The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group – Chapter 232

I blinked.

She came to escort me?

At my reaction, Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin smiled gently and answered.

“Oh my? Did you forget? I think I mentioned it before. That I’d formally escort you later.”

“Ah… of course I didn’t forget.”

I just didn’t expect it to be today.

For now… let’s eat and think.

“Have you eaten yet?”

“I ordered noodles.”

“If it’s not rude, why don’t you join us?”

I looked at Jin-ho and asked.

“Is that alright?”

“Of course. Please come this way.”

And when we asked the kitchen, they said the orders were backed up so they hadn’t started cooking the noodles yet.

So we canceled the noodle order and sat around one table together.

Soon the lotus root rib soup and dishes we ordered came out steaming hot.

“Please eat.”

“Then, I’ll enjoy the meal.”

I ladled the lotus root rib soup into my bowl and started eating.

Mm, it’s delicious eating it after so long.

The food Jin-ho bought for me tasted even better.

While eating like that, I glanced at Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin. Already in front of her, rib soup bones were piled high.

Nice to see her eating well.

That’s when our eyes met, and she tilted her head.

“Is there something on my face?”

“No. You’re eating better than I expected. I was worried the food from this region might not suit your taste.”

At my words, she smiled and answered.

“I’m not picky about food.”

“I see. I’m glad it suits your taste.”

After finishing our meal like that, we headed to the Eunhae Merchant Group together.

That’s because our conversation with her wasn’t something to be had in a public place.

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I guided Bing Hae-rin to the Eunhae Merchant Group’s reception room.

“The garden view from here is beautiful.”

“That’s why we bring distinguished guests here.”

“Thank you for treating me so well.”

Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin and I exchanged various pleasantries over tea.

“Are the people from Yangyang Martial Hall all doing well?”

“Yes. Everyone’s doing well.”

“I’m already missing the children.”

“The children miss you too. Especially a child named Mi-yeon said she wants to marry you.”

“Cough!”

I almost spat out my tea at those words.

“I-I see.”

Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin set down her teacup and spoke.

“As winter passed, the Snow Wind has almost completely stopped. By the time we depart now and reach the North Sea, even if the Snow Wind blows, it’ll blow regularly enough to be safe. So the Palace Lord commanded me to escort you.”

“…”

“We can finally give you the generous hospitality for our benefactor that we couldn’t before.”

“I see.”

“Actually, the Palace Lord said she’d send the Ice Palace’s disciples to escort you, but I refused.”

She smiled and continued.

“Because I’m here.”

Her eyes revealed strong confidence.

“And I felt like you wouldn’t be too pleased with that either.”

“You know me well.”

I pondered for a moment before speaking.

“Actually, I was planning to go to North Sea Ice Palace this time anyway.”

“What? Do you have business at the palace?”

“Yes, my second sister-in-law’s mother is from North Sea Ice Palace.”

When I explained the circumstances like that, she nodded.

“I see. It’s good I left as soon as I received the Palace Lord’s message. I can just go together with you then.”

That was quite reassuring.

As the Young Palace Lord of North Sea Ice Palace, she’d know the geography well, and with her skills, our safety would be more certain.

“Before that, I need to ask for your understanding in advance. I have to handle several matters on the way to the North Sea. Would that be alright with you?”

“That’s fine with me.”

Just then, Palgap’s voice came from outside.

“Young Master, the Merchant Lord has arrived.”

At those words, I quickly stood up and said.

“Let me introduce you to my father.”

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Preparations for going to North Sea Ice Palace were proceeding smoothly.

Thanks to my experience visiting the North Sea, preparations weren’t too difficult.

What I paid particular attention to were leather pouches that could hold drinking water, dry rations, and clothes made from animal fur.

It’d be nice to have artifacts that generate heat, but artifacts aren’t something you can obtain easily.

The reason I’d been able to obtain artifacts so far was because of my memories from my previous life.

It was also because I had heavenly fortune.

Among them, the pouch I possess, the Jade of Hwa, and the silk made from Heavenly Silkworm Thread were bestowed by the Emperor.

Those things… come with a price.

Since I’m stopping by Beijing this time too, I should visit him. Otherwise he might sulk.

And there are things I need to report too.

Before I knew it, the day we were scheduled to depart arrived.

Since Jin-ho was serving as Squad Leader of Eunpoong Division’s Sixth Squad, we requisitioned part of the Sixth Squad to escort him.

There were arguments that we should take the entire Sixth Squad, but I stepped forward to stop it.

Our group’s martial prowess was already strong enough, and requisitioning an entire squad for an extended period would burden the merchant group.

So we decided to requisition only five people under the pretext of escorting Jin-ho and his wife.

Thus, those heading to North Sea Ice Palace were me and four escort guards including Palgap.

Jin-ho and his wife with five escort guards.

And lastly, Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin.

Father handed me a letter right before departure.

“Deliver this to our in-law.”

“Yes.”

“Then travel safely.”

Like that, we departed with our family’s farewells.

We all rode horses without a carriage.

Everyone in our group had learned martial arts.

Traveling on just horses was faster, and once we entered the grasslands beyond Beijing, a carriage would become a burden.

I rode my horse and recalled the things I needed to do.

Hmm, the first thing I need to do is deliver a letter to the Henan branch.

And I need to stop by my aunt’s house in Beijing, then visit the Imperial Palace too…

I mustn’t forget to give thanks to Merchant Lord Gwangjun for the horses he sent before.

The horses we’re riding now are the fine steeds he sent back then.

Ah, I’ll get to see Deputy Merchant Lord Bok Yun after a long time.

I said we’d meet at the Hundred Great Merchant Groups Under the Heaven gathering, but we’re meeting earlier than expected.

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We headed to Beijing while handling various matters.

Things wrapped up faster than expected, so we could arrive in about two weeks.

“In Beijing, we’ll stay at my aunt’s house.”

At my explanation, Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin nodded.

“I see. May I also impose on her?”

“Of course. We’re traveling companions, aren’t we?”

When we arrived at Yeonjun Merchant Group, my aunt warmly welcomed us.

“Welcome. It’s nice seeing you often these days.”

Jin-ho stepped forward first to receive greetings.

“Have you been well? We’d like to thank you once again for attending our wedding ceremony.”

“Of course I had to go.”

My aunt greeted me as well, then slyly approached and whispered.

“That young lady who came with you…”

My aunt’s eyes sparkled, and I quickly waved my hand.

“It’s not the kind of relationship you’re thinking of, Aunt.”

“Oh, really?”

Her disappointment was evident, making me feel somewhat apologetic.

“She’s a young lady I had a connection with before. Due to circumstances, we’re traveling together.”

“I see. Nice to meet you.”

“I’m imposing on you.”

“Don’t think like that and make yourself comfortable. Though it’s rude to ask this when we just met… are you perhaps unmarried?”

“I’m unmarried.”

“Oh my! I see.”

My aunt didn’t seem to have any intention of giving up easily.

I’m sorry, but I have no intention of marrying yet.

Right, until I take revenge on the Fortune Merchant Group and the Murim Alliance, I can’t marry.

My aunt prepared Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin’s quarters in the detached residence where I was staying.

“How could I let a young lady stay alone in the outer quarters? I’ll give you the detached residence, so stay there together.”

There was logic in my aunt’s words, so I readily agreed.

I could sense some intention, but Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin would be more comfortable with me than with other people anyway.

And it’s not like there’s only one room in the detached residence—it’s quite spacious.

I came out after washing with warm water for the first time in a while.

The detached residence had a well-maintained garden attached.

As I leisurely strolled there, the familiar orchid scent carried on the wind.

Looking that way, I saw Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin changed into comfortable clothes.

“Came out for some air, I see.”

“Ah, yes.”

She nodded.

“By the way, the journey has been so comfortable I wonder if it’s alright.”

That’s because, except for cases where we had no choice but to sleep outdoors, we mostly stayed at the finest inns.

And we also covered her inn expenses.

“When I return to the Ice Palace, I’ll settle and pay you for the inn expenses.”

“That’s not necessary. Our Eunhae Merchant Group isn’t stingy about being generous. So you don’t need to worry about it.”

It’s true that our merchant group isn’t stingy about being generous. And her inn expenses aren’t particularly burdensome either.

But she seemed to feel it was a burden, with a slightly troubled expression.

“I’m escorting a benefactor, yet somehow the roles seem reversed.”

“So what if they are?”

I continued.

“You really don’t need to worry about it. So please don’t say things like paying back the inn expenses.”

“But…”

“Young Palace Lord, any more than this would actually be rude to us.”

Then she said no more about it.

But she couldn’t help feeling somewhat embarrassed.

North Sea Ice Palace is a wealthy place.

So she probably thought she could just pay back the inn expenses later, but since I rejected this, she was troubled about what to do.

There’s a reason I’m saying this to her.

Jin-ho probably doesn’t know how hard his younger brother is working his head for him.

“Understood. Then I’ll accept your kindness.”

“Yes.”

“And, I’ll need to go out briefly tomorrow.”

“Please go comfortably. I also have business outside tomorrow and plan to go out.”

I need to visit the Imperial Palace tomorrow too.

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The next morning.

Since Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin was there, we ate breakfast separately at the detached residence.

And I paid my respects to my uncle and aunt.

By the way, how is Seon-mi doing?

It’s already been almost five months since she went to the Apricot Blossom Academy headmaster’s house.

When I asked my aunt, she answered with a bright face.

“Seon-mi is doing very well. She sends letters at least once every five days.”

“I’m glad she’s doing well.”

Still, she’d need her cousin’s encouragement.

What would be good?

Just then, Palgap rushed over to me urgently.

“Young Master! Young Master!”

Ah, someone came from the Imperial Palace.

“Someone from the Imperial Palace has arrived.”

When I headed to the reception room, I saw a face I’d seen so often it was now familiar.

Warrior Jin Yeong of the Embroidered Guard.

“Merchant Eun Seo-ho greets Warrior Jin Yeong.”

“Good to see you. By the way, you said you were leaving, but I didn’t expect you to leave so immediately. I was a bit disappointed.”

He meant the matter upstream of the Yangtze River before.

“My apologies.”

“Haha. I’m joking. I already gave permission for that, didn’t I?”

Warrior Jin Yeong smiled.

“Thanks to you, it seems His Majesty the Emperor’s trust has returned.”

“That’s good.”

I continued.

“And, thanks to Warrior Jin Yeong’s consideration, I was also able to receive a reward from His Majesty the Emperor. I thank you for this.”

“That was something you naturally deserved. Anyway, prepare yourself. His Majesty the Emperor is calling for you.”

Soon I prepared myself and followed Warrior Jin Yeong.

On the way to the Imperial Palace, Warrior Jin Yeong gave me a subtle hint.

“Right now, due to the previous matter, the eunuchs are quite interested in you.”

“What?”

At those words, I couldn’t help but sigh.

This is why I tried not to draw attention.

Hah, can’t be helped. The water’s already spilled.

I’m being careful in my own way, but because of the Emperor, it’s not… easy.

A moment later,

I had an audience with the Emperor.

“Merchant Eun Seo-ho greets His Majesty the Emperor, who is above ten thousand people. Ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years!”

When I prostrated myself to show proper respect, the Emperor spoke.

“You may rise.”

“Your grace is boundless.”

“Good.”

The Emperor spoke with a satisfied expression.

“I reviewed the improvement proposal for the Windcraft Fan well. You may proceed with it as is.”

“Thank you for your permission.”

Formally, matters regarding the Windcraft Fan belonged to the Emperor, so I needed to receive approval.

Of course, I expected he’d approve.

“So, are you pleased with the rewards I sent?”

Did he just say rewards, not reward?

That means, not just the rice, but also the Heavenly Silkworm Thread silk sent through the old man at the general store.

“The grace His Majesty the Emperor has bestowed is as vast as the ocean.”

“You don’t need to say that. I gave them because I was truly grateful. Thanks to that, I could use this opportunity as an excuse to eliminate those bastards who were cunningly crawling up to me.”

What happened? I should look into it.

“So then, is there anything else you need?”

I was about to say there wasn’t, but suddenly something came to mind.

“Then, Your Majesty. I have one thing to request.”

–TL Notes–
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