I didn’t know the exact reason yet.
But stopping that ambition will benefit both me and the Eunhae Merchant Group.
So we must block it completely.
“Then, we will now begin the Imperial Silk Supplier Competition.”
At the Eunuch’s words, I snapped back to attention and looked forward.
“This competition consists of five stages. The final supplier will be chosen through these stages. First, we conducted a document screening to assess eligibility.”
Jeong-ho had pushed himself so hard preparing those documents that he even collapsed from overwork.
“Second, each merchant group was required to bring silk matching the theme set by the Imperial Household.”
That was why we had commissioned the Changin Escort Bureau to transport the silk.
But we hadn’t been told we needed to bring it with us when entering the palace.
My eyes gleamed.
It hadn’t changed from the competition I remembered in my past life.
“From now, you have four hours. If you fail to bring the silk and cross the palace gates within that time, you will be eliminated.”
Then the Eunuch turned his head and looked toward the Empress.
The Empress nodded and spoke.
“A merchant group that cannot meet a delivery deadline has no right to trade with the Imperial Household. Then begin.”
“Yes.”
Another Eunuch immediately lit a long incense stick.
Each incense stick burns for one hour.
The time limit would end after four of them.
“I believe we’re at the greatest disadvantage.”
Just like Chief Supervisor Seok said.
The Yeonjun Merchant Group where we were staying was a fair distance from the palace.
But I shook my head.
“That’s not true. The key is how quickly we can get ready and arrive safely.”
I turned to Chief Supervisor Seok.
“Chief Supervisor, please remain here.”
He was older and not fit for rushing around.
There was no need for all of us to move anyway.
“I agree. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help.”
“What are you saying? Just having you here is reassuring, Chief Supervisor.”
Then I addressed the two Supervisors.
“Let’s go.”
“Understood.”
As we stepped out of the palace, Escort Guard Yeo Eung-am approached.
“Are you going out?”
“Yes. We need to head to the Yeonjun Merchant Group immediately.”
I turned to Geumryeong.
“Geumryeong, send a signal to Palgap.”
At my command, Geumryeong dashed toward the Yeonjun Merchant Group.
Since nothing had changed much within the Imperial Household, the theme was likely the same as in my previous life.
So I had already stationed Palgap and the other escort guards at the Yeonjun Merchant Group.
Some might call it unfair that I had this information in advance thanks to my past life.
But was I the only one who knew?
Looking at a few satisfied smiles, it seemed others knew as well.
Leading merchant groups would have their own connections inside the palace.
But the palace wasn’t so lenient.
Even if you knew what to prepare, actually reaching the palace was the challenge.
You had to evade or break through those trying to sabotage you and still pass through the palace gates.
We spurred our horses and rushed to the Yeonjun Merchant Group.
Palgap was already prepared and waiting with the silk.
“Young Master, everything is ready.”
I nodded and turned to Escort Chief Song.
“Let’s move now.”
“Yes.”
“You remember what I told you earlier, right?”
“Of course.”
With the silk in hand, we headed straight for the palace.
About fifteen minutes after we set off—
“Hahaha. Halt!”
“Hand over the silk. Refuse, and you die.”
“…”
Ten men in Imperial Guard uniforms blocked our path.
But the tabards they wore were marked with the character for “Thief,” revealing their role in this competition.
Because they were clearly dressed as Imperial Guards, most people would hesitate in confusion.
But I gave a firm command.
“They’re targeting silk intended for the Imperial Household. Eliminate them.”
The Escort Guards hesitated, looking toward Escort Chief Song.
They were worried about consequences.
But that wasn’t the right approach. As long as they wore those tabards, they were enemies.
The four bodyguards, led by Escort Guard Seo Wu, who had received my order, moved without hesitation.
As expected, they were loyal.
Shing.
Shiiing.
They drew their swords, their killing intent sharp and focused.
All of them were warriors at the Peak or on the verge of it.
They were far beyond what ordinary Imperial Guards could handle.
“Haha, w-we mistook you for someone else.”
“You’re the merchant group supplying silk to the palace.”
“P-please, go ahead.”
But I didn’t just pass. I issued another order.
“Tie them up.”
“Understood.”
Escort Chief Song asked with concern.
“They’ve already surrendered. Isn’t tying them up going too far?”
“They haven’t taken off those tabards of their own accord. That means they might still attack us from behind. You’ve dealt with bandits, Escort Chief Song. You should know this best.”
At my words, the so-called “bandits” flinched.
Seeing that, Escort Chief Song stroked his chin and spoke.
“The Deputy Merchant Lord is right. You can never let your guard down around bandits. As expected, the palace is no easy place.”
This was one of the pieces of information I had wanted to warn Jeong-ho about.
Even if they let us go now, their real role was to attack us from behind and wreck the carriage.
Many merchant groups had been eliminated like that.
Escort Chief Song gave the order.
“Tie them all up.”
“Yes.”
Only after his command did the Escort Guards move quickly and bind the ten men.
“Shall we move on?”
“Yes. Let’s go.”
We passed the first “bandit” obstacle and headed back toward the palace.
There was just under two hours left.
As we moved forward, another group approached.
This time, they carried buckets full of water.
They wanted to test how we’d respond if a downpour suddenly struck.
It was a test of whether we could deliver the silk on time even in the rain.
Their method was quite literal—they were going to splash us with water.
One of them unfurled a scroll.
[If you lay hands on us directly, you’re eliminated.]
Well, you can’t stop rain just because you don’t like it.
But I had already prepared for this.
“Escort Chief Song, you’re ready, right?”
“Of course.”
Flap—
We each pulled out raincoats from our packs, threw them on, and passed through the group without a fuss.
“Now I understand why you told us to wrap the goods tightly in oil-treated paper and cloth.”
“Exactly. On an escort run, you never know what situation might arise.”
“Hahaha. I’m supposed to be the Escort Chief, but right now you seem more like one, Deputy Merchant Lord.”
Escort Chief Song kept letting out impressed sighs.
“Which is why I feel reassured.”
Thanks to the preparation, we protected the silk even in this artificial “downpour.”
This test may have seemed aimed at the escort bureau, but it also tested the merchant group’s ability to choose the right escorts and prepare for anything.
Before long, we arrived at the palace gate.
“You’ve worked hard to bring the silk all the way here.”
Chief Supervisor Seok, who had been waiting anxiously, rushed toward us.
I examined the tracks on the ground and asked.
“Has any group entered before us?”
“The Baekcheon Merchant Group was first. Then the Deukhaeng Merchant Group.”
“I see.”
It had been worth pacing our speed.
I could’ve arrived first since I had prior knowledge, but I chose not to.
Being frequently summoned by the Emperor already drew enough suspicion. Arriving first would only add more.
Coming in too late would be a loss of face.
So I aimed for third or fourth—and it landed perfectly.
As expected, Baekcheon and Deukhaeng had palace connections.
There was no other way they could have arrived so easily.
“Then let’s go in.”
“I wish you a good result.”
Escort Chief Song and the Escort Guards saw us off. Their role ended here.
The Imperial Guards thoroughly searched the carriage, ensuring no threats had been hidden within.
“Clear.”
At that word, we bowed and personally led the carriage into the palace.
A Eunuch standing by the gate wrote something into a register.
“Eunhae Merchant Group, cleared. Proceed to the designated courtyard with the silk.”
“Yes.”
When we reached the courtyard, the Baekcheon and Deukhaeng Merchant Groups were already there.
“Congratulations on arriving safely.”
It was likely the fifth son of the Deukhaeng Merchant Group. He offered his congratulations.
“Thank you.”
But we were competitors. There was no need for more words. I responded briefly and stood beside them.
Looking ahead, all that was left was one incense stick that was nearly burned out.
Less than fifteen minutes remained.
Merchant groups began arriving one after another.
The Manil Merchant Group from Sichuan. Then the Yuga Merchant Group from Zhejiang.
Then the Eunuch spoke.
“Her Majesty the Empress, the Imperial Consorts, and the princesses will arrive shortly.”
We immediately prostrated ourselves in respect.
“Everyone, rise.”
“We are deeply honored by Your Majesty’s grace.”
The Empress asked the Eunuch.
“Has the time limit passed?”
“Yes, it has just now ended.”
Only seven merchant groups had arrived on time, including the Eunhae Merchant Group.
Well, the palace had set up unexpected “trials,” so many must have gotten caught.
Come to think of it, the Jin Merchant Group that harassed us on the road from Hubei to Beijing wasn’t here.
Looks like they were eliminated.
In the end, those who resort to petty tricks rarely get far.
The Empress looked over us and spoke.
“You have worked hard to pass this trial. I wonder if you enjoyed the test I prepared.”
Ah…
So this was her doing.
“But some managed to pass it using money.”
Her gaze landed on the Baekcheon and Deukhaeng Merchant Groups.
“I personally don’t like that method, but I didn’t forbid it, so it cannot be helped.”
From her words, I could guess how they had arrived so early.
They had bribed their way through.
“But let me make one thing clear. Spending money may be a kind of skill, but it’s not the skill I wish to see. Keep that in mind.”
The two merchant groups bowed their heads.
The Empress turned again and continued.
“This time, the theme given by the Imperial Household was to bring the type of silk most used in the palace. Explain why your silk fits the theme. We’ll go in the order you arrived.”
The Baekcheon and Deukhaeng Merchant Groups each presented their silks and gave their explanations.
“Next, the Eunhae Merchant Group.”
“Yes.”
The three Supervisors and I brought forward our silk, placed it on the table, and spoke.
“Our Eunhae Merchant Group has prepared this silk.”
The Empress looked intrigued.
“It’s plainer than the others.”
Our silk was undyed plain white.
“Yes, Your Majesty. But this is the silk used more than any other in the palace.”
“And how can you be so certain?”
“Because this silk is for making undergarments.”
The Empress touched the silk and smiled.
“It’s very soft. It wouldn’t feel uncomfortable when worn.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I answered with confidence.
“Though undergarments are hidden beneath splendid silks, they touch the body directly. We cannot afford to be careless with them.”
“Not because it is for the Imperial Household, but because that’s the standard we always uphold.”
“Yes. Our Eunhae Merchant Group always provides goods worthy of their value.”
The Empress’s eyes brightened. She seemed to like what I said.
The remaining four merchant groups gave their explanations.
Then the Empress addressed us.
“I’ve heard your explanations. Now let us proceed to the next stage.”
She looked to the Eunuch, who turned to us and said:
“Each merchant group will follow me, one at a time. We will go in reverse order of arrival.”
The merchant groups followed him in turn.
Soon, it was the Eunhae Merchant Group’s turn.
The three Supervisors and I followed the Eunuch into the adjacent building.
“Hm?”
There were dozens of tables lined up, and on each table was a bolt of silk.
“Don’t tell me this is…”
–TL Notes–
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