As the weather finally cooled, autumn truly settled in.
It was the perfect weather to go out for a stroll, but a stroll, my foot…
Every single day I was swamped, buried under the flood of work pouring in.
“Still, it’s nice seeing you walk around smiling these days.”
At Lady Seohyang’s words, I nodded.
“Ah, of course! The estates I bought may have collapsed, sure, but I got a hefty compensation out of it, and business is going great.”
“Well, that’s true.”
Thanks to Lady Seohyang having fully adjusted to the workload, all I really had to do was read reports and sign off on them.
Right then, the office door opened and Palgap walked in.
“Young Master, a letter has arrived.”
“A letter?”
“Yes. A letter from the Merchant Lord.”
“From Father?”
I tilted my head, took the letter, and began to read through it.
It was full of consoling words and encouragement about how it was a relief that the matter with the estates I bought had wrapped up nicely.
But that wasn’t the important part.
[This year’s Hundred Great Merchant Groups Gathering will be held in Shandong Province. I must go to Shandong, but things here are too busy and Jeong-ho cannot go, so I intend to travel with you instead. Keep that in mind and prepare.]
Ah…
Come to think of it, in the rankings announced last winter solstice, the Sebin Merchant Group had dropped by one place.
And the one that took their place was the White Flame Merchant Group of Shandong, which had originally been second.
Their main business was iron; they handled most of the iron and iron goods distributed across the central plains.
People even said that without the White Flame Merchant Group, you would have trouble getting your hands on so much as a needle.
That was obviously an exaggeration, but they were that enormous.
Their namesake comes from forging.
To forge iron, the fire had to be raised to an extremely high temperature, and only when a white flame flared up could you produce high–quality steel, or so they said.
So they named their group the White Flame Merchant Group, to show their aim of producing top–grade iron.
True to that name, they produced and distributed high–quality iron, and so they kept trading places with the Sebin Merchant Group for the spot of world’s number one merchant group.
Seeing that, I was reminded once again.
The title of world’s greatest merchant group was something you would lose the moment you relaxed, even for an instant.
Anyway, since the White Flame Merchant Group’s main headquarters was in Shandong, it meant the Hundred Great Merchant Groups Gathering would be held there.
And… it also meant I would be attending.
Other people might have pitied me for it, but inside I was practically cheering.
I already had business in Shandong and had been racking my brains over how to justify a trip there.
And now a chance had fallen right into my lap!
It wasn’t like I had never thought about this year’s Hundred Great Merchant Groups Gathering.
I had just felt that since Brother Jeong-ho needed to properly begin his path as the next Merchant Lord, he should be the one attending this gathering.
That was why I hadn’t even considered going myself.
“What kind of letter makes you this happy, Young Master?”
At Palgap’s question, I folded the letter and replied.
“It’s a letter from my father.”
Then I stole a quick glance at Lady Seohyang.
Right now, to survive the Murim Alliance’s eyes, she was involuntarily separated from her own father, Guizhou’s Commissioner of Land Affairs.
If I wasn’t careful with my words, I might stir up her feelings for nothing.
Maybe she noticed what I was thinking, because she smiled and spoke.
“You really don’t have to worry about me.”
“…”
“If you keep tiptoeing around me like that, I’m the one who feels awkward. I’m honestly fine.”
I let out a sigh and rubbed the back of my neck.
“Phew, I must have been making you uncomfortable. My apologies, Lady.”
“It’s all right.”
“I’ll be more careful from now on.”
After apologizing to her, I turned to Palgap.
“Get things ready for a trip to Shandong. Once my parents arrive, we’re heading there together.”
“Understood.”
“And call Escort Guard Seo Wu and the Branch Chief for me.”
A short while later.
Escort Guard Seo Wu and Branch Chief Eun came into the office, and I told them that it looked like we would be heading to Shandong soon.
“So, Branch Chief.”
“Yes.”
“When my father comes, he’ll definitely inspect everything top to bottom. Please make sure we’re thoroughly prepared.”
“Understood. Thank you for telling me in advance.”
He really did look grateful that I had given him advance warning of my father’s visit.
“Then we’ll have our escort guards make preparations as well.”
“Yes. I’ll leave it to you.”
About five days after receiving the letter.
My parents arrived at the Beijing Branch.
Having been notified in advance, I was waiting outside by the main gate, and when I saw the emblem on the flag of the group approaching from afar, I smiled.
“They’re here.”
“Yes. Right on the expected time.”
The Beijing Branch’s Branch Chief Eun nodded.
A moon, and beneath it, stylized waves.
It was the emblem of the Eunhae Merchant Group.
Soon the carriage stopped, and my father and mother stepped down.
I walked up and bowed my head in greeting.
“You must be tired from the long journey. Nothing happened on the way, I hope?”
“Yes, we’re both in good health. And things at home are peaceful.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Then Branch Chief Eun bowed as well.
“I greet the Merchant Lord and Madam.”
“Oh! Branch Chief Eun. You’ve worked hard. You must have gone through a lot to build such a splendid branch.”
“The one who worked hard wasn’t me but Young Master Eun Seo-ho. I merely assisted.”
“That assistance is what matters.”
I gave an embarrassed smile.
Hearing him gild my face like that made me feel oddly shy.
To hide my embarrassment, I quickly changed the subject.
“Please, come inside. You must be tired, so I’ll show you to your quarters.”
At that, my father shook his head.
“It’s all right. Before that, I’d like to look around this new Beijing Branch. What do you think, dear?”
At his question, my mother answered, her face slightly flushed with excitement.
“I’d like to tour the Beijing Branch as well.”
“Then allow me to show you around.”
I guided my parents through the Beijing Branch.
“This is the cargo yard. It’s where all our trade routes begin and end.”
“Oh! It’s very similar to the main headquarters.”
“Yes. The main headquarters’ yard is the most efficient design we have, after all.”
The Beijing Branch was fairly large, so showing them around the whole place took almost an hour.
After the tour, my parents looked extremely satisfied.
My father, who personally ran the merchant group, was more than satisfied; he was deeply moved.
“To think we’d build such a large branch here in Beijing! And while I’m still Merchant Lord, no less… I thought this was something I wouldn’t see in my lifetime.”
“Come on, Father. You can’t be getting that emotional over just this.”
“Hmm?”
“Our merchant group is only going to grow bigger, and this Beijing Branch will expand even more. So you should save that level of emotion for later.”
“All right, all right.”
My father nodded, then noticed Lady Jaryeong—no, Lady Seohyang—standing beside Escort Guard Seo Wu and walked over to her.
“Oh! Seohyang, right. Have you been getting used to the work?”
He greeted her warmly, as if they weren’t meeting for the first time.
That was something I had asked of him beforehand: that if he met Lady Seohyang, he should act like he knew her.
It was to perfectly fool any eyes from the Murim Alliance that might be watching.
Having already been briefed by me, Lady Seohyang didn’t panic and instead smiled brightly.
“I greet the Merchant Lord. Thanks to the Young Master’s guidance, I’m still lacking, but I’m adjusting well.”
“I’m glad to hear it!”
“She’s a deputy whose handling of work I quite like.”
“For you to praise her that much! Escort Chief Gwak’s recommendation was worth trusting.”
I looked up at the sky.
The sun was slowly leaning toward the west.
“You must be hungry. Please wash up and have a meal.”
“Ah, yes, we should.”
At that moment, Branch Chief Eun quickly stepped forward.
“Allow me to guide you to your rooms.”
“I’ll leave it to you.”
Like that, my parents followed after the branch chief, and I watched their backs as they left.
Just from my father’s back, I could tell he was in a very good mood.
Of course he would be.
Raising such a large branch in Beijing meant the merchant group’s status had risen that much.
“They’re truly kind people.”
“Huh?”
When I asked back, she gave a gentle smile and continued.
“The Merchant Lord and Madam. I couldn’t help thinking they’re very good people.”
I nodded.
“I think so too.”
Answering like that, I kept my eyes on my father’s departing figure.
There was still something I hadn’t told him: just how big the estates I bought in Beijing actually were.
Right now, all he knew was that I’d bought some estates, they had collapsed, and somehow I’d managed to wring compensation out of it.
The reason I hadn’t told him the rest was because I was worried that if he got too happy, it might be hard on his heart.
.
.
.
From the next day on, my parents were constantly on the move.
First, my father went through the Beijing Branch’s documents.
Trusting someone was one thing, but there was an old rule passed down that the Merchant Lord had to personally review the paperwork.
After that, he visited the Yeonjun Merchant Group to see my aunt and uncle, then spent time meeting other acquaintances in Beijing.
Three days passed like that, and it was finally time to depart for Shandong.
The trip from Beijing to Shandong took about four days.
Thanks to the well–maintained official roads, it took less time than the distance alone would suggest.
“Then, I’m counting on you.”
“Yes. Please don’t worry.”
Deputy Yeo Chang-ui thumped his chest as he spoke.
“Who do you think I am? I’m the Deputy!”
“Yes, I know. Ah, and please take good care of Lady Seohyang as well.”
“You can leave that to me too!”
This time, Lady Seohyang would be staying in Beijing.
Her body hadn’t fully recovered yet, so she couldn’t push herself.
And this was the Hundred Great Merchant Groups Gathering.
It would be troublesome if someone from the Baekcheon Merchant Group showed interest in Lady Seohyang.
Of course, just a bit of attention wouldn’t be enough to expose her, but you never knew.
And she was pretty enough to be dangerous in other ways too.
“We’ll be off, then.”
“Yes. Travel safely.”
And like that, we set off for Shandong Province.
Clatter, clatter.
From inside the carriage, I listened to the sound of the wheels turning.
There were two carriages in our group.
My parents rode in the front carriage, while Palgap and I rode in the one behind.
The reason I wasn’t riding with my parents was because this carriage was piled high with documents.
I had deliberately loaded as many papers as I could into it.
Honestly, what was I supposed to do, just stare into space while traveling? I might as well work.
The journey to Shandong wasn’t particularly hard.
The official roads were smooth, and there were inns at reasonable intervals.
After four days on the road, we finally reached Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province.
As expected of Shandong, the air felt refreshingly cool.
Though in winter, it turned into a dry, bitterly cold place.
We arrived at an inn in Jinan that my father’s deputy had reserved ahead of time.
The inn’s name was Green Mountain Inn.
It seemed to be named after the green of Mount Tai, and true to that name, I could see green decorations and silks used all over the place.
Naturally, it was a large, spacious, high–class inn.
“Welcome!”
“We welcome you.”
As we arrived, the innkeeper and a waiter hurried out to greet us.
The Eunhae Merchant Group currently ranked thirty–fifth.
So we were worth at least this level of reception.
“Thank you for such a warm welcome.”
“You must be tired from the long journey. Please, come inside.”
Of course, that also meant we would be spending a tidy sum at this inn.
My father ordered his deputy to inform the White Flame Merchant Group of our arrival.
Then we headed for our rooms.
“We’ll check the rooms first.”
At Escort Guard Seo Wu’s words, I nodded, and we opened the door and stepped inside.
Except for Escort Guards Myeong Jong and Lee Pil, the other guards also went in and searched the room thoroughly.
The waiter simply waited for us with a look that said he was used to this sort of thing.
When you ran a merchant group, you faced all sorts of outrageous threats. So you secured safety in advance like this.
Of course, with my strength and my escort guards’, there shouldn’t be any problems, but you never knew.
And I didn’t want to make a needless show of my presence either.
“All clear.”
“You may enter.”
“Good work.”
I went into the room, and the waiter started explaining various things to Palgap.
“And if you pull this bell cord, I’ll come running right away. Please enjoy your stay.”
Once the waiter left, I spoke to the escort guards.
“You must be tired from just arriving, but I’m going to step out for a bit.”
“We’ll accompany you.”
After getting my father’s permission, I left the inn.
The reason I went out on the very first day was tied to why I had wanted to come to Shandong in the first place.
There was someone here I had to recruit.
After returning to the past, I’d made a list of the talents I needed to obtain.
Of course, along the way, unexpected talents kept popping up, which was a pleasant surprise.
Anyway, the person I was after this time was someone already written down on that list.
And right now, he should be… huh?
–TL Notes–
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