
“Young Master Eun Seo-ho has entered the capital.”
“Has he now?”
The Emperor’s eyes lit up and he straightened his back.
“Hm. He’s had a long journey, so let him rest a day.”
“He will surely be grateful for Your Majesty’s grace.”
“Tell him to rest well today and come tomorrow.”
“I receive the command.”
“It wouldn’t hurt to see whether he’s still worthy of the title of Censorate Inspector. Talking with that fellow is always amusing.”
I arrived in Beijing and headed to my aunt’s home, the Yeonjun Merchant Group.
In my past life, I hadn’t stopped by much.
Probably because seeing my aunt’s constant worry over Cousin Seon-il had felt burdensome.
But in this life, I visit comfortably and even impose when needed.
“Come in. How did everything go?”
“Yes, I handled it well and returned.”
“Good. But…”
Guessing what she was about to ask, I quickly answered.
“Ah, Escort Guard Jin Yu is staying behind to handle merchant group business.”
“Ah, I see. I wondered since one person was missing.”
“We’re all doing fine.”
My aunt nodded at that.
“Good. I’m glad you’re safe.”
She gave me a strange smile. What was that?
“Eunuch Jeong came by just now.”
“Pardon?”
“He conveyed His Majesty’s command. Rest well today and go to the palace tomorrow.”
“Ah…”
I could already guess why His Majesty had summoned me.
Even without the order, I would’ve gone on my own.
.
.
.
The next morning.
Right after breakfast, I met the man sent by the Emperor.
“Ah… Warrior Jin-yeong.”
“Yes, we meet again.”
“…”
“His Majesty sent me. He said to bring you.”
“…”
In other words, stop dawdling and come now.
Grumbling inwardly, I followed Warrior Jin-yeong to the imperial palace. Thanks to him, I could enter right away without waiting.
“Last time I saw you, your loyalty to His Majesty seemed rather… unique. No wonder you’ve gained his favor.”
“Hahaha. Compared to you, I’m nothing.”
Back then, I had probably gone overboard pretending to be moved to tears when receiving His Majesty’s decree.
Soon I entered His Majesty’s presence.
“Your servant, Eun Seo-ho, greets His Majesty the Emperor. Ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!”
I cried out and bowed deeply.
“You may rise.”
“Your grace is boundless.”
The Emperor looked at me with amused eyes and asked.
“So, what did you see while traveling to and from the North Sea?”
He asked casually, but I understood the true intent.
Will you use the Censorate Inspector badge to travel freely?
Or will you become the Emperor’s personal errand boy?
He was judging that now.
I’d expected as much, but I was still tense.
I took a slow breath and answered.
“What I saw is that this world has many good people, but also many bad.”
“Is that all?”
“I can explain in detail, but I kept it brief to avoid wasting Your Majesty’s time.”
“Always scheming…”
“Pardon?”
“Never mind. Then give me one example of each. A good person and a bad one.”
“Yes.”
I told him about the hunters who had warned us of the Snow Wind and offered us shelter, and the merchant who had fleeced their tribe.
They were the safest stories to tell.
Most of the others were tied to secrets I couldn’t reveal.
So I deliberately chose these, while claiming I didn’t want to waste his time.
“Is that so? Truly commendable hunters.”
“It’s all thanks to Your Majesty’s grace.”
“How does that have anything to do with me? They were just good people.”
“…”
The fact that he kept a straight face even after hearing my flattery proved what kind of ruler he was.
“But that merchant… If they go that far, it’s outright swindling.”
“I think so too.”
“So what will you do?”
“I’m only a Censorate Inspector. I don’t have the authority to punish them directly.”
In truth, the Censorate Inspector had status, but little real authority without direct imperial orders.
“Are you trying to make me use the tone I use outside the court?”
“Pardon?”
“You think I don’t know? You’re the type who could send them to their graves without needing any official order.”
“…”
As expected of the Emperor.
I gave a slight smirk and answered.
“As Your Majesty says, I intend to teach them a lesson. But I wouldn’t dare go beyond a minor punishment without permission. Anything more would be overstepping.”
“This is why I enjoy talking with you.”
The Emperor returned to a more regal tone.
“Now, what should I give a loyal subject who serves me so well?”
He rested his chin in one hand, then gave a quiet order to the eunuch.
After writing something on a luxurious scroll and stamping it with the imperial seal, he handed it to me.
“…?”
When I saw its contents, I had to work hard to keep my smile from showing.
It was a document granting me the authority to conduct investigations at my own discretion.
“Some officials belittle commerce as lowly, but I see it differently. Commerce circulates goods and strengthens the nation.”
The Emperor continued.
“But just like the body can become diseased, so can commerce. Those con artists are the sickness.”
“Your words are absolutely right.”
“For the people to live peacefully, commerce must be clean. I will support you. Deal with those who corrupt it.”
“Your grace is boundless.”
“Good. Then go.”
“Your servant takes his leave.”
I left the throne room.
Whew. As expected, he’s not someone I can let my guard down around.
Even in this second life, His Majesty remains the most dangerous figure.
He favors me, but for now, it’s like walking a tightrope.
One misstep, and I’ll fall straight into the abyss.
Still, I was satisfied. The conversation had gone in my favor.
The next morning.
My party and I prepared to return to the Eunhae Merchant Group.
“It’s a long journey. Won’t you rest a bit more?”
Smiling at my aunt’s concern, I replied.
“I wish I could, but if I delay any longer, merchant group matters might start slipping out of control.”
“Then it can’t be helped.”
“Until next time.”
We said our goodbyes and set off toward Hubei.
We were familiar with the road now, so we rode without hesitation.
“Huh?”
Up ahead, I saw a group approaching. And at the sight of their familiar crest, I couldn’t help but smile.
–TL Notes–
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Cliffhanger?!?