“Come on in.”
“It’s been so long! Brother Jin-ho!”
As soon as I arrived home, Brother Jin-ho welcomed me warmly.
But unlike usual, he looked neat and tidy, which felt a bit surprising.
“What’s this, Brother? You don’t usually even comb your hair properly.”
“Ahem, when did I ever not do that?”
Playing innocent, are we…
If I asked ten people, all ten would probably agree with me, right?
I had a feeling I knew why Brother suddenly cared about his appearance. The power of love is truly this strong!
“Is Young Lady Ha doing well?”
At my question, Brother Jin-ho made an embarrassed expression.
“Of course.”
That’s a relief. Young Lady Ha Su-min needs to stay healthy.
Otherwise, Brother Jin-ho would age into an old bachelor while brokenhearted.
I headed to the office.
“Father, I’ve returned safely.”
“Good, I’m glad you returned safely.”
Father nodded and examined me with his eyes, as if confirming whether I was truly unharmed.
I’m really perfectly fine.
It’s not like I’m the type who goes around getting injured, you know?
“Indeed, your outing lasted longer than expected.”
“That’s why I got scolded for wanting to see my family’s faces.”
“Hahaha.”
Father laughed lightly.
“I heard the story from Escort Chief Gwak about why you went there. To actually make that idea a reality is truly remarkable.”
At Father’s praise, I scratched my cheek.
“It was an action that saved many people.”
“I’m not quite that magnanimous. It was simply for the sake of our merchant group.”
“Well, if the Yangtze River actually flooded, our merchant group would also suffer great losses. Still, the fact that what you did will save countless people doesn’t change.”
I smiled awkwardly.
“Well then, you must be tired, so go and rest now.”
“Father, I have something to tell you briefly.”
“What is it?”
“I’d like to proceed with Brother Jin-ho’s wedding in the fourth month.”
“Is this because of the famine you mentioned before?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Indeed, if the famine becomes severe, people won’t have the leisure to visit, and alcohol prohibition orders might even be issued.”
Father’s insight was truly considerable. That’s why he was able to lead this merchant group this far.
“I’ll discuss it with Young Lady Ha’s father.”
“Yes.”
I recalled something I’d forgotten to mention.
“Also, I purchased some cotton fields this time.”
“Cotton fields?”
“Yes, and I also bought three shops.”
At my words, Father chuckled.
“You’re certainly expanding the scale quite meticulously. But seeing as there was no report of spending the merchant group’s money, it seems you bought them with your own money, not the merchant group’s?”
“That’s correct. However, since I lack the time to manage them, I was thinking of entrusting them to the merchant group.”
I’d told him about the cotton fields and shops, but I didn’t mention the other things.
Those were my secret pockets, after all.
After finishing various discussions with Father, I headed to my separate quarters, Munghok Hall.
I needed to wash up first before doing anything else.
Palgap had already prepared warm bathwater, and for the first time in a while, I could bathe in hot water.
After properly arranging my attire, I visited the elders in order, and finally headed to Brother Jeong-ho’s separate quarters.
“Welcome.”
“Have you been well?”
“Of course.”
Sister-in-law greeted me warmly with a smile.
“How are Geon-hyeok and Bo-yeon?”
“I’ll have the nanny bring them. They walk quite well now and speak pretty fluently too.”
“Is that so?”
Soon two nannies brought the two children and set them down on the floor.
“Hello, have you been well?”
“Uh…”
“Ooh…”
For a moment, I wondered if Geon-hyeok and Bo-yeon had forgotten me and felt awkward around me.
But that was my needless worry.
The two children giggled and came running toward me.
Seeing this, Sister-in-law nodded.
“As expected, you two also recognize what’s handsome.”
“Hahaha.”
I laughed awkwardly. The feeling that Palgap was cursing me with his eyes from the side must be my imagination.
.
.
.
Several days passed.
During that time, I spent busy hours handling backed-up work.
And Father and Mother began preparing for Brother Jin-ho’s wedding.
The start of a banquet is sending invitations to those far away.
That way, guests can depart in time to match the date.
.
.
.
Nearly two weeks had passed since I returned from completing the [Upstream Ice Removal Operation].
Before I knew it, the month had changed to early fourth month.
I could feel the rewards of removing the ice from the upper reaches of the Yellow River and Yangtze River.
I’d unconsciously tensed during the period when flooding occurred in my past life, but as expected, we passed through safely.
The water level temporarily rose a bit, but there were almost no places that flooded.
And since the season turned to spring, there’s been almost no rain.
A clear sign of drought.
Still, thanks to the ice I’d sent to various places this time, we should be able to hold out a bit longer.
“Young Master! Young Master!”
When I was handling work at the Virtuous Wind Department, Palgap came running urgently.
“What’s wrong?”
“You need to go out and see quickly!”
“Huh?”
“Someone came from the Imperial Palace!”
From the Imperial Palace?
I quickly got up from my seat and headed to the merchant group’s courtyard.
The sight of an official standing imposingly in the courtyard.
Until now, most officials who visited had received me in the reception room.
Standing like this openly waiting for me while people were coming and going meant…
Could it be?
I approached him and greeted him with proper etiquette.
“Did you seek this humble merchant?”
“Are you Deputy Merchant Lord Eun Seo-ho?”
“I am.”
“Receive His Imperial Majesty’s edict.”
At those words, I quickly straightened my attire and knelt before him.
The official unfurled a golden scroll with a swoosh.
It contained content praising my contribution to preventing a great flood by removing ice from the upper river this time.
“…Therefore, I bestow one hundred seok of rice as a reward to Deputy Merchant Lord Eun Seo-ho.” (TL Note: A seok is around 100kg, so that’s 10 tons of rice)
Somehow, to my ears it sounded like the Emperor was saying, “I’m giving you face, so continue working hard from now on.”
Ah, I don’t really want to.
But I can’t not accept one hundred seok of rice.
“His grace is boundless.”
The official handed me the scroll, and I respectfully received it.
As I stood up, the official relaxed his expression and spoke.
“I heard much from the Embroidered Guard warriors. Indeed, you’re a young man who suits the name Handsome Young Hero.”
“It’s a name beyond my station.”
“Actually, the warriors submitted a petition to His Imperial Majesty, saying that since you also made great contributions to this matter, there should be a reward for you as well.”
Ah…
It’s a contribution that could have been quietly kept, but they’re good people.
Anyway, that means there were rewards for others too.
“The ice workers and laborers were the ones who actually did the hard work. Did they receive rewards as well?”
“Of course. They all received rewards of about five to ten seok of rice.”
“That’s fortunate.”
“Hehe. Even in the midst of this, you’re concerned about the ice workers’ and laborers’ rewards! The title of Handsome Young Hero truly isn’t wasted on you.”
“You praise me too much.”
I smiled awkwardly and suggested he have a cup of tea before leaving, but he said he had much to do and left immediately.
“Phew…”
I let out a sigh.
People’s gazes looking at me were somehow heated.
It was slightly embarrassing.
Still, I wonder how much His Imperial Majesty smiled while bestowing these rewards?
.
.
.
The next day, I headed to the Shujie District with an invitation.
To deliver the invitation to the old man at the general store.
The old man was sitting in front of the general store soaking up the spring sun when he saw me and got up.
“I heard. Yesterday His Imperial Majesty gilded your face.”
As expected, he speaks directly to the point.
“Yes, he did.”
“So how do you feel?”
At that question, I smiled and sat down.
“Very good. He gave me a whole hundred seok of rice as a reward.”
“Hm? The part you’re happy about seems a bit different?”
“Of course. I’m a merchant, and to a merchant, money is honor itself.”
“Well, that’s true.”
I handed the invitation to the chuckling old man.
“My second brother is getting married this time.”
“You mean that fellow Jin-ho who wields a spear well?”
“Yes.”
“You seem to be rushing quite a bit. I believe I heard the talks only started not long ago.”
“If we’re going to have the wedding anyway, what’s the point of delaying? We should get it done quickly.”
The old man picked up the invitation and spoke.
“That’s also true. Alright, I’ll attend.”
“Thank you.”
The old man looked at me intently, then stood up and went inside the general store to bring out a long box.
“Take this.”
“Huh? What’s this?”
“Did you really think His Imperial Majesty would give you only a hundred seok of rice and be done with it? He’s not that petty. Thanks to you, tens of thousands of lives were saved.”
“Still, I didn’t do it all. I merely threw out the opening, and it was others who actually completed the composition.”
The old man chuckled and spoke.
“Let me be honest. What do you think His Imperial Majesty is most concerned about right now?”
“…”
“Those wolf-like bastards who covet his power at every opportunity.”
Ah…
At those words, I seemed to grasp something of the overall picture.
The Emperor’s greatest enemies are the ministers who weaken the Emperor’s power and try to seize that power.
Come to think of it, in my previous life, during the five years of suffering from floods and droughts, what made the people suffer even more were the high-ranking officials and local officials.
That meant the Emperor’s power had weakened that much.
No matter how strong an Emperor’s authority may be, he needs money to exercise power.
With droughts and floods continuing, the money that must be spent keeps increasing, but with little tax revenue coming in, the Emperor’s authority cannot help but weaken.
Anyway, since my suggestion allowed him to avoid such a situation, the Emperor is expressing his personal gratitude to me.
Then there’s no need to refuse.
“May I open it?”
The old man nodded, and I opened the box.
Inside was white cloth, and judging by the rolled amount, it seemed to be about five or six ja in length. (TL Note: A ja is around 30 cm)
But…
When I grabbed the cloth with my hand, the internal energy in my dantian began to move.
I knew of this kind of case.
It’s what happens when encountering Heavenly Silkworm Thread.
The armguards I’m currently wearing on both arms contain silk made from Heavenly Silkworm Thread.
“Do you know what that is?”
A mischievous smile appeared on the old man’s lips.
“Is he really giving this to me?”
“Yes, that’s the real reward.”
But… why specifically silk made from Heavenly Silkworm Thread?
I had that question but soon frowned.
Damn it, the Emperor already knows my internal energy is Yin Qi.
Silk made from Heavenly Silkworm Thread is tougher than iron, making it the best defensive gear.
However, not just anyone could use it, because Heavenly Silkworm Thread is an item imbued with Yin Qi.
Like the armguards I’m currently wearing, it’s fine if you line it with leather so it doesn’t directly touch the skin, but normally it’s not good if it touches the skin directly.
For someone who learned Yang-based martial arts, its power would be reduced by half, and most martial artists would have problems unable to overcome that Yin Qi.
Even ordinary people who aren’t martial artists could have shortened lifespans due to that energy.
However, there are cases where Heavenly Silkworm Thread helps: injuries from Yang-based martial arts or when one’s internal energy itself is Yin Qi.
Still, how did he know?
I asked the old man.
“Elder, did you tell His Imperial Majesty that my internal energy is Yin Qi?”
“It wasn’t me, you fool.”
“Then…”
“Do you want to ask how His Majesty knew you practiced ice martial arts and bestowed that?”
At that question, I nodded.
“That’s…”
The old man trailed off for a moment, then grinned.
“Find out yourself.”
“What?”
“It’s quite expensive to hear it directly from my mouth.”
“…”
I thought carefully and then let out a sigh. Honestly, there were too many possibilities.
Warrior Jin-yeong might have noticed, or there might be the Emperor’s person among those around me.
As expected, the Emperor is not to be underestimated.
“But there’s no price for this reward, right?”
At my question, the old man picked up his tobacco pipe and spoke.
“Even if there were a price, would you not accept it?”
“Well, no.”
“Honestly, the Imperial treasury is full of treasures besides that, so why do you think he specifically gave silk woven from Heavenly Silkworm Thread?”
“…”
“It means don’t die early. It means His Imperial Majesty cherishes you that much.”
But why does it sound like, “If you die early, it’ll be hard to find a replacement, so live long so I can be comfortable”?
.
.
.
I returned to the Eunhae Merchant Group.
And after eating dinner, while I was resting for a bit, Palgap approached me.
“Um, Young Master. Someone wants to meet you for a moment.”
“?”
When I came out of my room, unexpected figures were standing in the courtyard.
Eunpoong Division’s Fourth Squad’s Escort Guards Bae-cheol and Go Ju-sang.
In my past life, those who were my escort guards… and those who betrayed me.
“What brings you here?”
At my question, they knelt right before me.
“We ask forgiveness from the Deputy Merchant Lord.”
“Huh?”
At those unexpected words, the escort guards and Palgap made expressions showing they didn’t understand.
I was just as flustered by the sudden confession.
–TL Notes–
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