After dinner and a short rest, I headed to the Silver Dragon Hall where Father was.
The escort guard announced me inside, and soon after, I was called in.
“You’re here. Have a seat.”
I sat at the tea table on one side of the office. Father brewed the tea himself and placed a cup in front of me.
“Thank you for the tea.”
I smiled inwardly as I sipped from the cup.
It was a familiar tea.
Sweet fruit notes with a floral scent that lingered in the mouth…
“How is it?”
“It’s a very fine tea.”
“It’s Tieguanyin from Anxi, Fujian.”
Tieguanyin (鐵觀音) was known for maintaining its taste and fragrance even after seven infusions, and the spring harvest was the finest.
But the tea harvested in autumn also had a wonderful aroma and was called Autumn Fragrance Tea.
In other words, it was a famous and expensive high-grade tea.
Only the tea cultivated in Anxi County was recognized as genuine Tieguanyin, making its quantity extremely limited.
Which meant it was very hard to acquire.
“Pavilion Lord Yeon is working tirelessly right now to source this tea directly.”
Tea was one of our group’s core products, but Tieguanyin from Anxi was still being acquired through intermediaries.
Because of that, we couldn’t make much profit and were completely vulnerable to the brokers’ exploitation.
Pavilion Lord Yeon had been trying hard to secure a direct supply, and that effort had started just when I’d become a Special Trainee in the Finance Pavilion.
That’s another issue I need to resolve quickly.
It’s never pleasant to take losses we shouldn’t be suffering.
I set down my cup and spoke.
“I’m sure we’ll hear good news soon.”
“I truly hope so.”
Father smiled and set down his own cup, then asked me,
“So, what are your plans for the special leave?”
“Oh, that day…”
I plan to just roll around in bed all day.
But saying that out loud felt a bit shameful.
After all, neither Father nor my eldest brother—now officially the Deputy Merchant Lord—would be getting a break.
“I was thinking I might do some personal studying to make up for what I’m lacking.”
“I see.”
Father nodded and, after a short pause, asked again.
“In that case, may I ask a personal favor?”
“I’m listening, Father.”
“I’d like you to take Chief Administrator Yu on an outing during the special leave.”
“…Pardon?”
I tried to discern the true meaning behind his words. But I couldn’t figure it out.
That’s how unexpected his request was.
“Do you mean an outing as in the kind of outing I think it is?”
“Going out to eat, drink, and relax—what else would an outing be?”
Father continued.
“The truth is, Chief Administrator Yu tried to return his special leave. But I forced his leave into the schedule and had it approved.”
Only then did I understand why Chief Administrator Yu had looked so sullen today as he sighed while amending the approval documents.
“But that man would work even at home.”
I nodded at that.
That was just how Chief Administrator Yu was—etched into his work like a chisel to stone.
Like a man who’d die if he stopped working.
“It just so happens his leave coincides with yours. So, I’d like you to help him get real rest and at the same time…”
“You want me to keep an eye on him.”
Father nodded at my words.
Suddenly, I remembered the look on his face at Chief Administrator Yu’s funeral in my previous life.
How deeply sorrowful he’d been, having lost him to overwork.
“Understood, Father. I’ll do as you ask.”
“Thank you.”
If sacrificing a bit of my rest could spare Father from that grief, then that was more than enough.
Chief Administrator Yu must only die of old age—nothing else.
Clatter, clatter.
The sound of wheels turning echoed rhythmically.
The carriage carrying me and Chief Administrator Yu was headed to a valley about half a si-jin’s distance from the Eunhae Merchant Group headquarters for our outing.
There was a pavilion there where we’d drink tea and dine—that was the main plan for this outing.
Yet Chief Administrator Yu had worn a deathly expression the whole time.
Because of that, his attendant sitting next to him was visibly anxious.
Ugh. Now I feel sorry for him.
If this keeps up, outing or not, I’m going to end up clutching my neck in frustration.
“Chief Administrator Yu.”
“Why do you call, Young Master?”
“Do you need to take a dump?”
“…Excuse me?”
Yu looked completely flustered by my words.
“You’ve been making that face—like a puppy that needs to poop but doesn’t know where to go.”
“Hrmm, hrmm.”
“If not that, then is it perhaps that you disliked Father ordering you to go on this outing with me?”
“…”
“So which is it you dislike? Going on an outing? Or going with me?”
The atmosphere inside the carriage dropped into a deep chill.
Chief Administrator Yu’s attendant looked like he was about to pass out.
Come to think of it, his attendant’s always been a bit faint-hearted.
But I had my reasons for this approach.
I wanted Chief Administrator Yu to genuinely enjoy the outing.
If this kept up, it’d be a complete waste.
We might as well have just stayed in the Finance Pavilion and worked.
At my blunt question, Chief Administrator Yu let out a long sigh.
“Why would I dislike going with you, Young Master?”
“Then it must be the outing itself that you hate.”
“That’s right.”
Yu nodded and launched into a passionate explanation.
“There’s a mountain of paperwork left to handle. And to go on an outing at a time like this?”
“Then who’s handling it now?”
“The Deputy Pavilion Lord, I presume.”
“Then there’s no issue, is there?”
“But there are many documents I need to handle personally.”
“And those, Father will probably deal with himself. I assume he factored that in when he forced you to go on this outing. Don’t you agree?”
“…”
“We’re already on our way. No point in making that grim face and making your poor attendant even more uncomfortable.”
“Ah…”
Finally, Chief Administrator Yu turned to look at his attendant and scratched behind his ear at the sight of the attendant’s pale, stiff face.
“Sorry about that.”
“I-It’s fine, really. Hahaha…”
It looked like his mood had improved somewhat, but I wasn’t done driving the point home.
“Honestly, even if you scowl like that, it’s not going to change anything, right?”
“…”
“And when you do that, it makes me really uncomfortable too.”
At that, Chief Administrator Yu looked like something had clicked in his mind. Then he cupped his fists toward me.
Huh? Why’s he doing that all of a sudden?
Chief Administrator Yu spoke earnestly.
“My apologies. I didn’t realize my actions were making others uncomfortable.”
What?
“I’ll be more mindful moving forward.”
“Yes. I’m counting on you.”
I was a bit taken aback by the sudden change, but I let it slide smoothly.
Come to think of it, Chief Administrator Yu didn’t have much social grace.
Still, he’d never had issues because he was incredibly competent, trusted deeply by Father, and the other Pavilion Lords made allowances for him.
But judging from what he just said, I felt like I understood something.
He’d never learned how to live among people.
They call someone like this a brilliant fool, don’t they?
Teaching him social skills might be even more urgent than preventing his death from overwork…
That way, he could avoid unnecessary conflict—and my working environment would improve too.
Before that, I needed to do something about that stiff expression of his.
“Alright then, follow me.”
“Pardon?”
“Go on.”
“Ah, yes.”
“Relax your brow and say, ‘Ha ha ha.’”
“Ha ha ha?”
“Yes. Just like that, smile.”
This man… has he never laughed sincerely before? How awkward.
Well, you can’t be full from one spoonful of rice. He’ll improve eventually.
.
.
.
A short while later, we arrived at our destination.
“Wow! This place is amazing!”
Palgap shouted excitedly.
Thanks to the recent rainfall, the valley stream was flowing, and the mountains were dressed in fresh green.
Pink and yellow flowers blooming here and there added a refined touch.
Chief Administrator Yu’s attendant laid out the mat while Palgap set up the meal.
Meanwhile, the Eunpoong Division warriors, led by Squad Leader Gu Ji-seong, kept watch over the surroundings.
“You must be hungry after the journey. Please, eat.”
“Let’s eat.”
Just then, I stretched out my hand, stopping Chief Administrator Yu from beginning his meal.
“…?”
He looked at me as if to ask why, and I told him,
“Everyone’s hungry right now. Anyone human, that is.”
“That’s rather obvious, isn’t it?”
“Those warriors are human too. They must be hungry.”
“They’re not children. They’ll eat on their own.”
“True. But a single word of consideration builds rapport.”
With that, I approached Squad Leader Gu Ji-seong.
“Squad Leader, please have a meal with your men.”
Gu Ji-seong looked a bit flustered, hesitating for a moment.
“It’s alright. We shouldn’t let our guard down too much, but there’s no need to go to such lengths.”
“Then… understood. Thank you for your consideration, Young Master.”
Gu Ji-seong gestured to his warriors to prepare a place to eat.
As I returned to my seat, I spoke to Chief Administrator Yu again.
“There’s a big difference between saying something like that and not. And I heard there are places where you can’t eat unless the master gives permission.”
“…”
“Now then, let’s eat.”
The food Palgap had prepared was plentiful.
Excited by the mention of an outing, he’d gone all out.
Wait—?
Even alcohol?
I gave a small, incredulous laugh and asked Palgap,
“What’s this wine?”
“Come on, Young Master! You can’t have an outing without wine. It’s only right to sip a drink while taking in the scenery.”
This was a bit much.
“You’re a servant. You’re not allowed to drink.”
At least within the Eunhae Merchant Group, servants and maids who served the household were strictly forbidden from drinking.
The only time they were allowed to drink was during the monthly banquet hosted by the Finance Pavilion’s Red Division Lord.
“Of course I know that! This is for you, Young Master.”
I appreciated the thought, but I needed to avoid alcohol right now.
My constitution didn’t handle it well.
That’s when Chief Administrator Yu spoke up.
“It’s been a while. I’ll have a drink.”
“Oh, will you?”
At that, Palgap quickly prepared a cup, and I poured the wine for Chief Administrator Yu.
One cup, then two—soon his face turned red, and he began to laugh more.
Huh? What’s this?
Don’t tell me my advice lost out to wine?
So this is why they say moderate drinking is like medicine.
Of course, too much is still poison.
Then Chief Administrator Yu suddenly began reciting a poem.
Even I, who didn’t know much about poetry, could tell it was beautiful.
Wait… this poem—I’ve heard it before.
After some thought, I remembered.
In my past life, when I visited the capital, there was a collection of poems that sold like wildfire. It had been published by a famous scholar-official.
The man had retired from office and compiled all the poems he’d written into that collection.
The very poem Chief Administrator Yu just recited was in that book.
But that event was more than ten years from now. So how could Chief Administrator Yu be reciting it?
“That was a fine poem. Just hearing it lifted my spirits.”
“Thank you. Being surrounded by nature like this, sipping wine… an old poem I once wrote came to mind. A bit embarrassing, but I thought I’d recite it.”
“Is that so?”
What did he just say?
That he wrote it?
“Have you ever recited that poem in front of anyone else?”
“I’m not the type to recite poems in front of others.”
Chief Administrator Yu smiled wryly and shook his head—then suddenly seemed to remember something.
“Ah, there was one person.”
He looked as though he was tracing through memories.
“When I first entered government service, I recited this poem once before my superior.”
“Do you happen to remember that person’s name?”
It couldn’t be… not that bastard, surely.
“At the time, he was a Hanlin Academy Lecturer. A man named Chu Il-gong (鄒壹珙)…”
“…”
I had a bad feeling—and I was right.
Turns out what I feared was true.
In Chu Il-gong’s poetry collection, every poem was dated—and those dates were well into the future from now.
Which meant that bastard took a poem Yu had written and claimed it as his own.
–TL Notes–
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