The flower petals came down so thick and fast that Lady Seohyang actually had to open an umbrella.
They even had musicians playing the flute and zither beside us.
Warrior Cheong-ryu, whom I'd met before, was standing off to the side with one hand pressed to his forehead as though he were embarrassed on everyone else's behalf.
The look in Warrior Cheong-ryu's eyes practically screamed, ‘I'm sorry. I tried to stop them, but… there was nothing I could do.’
“Welcome! Hahahahaha!”
Then the man who seemed to hold the highest position among them approached me.
“I am Yeong-gyeol, an Elder of the Hainan Sect.”
“I am Eun Seo-ho, Deputy Merchant Lord of the Eunhae Merchant Group. Thank you for giving me such a warm welcome.”
I continued.
“However, I haven't done anything deserving of such a grand reception.”
“Hoho! What are you talking about? Do you have any idea how many people survived because of you?”
This was troublesome.
If they praised me too much, it could actually become a problem.
I glanced at Warrior Jang Won behind me before replying.
“Elder, you give me far too much credit. His Majesty has shown far greater concern for Hainan Island's people than I ever could.”
“Of course. I know that perfectly well.”
“That's why such a grand reception makes me a little uncomfortable.”
“Hoho! Then indulge us just this once. Besides, if His Majesty himself were to visit, do you think we'd merely scatter flowers here? The entire island would be covered in them.”
“I see.”
As expected of someone his age and experience, he caught on quickly.
“Now then, I'll take you to the Hainan Sect. Get into the sedan chair.”
Excuse me?
A sedan chair?
“Not a carriage, but a sedan chair?”
“The road is rather rough for a carriage.”
“…”
I politely declined.
“That's quite all right. I'll simply ride my horse.”
“Nonsense. Go on and get in.”
“The truth is, I get motion sickness in sedan chairs.”
“Is that so? Then I suppose it can't be helped.”
Only after making up an excuse that ridiculous did I finally manage to avoid being carried around in a sedan chair.
More importantly, how in the world did they know I was coming and prepare a welcome like this?
Could that red smoke signal from earlier have been…?
I saw one of the Hainan Sect disciples approach the ship captain who had brought me here and bow politely.
“Thank you for your cooperation.”
“Think nothing of it. If anything, the honor was mine.”
Uh, Captain…?
.
.
.
We followed our guides toward the Hainan Sect.
Apparently, word of our arrival had spread ahead of us, because people lined the road holding flowers and waving them in welcome.
“Great Hero Handsome Young Hero! Thank you!”
“Thank you!”
“Welcome!”
I awkwardly scratched my cheek at their enthusiastic reception.
The islanders' favorability toward me was practically maxed out.
It was embarrassing, but the Sect Leader had certainly done a thorough job with the favor I'd asked of him.
At the center of Hainan Island stood a mountain called Wuzhi Mountain. It was named Wuzhi Mountain, the Five-Finger Mountain, because its five peaks resembled the fingers of a hand.
And among those peaks, Limu Peak was the highest.
That was where the Hainan Sect had established itself.
– My Lord, if they learn that we're visiting the Hainan Sect, won't they become suspicious of us?
At Escort Guard Seo Wu's question, I slightly shook my head.
– That's actually better for us. They'll never imagine that I came here specifically to investigate their corruption.
– That's true. Who would think a man being welcomed with flower petals and music had come to investigate them?
Hahaha. Exactly.
As we traveled, I noticed a sight I hadn't seen before and asked one of the Hainan Sect disciples about it.
“Are they plowing rice paddies over there?”
“Yes, they are. They plant rice in the lower regions, but the higher parts of the island aren't quite as hot, so we usually grow barley or rapeseed there.”
Thanks to Hainan Island's warm climate, farmers could harvest three crops a year.
Crop failures were also extremely rare.
Ironically, however, that abundance was precisely what had made the island a target for exploitation.
If the corrupt officials had properly managed Hainan's food supplies instead of plundering them, the damage suffered by the mainland might have been reduced, even if only a little.
Instead, their exploitation had left even Hainan Island struggling, which was why the Emperor had inevitably become furious.
“We're reaching the time of year when the rain starts to disappear. We barely get any rain during the winter. But from late spring through early autumn, it pours almost constantly. That's why most houses are built on higher ground, and the actual living quarters are usually on the second floor or above.”
“Then what do you use the first floor for…?”
“We leave it empty. Whenever the heavy rains come, the lower floor can flood.”
So they avoided using the first floor here too, though for an entirely different reason than Zhurong Palace.
The customs people developed really did vary from region to region.
After listening to various stories along the way, we finally reached the foot of Wuzhi Mountain.
The slopes were already steep enough to make riding difficult, but the warm, rain-heavy climate had also allowed the trees and vegetation to grow astonishingly dense, making the terrain even rougher.
We left our horses at an inn near the foot of the mountain and continued on foot.
“You're quite good at climbing mountains. Though I suppose that should be expected, considering your reputation.”
“Hahahaha.”
I could only give him an awkward laugh without saying anything else.
What exactly was I supposed to say to that…?
After climbing for quite some time, we finally reached Limu Peak and were shown into the Hainan Sect's Guest Hall.
“Please wait here for a short while.”
“Of course.”
We sat there drinking tea as we waited.
Hainan Island had several famous teas of its own.
One of them was the Lan Gui Ren Tea I was drinking now, famous for its orchid fragrance and lingering sweetness.
It was one of my favorite teas, but it was also rather expensive.
That was because there were only a limited number of places where it could be properly cultivated.
Enough time passed for me to finish a cup of tea when,
Bang!
The door flew open and the Sect Leader strode inside.
“Hohoho! It's good to see you again!”
“It's been quite some time.”
“Sit, sit.”
I returned to my seat, and the Sect Leader settled into the seat of honor.
“After what you told me last time, I expected you would come sooner or later, but you've arrived much earlier than I thought.”
“This isn't something I can afford to delay.”
“So? Are you satisfied with how I handled things?”
I smiled and nodded.
“Yes. Thanks to you, everything is progressing smoothly. However, Sect Leader.”
“What is it?”
“All I needed was for the people here to have a better opinion of the Eunhae Merchant Group. Why did you go so far as to spread such flattering stories about me personally?”
“We merely told people the truth about what you did for them.”
“B–But…”
“I only did it because I was grateful to you. It seems this old man got a little carried away.”
“That's not what I meant…”
The Sect Leader suddenly looked rather dejected.
Come on. If you say it like that, what does that make me?
Sigh…
“I only meant that I'm embarrassed because you've made me sound like a far better person than I really am.”
“Hoho! What nonsense! How many people could casually hand over twenty thousand silver taels just because strangers were suffering? Even a rich man would struggle to part with that much.”
“I heard the rumors say I donated the money with tears streaming down my face.”
“Weren't you crying? That's certainly what I saw.”
“…”
“Perhaps I was mistaken. My eyesight isn't what it used to be now that I'm getting old…”
Come on, Sect Leader! Why are you making me sound like some heartless bastard?
“It's fine. Anyone can see something incorrectly once in a while. Hahahaha.”
“I'm grateful for your understanding. Putting that aside, is there anything else I can do to help?”
“I need a list of Hainan Island's officials, as well as a list of the influential local figures.”
“Understood. I'll have everything organized and sent to you.”
“Also, I'll be heading back down the mountain and staying at an inn.”
“You won't stay here? You're going to lodge at an inn instead?”
“Yes. I think that will do more to lower the officials' suspicions.”
“I understand what you're thinking, but staying at an inn may prove more troublesome than you expect.”
“What do you mean?”
“We Hainan Islanders never forget a grudge, but we remember a favor even longer.”
“I'll keep that in mind. Also, do you happen to know a man surnamed Cheon who deals in pearls?”
“I do. Though I came to know of him against my wishes.”
“Pardon?”
“Because the Prefect of Hainan Island is the man protecting him.”
The Prefect could essentially be called the highest authority on Hainan Island.
And if even the Hainan Sect's Sect Leader felt the need to warn me about him, there could only be one reason.
“Are there any officials on Hainan Island who aren't involved in this corruption?”
“I doubt it.”
Whew.
I'd have to move carefully.
That alone told me how difficult resolving this matter was going to be.
Was Hainan Island's highest-ranking official the mastermind behind the entire scheme?
.
.
.
We descended from the Hainan Sect, retrieved our horses, and entered an inn.
It was the inn the Sect Leader had recommended, and it was quite large.
“Welcome! To think the Great Hero, Handsome Young Hero, would honor our inn with his presence! This is truly an honor!”
The innkeeper himself rushed out to welcome us.
At this rate, someone was going to build a statue of me on this island.
I gave a wry smile and rented our rooms.
“Please wait for just a moment.”
“Of course.”
After my guards thoroughly searched the room, we finally went inside.
At that moment, Lady Seohyang lightly tugged at my sleeve.
“What is it?”
“There's something I need to tell you.”
“Go ahead.”
“The County Magistrate will come to see you tomorrow.”
“I see. Thank you for telling me.”
I could make a fairly good guess as to why the County Magistrate wanted to meet me.
He probably wanted something from me.
In that case…
I opened the door, stepped outside, and called to Palgap.
“Palgap. We're heading out early tomorrow morning, so make sure everything's ready.”
“Understood, sir.”
The County Magistrate was coming tomorrow?
Then tomorrow, I'd go see the Prefect.
.
.
.
The next morning.
I left the inn bright and early.
Whenever you went to meet a corrupt official like that, bringing a gift was practically mandatory.
Fortunately, I had something perfectly suited for the occasion.
We rode for about two hours before finally arriving at the Prefectural Office.
“What business brings you here?”
At the gatekeeper's question, I held out my identification plaque.
“I am Eun Seo-ho, Deputy Merchant Lord of the Eunhae Merchant Group.”
“Gasp! Are you Handsome Young Hero?”
“It's embarrassing to admit, but that is what people call me.”
“Please forgive our rudeness!”
The gatekeepers immediately lowered their weapons and bowed deeply.
“I don't have a prior appointment, but after coming all the way to Hainan Island, how could I fail to pay my respects to a man of the Prefect's standing? That is why I came here today. I only hope I won't be turned away at the gate.”
“Turned away? Certainly not!”
“Please wait just a moment. I'll report your arrival.”
One of the gatekeepers hurried inside. He soon returned and spoke with considerably greater courtesy.
“Please, come inside.”
“Thank you.”
We entered and were guided to a Reception Room.
Beside me, Warrior Jang Won quietly asked,
“What exactly are you planning?”
“I have something in mind. For now, please watch and leave this to me.”
“…Understood.”
Only Lady Seohyang, Escort Guard Seo Wu, and I entered the Reception Room.
Everyone else had to wait outside.
A short while later, a maidservant arrived carrying tea and refreshments.
Whew.
The islanders were going hungry, and these people were serving pastries…?
Even the Hainan Sect's Sect Leader hadn't served pastries when I met him.
Well, they'd already brought them out.
It would be rude not to enjoy them.
As we waited while eating the refreshments, someone's voice came from outside the door.
“The Prefect has arrived.”
We immediately rose from our seats, and a long-bearded man soon entered the room.
We formally bowed to him in greeting.
“This humble merchant, Eun Seo-ho, greets the Prefect.”
“This humble woman greets the Prefect.”
“A pleasure to meet you. I am Geum Sa-gyeon, the Prefect of this region. Please, sit.”
“Thank you.”
Lady Seohyang and I sat down. However, there was something strange about the way the Prefect was staring at the two of us.
“Truly beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!”
Ah.
So this was the lecherous official Warrior Jang Won had warned me about.
I forced a smile onto my face.
“The woman beside me is my wife. Since we've come all the way to Hainan Island, I thought it only proper to pay our respects to someone of your standing, so I brought my wife along with me.”
“Ah, is that so?”
His interest vanished almost immediately.
Did he at least understand enough propriety to stay away from another man's wife?
Or did he simply lose interest in a woman once he knew she had already been claimed?
Either way, I didn't particularly care.
If he'd kept looking at her with those filthy intentions, I wouldn't have let it slide.
“I heard you accomplished something remarkable for us recently.”
“I hardly did anything worth mentioning. I merely contributed a little of the money I happened to have.”
I continued.
“More importantly, one unfortunate thing after another seems to have happened here, so I imagine you've suffered a great deal of worry. I've heard that no one cares more deeply for Hainan Island's people than you do.”
“Of course. It pains my heart terribly to see the islanders suffering.”
Oh, he certainly knew how to talk.
Then why was his face so plump and glossy with grease?
“What brings you to Hainan Island, by the way?”
“The truth is, the Eunhae Merchant Group is considering sourcing a few products from Hainan Island. And since I'm already here, I thought I'd buy my wife a gift made with pearls.”
“Hahahahaha! What a devoted husband!”
“I'm grateful that you think so highly of me.”
At my words, Lady Seohyang lightly covered part of her face with one hand, pretending to be embarrassed.
“Hmm. In that case, you should visit Cheon.”
“Cheon?”
“He's a pearl merchant here. He has quite a good eye for pearls. If you tell him I sent you, he won't try to cheat you and should treat you properly.”
Excuse me, Prefect.
Shouldn't a decent merchant refrain from cheating people regardless of who introduced them?
But I hid my thoughts and smiled as I eagerly played along.
“Of course! Who would dare cheat someone introduced by the Prefect himself?”
Even while we talked, his eyes kept drifting toward the box I'd brought with me.
It was about time I showed him what was inside.
“I was embarrassed at the thought of visiting the Prefect empty-handed, so I spent quite some time wondering what kind of gift would be appropriate.”
“Hoho, a gift? Wouldn't that be a bribe?”
“A bribe? Heavens, no! Don't say something so dangerous.”
I deliberately made a great show of alarm.
“This is merely a small token of my respect for the Prefect.”
With that, I placed the box on the table and opened the lid so he could clearly see what lay inside.
“This is what I brought.”
“Oh? And what might this be?”
“A golden toad.”
It was the very same golden toad the Mu Merchant Group had given me as collateral.
And this thing was fake.
–TL Notes–
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