Two days later.
At last, the day had come for us to return to Beijing.
"Long live His Majesty the Emperor!"
"Long live His Highness the Crown Prince!"
"Your Highness, Prince Seongbo! We look forward to welcoming you back to Sichuan someday!"
The people of Chengdu had gathered in droves, cheering for the Emperor, the Crown Prince, and Prince Seongbo.
Your Majesty, I hope you're pleased.
Here in Sichuan, every trace of your terrible reputation has been wiped away, and now the people have nothing but praise for you.
Are you satisfied now?
The problem was that I could hear my name mixed in with all those cheers.
"A true hero! Great Hero Eun, the Handsome Young Hero!"
"Waaaaaaah!"
My face burned.
I'd done all of this for my own benefit and the Eunhae Merchant Group's interests, yet now they were calling me a hero.
Ugh… Please, just stop.
Palgap watched me squirm and spoke.
"Now I finally know for sure what your weakness is, Young Master."
"And what's my weakness?"
"You can't stand being praised."
Escort Guard Jin Yu laughed and joined in.
"That's quite a predicament. You don't want anyone praising you, yet everything you do gives people another reason to praise you."
"Why not try getting used to it?"
At Escort Guard Myeong Jong's suggestion, I let out a sigh.
"For some reason, no matter how much I try, I just can't get used to being praised."
That was the problem.
After I somehow endured that private torment, we were finally able to leave Chengdu.
That evening.
There wasn't an inn nearby large enough to accommodate a party our size, so we decided to camp beside the road.
The soldiers set up the tents with practiced efficiency.
Once the encampment was ready, one of the soldiers approached me with a message from the Crown Prince.
"His Highness asked you to join him for dinner."
"Understood."
I headed straight to the Crown Prince's tent, and the guard at the entrance announced my arrival.
"Your Highness. Deputy Merchant Lord Eun has arrived."
"Send him in."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The guard pulled aside the cloth serving as the tent flap and let me enter.
"I pay my respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince and Your Highness Prince Seongbo."
I bowed respectfully to the Crown Prince and Prince Seongbo, and they accepted my greeting.
"Come, sit over here."
"Thank you for Your Highness's grace."
Food had already been laid out on the table inside the tent.
As I took my seat, I asked the Crown Prince,
"Isn't living in a tent uncomfortable for Your Highness?"
"What's uncomfortable about it? I'm not sleeping on the bare ground, and I even have a camp cot."
The Crown Prince genuinely didn't seem bothered by it at all.
Come to think of it, Prince Seongbo had never once complained about living in tents while we were at the Qingcheng Sect, either.
Prince Seongbo answered the question before I could ask.
"Ah! Deputy Merchant Lord Eun wouldn't know about this. Every man in the Imperial Family must undergo a certain form of training before reaching adulthood. It's called Stone Pillow, Dew Quilt."
A stone for a pillow and dew for a quilt.
Judging by the name alone, it sounded like some lesson intended to teach them to live humbly and frugally, but if that were all it was, the Crown Prince and Prince Seongbo wouldn't be making faces like that.
They looked like men remembering something they never wanted to experience again.
"For three months, we have to survive in a forest inside the Imperial Palace with no supplies whatsoever."
"We wash ourselves at a spring in the forest, and the only clothes we're allowed are the single set we were wearing when we entered."
That sounded far harsher than I'd expected.
"Then what do you do for food?"
"At the beginning, we're given a single manual explaining how to survive in the forest. Naturally, it also explains which things are safe to eat."
"I see. Then what about sleeping? Are you allowed to light a fire and put up some kind of shelter?"
At my question, the Crown Prince and Prince Seongbo glanced at each other, gave faint laughs, and shook their heads.
"Why do you think it's called Stone Pillow, Dew Quilt? You sleep with a stone for your pillow while the night dew soaks you. That's where the name comes from."
"And we're forbidden from lighting fires. The entire purpose of Stone Pillow, Dew Quilt is to prepare us for wartime conditions."
"Throughout the training, we also have to keep moving so the instructors pretending to be enemy soldiers can't capture us."
Ah…
Only then did I understand the true purpose of Stone Pillow, Dew Quilt.
Whether it was the Crown Prince or another Imperial Prince, they were members of the Imperial Family. If disaster struck, the first priority was for them to stay alive and avoid falling into enemy hands.
As long as even one of them survived, the Imperial Family could continue.
And if they ever truly found themselves in such a crisis, the Stone Pillow, Dew Quilt training would prove its worth.
After all, someone with at least some experience surviving under those conditions would have a far better chance than someone who knew absolutely nothing.
They probably made the training last three entire months because that was long enough for the lessons to stop being mere knowledge and become instinct.
Still… I hadn't realized the forest inside the Imperial Palace was that enormous.
It was large enough for them to spend three months learning survival and evasion inside it.
"In any case, thanks to that training, simply having a tent over my head feels like something to be grateful for."
"I can understand why."
I'd unintentionally learned something valuable.
The Imperial Family's training methods were treated as a kind of state secret. There was no chance these two didn't know that, yet they'd still explained it to me without hesitation.
That could only mean they trusted me that much.
"Now then, let's eat."
"Yes, Your Highness."
We began our meal while continuing our conversation.
The food laid out before us wasn't particularly luxurious.
It was essentially the same meal the ordinary soldiers were eating, with the addition of a drink made from dried fruit.
"We aren't traveling under any urgent deadline. Couldn't Your Highnesses have your meals prepared a little better?"
The Crown Prince waved his hand at my question.
"Absolutely not. Father always told me that a commander must eat the same food as his soldiers. Only then will he understand the true weight of deciding to wage war."
I slowly nodded.
The current Emperor truly was an exceptional ruler.
That was probably why the Murim Alliance had poisoned the Empress and robbed His Majesty of his clear judgment through grief. They needed the Empire thrown into chaos if they wanted to create the circumstances they desired.
Then they could install a new Empress and seize political power through her.
This time, I would never allow things to unfold the way they wanted.
Of course, whenever the Emperor governed diligently, the people who suffered the most were his officials.
Forget slacking off. They had to work themselves to the bone just to avoid earning a rebuke from him.
And unfortunately, I was now one of those people being worked to the bone.
Even so, I had several reasons for wanting the Emperor to remain healthy and continue ruling for a long time.
First, the Emperor favored me.
It was rather unfortunate that his favor usually manifested as him working me half to death, but I'd also gained quite a lot because of that favor.
If the Emperor stopped properly attending to state affairs, it would become much harder for me to benefit from my connection to him.
Second, merchants suffered whenever the country went to hell.
Once the country fell into disorder, bandits were always among the first problems to multiply.
From ordinary Forest Bandits all the way to thieves wearing official robes, every last one of them was a headache.
Third, I couldn't allow the Murim Alliance to get what it wanted.
If the Murim Alliance gained even more power, my dream of turning the Eunhae Merchant Group into the greatest merchant group under heaven would disappear, and taking revenge on the Murim Alliance would become impossible as well.
"What are you thinking about?"
The Crown Prince's question snapped me from my thoughts, and I quickly cupped my hands.
"Ah! My apologies, Your Highness. I was thinking about everything I'll have to deal with afterward…"
"Come to think of it, you do have quite a number of responsibilities."
"I'm afraid that's true."
I nodded.
"Once I return to Beijing with Your Highness, I'll have to leave almost immediately, pass through Hubei, and continue on to Nanjing, so…"
I deliberately let my voice trail off, and Prince Seongbo spoke.
"Brother, now that I think about it, doesn't our route take us through Hubei Province?"
"It does."
"We were able to bring the chaos in Sichuan Province under control so quickly largely thanks to Deputy Merchant Lord Eun Seo-ho here."
Prince Seongbo continued.
"Since Sunyang County in Hubei Province isn't far from our route anyway, why don't we stop there briefly? I'd like to experience for myself the spirit of the place that managed to produce such an outstanding talent."
"I was already curious about what sort of place Sunyang County might be."
Beneath the table, I clenched my hand into a fist.
Yes!
Exactly what I'd been hoping for.
That was the entire reason I'd casually brought up Hubei Province.
And just as I'd expected, the two of them had readily suggested it themselves.
There was a considerable difference between me making a request and having them accept it, and them suggesting the visit first while I merely agreed.
The difference was responsibility.
If the suggestion came from them, I could stop by without worrying about being blamed for dragging them there.
Still, I'd better send Father a message in advance.
If the two of them suddenly appeared without warning, he'd probably have a heart attack.
We set out again the following morning, and before long, we reached Sunyang County in Hubei Province.
Since I'd sent word ahead, my family was already waiting outside to greet our party.
"We pay our respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince and Your Highness Prince Seongbo! Long live Your Highness! Long live Your Highness! Long, long live Your Highness!"
After accepting their greeting, the Crown Prince personally helped Grandfather and Father to their feet.
"Please, rise."
"We are deeply grateful for Your Highness's grace."
"I understand that my coming here like this places a burden on you. However, I haven't come to cause you trouble. I merely wished to experience the spirit of Sunyang for myself, after seeing what an exceptional talent this place has produced."
"We can only be deeply grateful that Your Highness thinks so highly of Sunyang County and has such a generous opinion of my inadequate son."
Father continued respectfully.
"Please, come inside. We've prepared a place for Your Highnesses to stay."
A short while later.
I visited Father's office.
"Whew… I hardly know what to make of all this. I never imagined I'd live to see the day the Crown Prince himself came here."
"Why are you so nervous? Haven't you already had an audience with His Majesty the Emperor before?"
Back when we'd been selected as salt retailers, Father had been granted an audience with the Emperor.
That was when I completely turned the tables on those eunuchs who'd looked down on us.
Hmm… Now that I think about it, that was when I first caught the Emperor's eye.
"Do you honestly think meeting His Majesty inside the Imperial Palace is the same as having the Crown Prince appear at my private residence?"
Father complained, though there was laughter in his voice.
"More importantly, how did everything in Sichuan turn out?"
"Well. Uncle is handling things smoothly."
I gave Father a detailed explanation of the current situation.
"Good. He's doing well. Putting your uncle in charge of the Sichuan region truly was the right choice."
"I agree."
"Your Second Uncle was talented enough to come right on my heels during the contest for Merchant Lord, after all."
Father took a sip of tea, then changed the subject.
"Come to think of it, it's already the Fourth Month."
"Yes."
"Preparations for your wedding this fall are proceeding smoothly. And what about the invitations? Have you been delivering them properly?"
"I sent messengers to most places… but there are still a few people I haven't been able to give one to personally."
I continued.
"By the way, is Elder Ghost-faced Constable still on West Street?"
"He is. He's still taking life easy, just as always."
I'd wanted to visit him the last time I was here as well, but he'd been away at the time.
"Since I've come all the way to Headquarters, I should go see him."
With that, I pulled a bottle from inside my robes and set it on the table.
"What's this?"
"Restorative medicine for Grandfather."
It was a decoction I'd brewed from the Longevity Herb we'd obtained this time.
"Father, make sure you give it to Grandfather yourself. And please watch him drink it, too."
"All right. I will."
.
.
.
The next day.
After breakfast, I headed for West Street.
West Street was a place that became an entirely different world once night fell, but with the Prohibition Decree still in effect, only the faint lingering perfume of courtesans remained.
Lady Seohyang accompanied me this time.
When we reached the pawnshop, the old man was sitting outside, basking in the sunlight.
It's been a long time.
I approached him and greeted him respectfully.
"Have you been well, Elder?"
"Well, look who it is. Isn't this the ungrateful brat who couldn't even be bothered to show his face all this time?"
"It wasn't because I didn't want to see you. For some strange reason, every time I came to Hubei Province, you happened to be away."
"Ahem. So now you're saying this is my fault?"
"You catch on quickly."
"Insolent brat."
The old man and I both broke into faint grins.
"So, what have you come to squeeze out of this old man now?"
"If I came to squeeze something out of you, would you let me?"
"You really won't let me win even a single exchange, will you?"
The old man clicked his tongue and grumbled.
I chuckled, then pulled a red envelope from inside my robes and held it out.
"What's this?"
"I'm getting married."
"You?"
"Yes. Me."
Lady Seohyang greeted him respectfully.
"Gwak Seohyang greets you, Elder. I've heard that you've taken very good care of the Deputy Merchant Lord over the years."
"Yes, it's been a long time since I've seen you. Hahaha. Come, sit here."
"Yes, Elder."
Lady Seohyang sat beside Elder Ghost-faced Constable.
"Elder, what about me?"
"You can sit or stand for all I care."
At that, I sat down across from him with an awkward expression.
Wait a second… Did he just say it's been a long time since he'd seen her?
Does he already know Lady Seohyang's true identity?
"More importantly, how in the world did you end up marrying a good-for-nothing like this? Tsk, tsk."
"Wait! Elder! A good-for-nothing? That's a little harsh. I'm hurt."
"Anyone who marries you has a lifetime of headaches waiting for her! Tell me I'm wrong."
"…"
I had nothing to say.
Because he wasn't wrong.
"Still, while this brat might make you worry from time to time, he'll never do anything that would make you regret trusting him."
Was that a compliment?
"He's as loyal and trustworthy as they come. He's competent enough, too, and as for that face of his… well, it's enough to drive women out of their minds."
So it was a compliment.
Come to think of it, Elder Ghost-faced Constable was said to be one of the Emperor's close friends.
They say close friends start to resemble each other, and strangely enough, the Emperor and Elder Ghost-faced Constable really did seem alike in certain ways.
"The wedding will be this fall."
"Understood. Cough, cough."
The old man suddenly began coughing. Come to think of it, he seemed considerably frailer than when I'd first met him.
If my memories from my previous life were correct, the old man would die from old age several years from now.
I'd always found that regrettable, but Geumryeong had brought me something extremely useful this time.
"Palgap."
"Yes."
I took a bottle and a bowl from Palgap.
"I managed to obtain some excellent restorative medicine, so I brought some for you."
Then I poured the Longevity Herb decoction from the bottle into the bowl and held it out to him.
"Please drink it."
"This doesn't seem like ordinary medicine."
"Of course not. If I'm bringing medicine for you, Elder, how could I possibly bring something ordinary?"
The old man looked from me to the bowl before finally nodding.
"Fine. You went to the trouble of bringing it for me, so you'd probably sulk if I refused. I've never met anyone who holds a grudge as long as you do…"
E-Elder…
– Kui!
–TL Notes–
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