Raise Your Head to See the Sky (5)
That morning.
“My goodness! Branch leader, did you stay up all night?”
Mo Yong Woo smiled faintly. His face showed traces of fatigue.
“I had some things to think about.”
Concern flickered across Yi Geun's face.
“Please rest today. I'll handle the trade alliance representatives.”
“I'm fine. It's not like this is the first time.”
“Are you sure?”
“I've squeezed in martial arts training amid busier days than this. Don't worry too much. If no answer comes, I'll just draw my sword.”
Yi Geun couldn't help but burst into laughter.
“You're right. Might as well draw it. Who could stand against you, branch leader?”
Deep down, he meant it sincerely. Of course, Yi Geun knew that wasn't the way to go.
They had sharpened their claws out of desperation for survival, but they were victims too.
“Then at least sleep for one hour. I'll wrap up the morning's work.”
“All right.”
“Yes, sir.”
But Mo Yong Woo didn't sleep. He was tired, certainly, but his mind was sharper than ever.
There was no need to force sleep.
It's like I've been possessed by something.
Mo Yong Woo thought of Yeon Hojeong.
Just entering his thirties, perhaps? Thanks to his inner energy, no doubt, but his wrinkle-free face brimmed with vitality.
His features were sharp overall, strikingly handsome. He seemed rigid at first glance, yet possessed a strange magnetism that drew people in.
But that charm was only skin-deep.
What is he, really?
Mo Yong Woo was accustomed to seeing beyond appearances, to the inherent nature within.
It was only natural. The Moyong family was a hellish stage where blood ties meant nothing in the pursuit of power.
To survive there, one first had to hone the eye for judging people.
To his gaze, Yeon Hojeong was already a force complete unto himself.
A power stronger and more precious than martial prowess: eyes that read the currents of the world, and the ability to bend those currents to his will.
If his martial arts were stronger than my brother's, I might have been less surprised.
Even now, it was shocking enough. To Mo Yong Woo's eyes, Yeon Hojeong's skills were at a level where even he couldn't predict victory or defeat.
That alone marked monstrous talent.
'Prey...?'
A sudden unease stirred in Mo Yong Woo.
What did Yeon Hojeong plan for the trade alliance? What did he mean by making them come crawling with apologies?
He wouldn't threaten them with force, would he?
No, he wouldn't. He looked rough, but he seemed to know basic decency.
Mo Yong Woo decided to trust his judgment.
Some time passed like that. The sun was nearing midday.
“B-branch leader!”
“What is it?”
“The trade alliance representatives are here!”
Mo Yong Woo's eyes flashed.
“I see.”
“But the mood is strange.”
“Strange how?”
“I-I don't know. They're all pale as ghosts for some reason...”
No way...?
Mo Yong Woo hurried outside.
“Gasp! B-branch leader!”
“You've come!”
“Aigoo, we should have visited you much sooner...”
Mo Yong Woo blinked. What was with these groveling reactions?
“I don't know what's going on, but come inside first.”
The three men exchanged uneasy glances.
Mo Yong Woo tilted his head.
“Is there a problem?”
One of the men cautiously spoke up.
“Um... are you... all right?”
“What do you mean?”
“No, I mean...”
“...?”
“Will you... keep staying here?”
What the hell does that mean?
Mo Yong Woo looked at their faces. They were ashen, but there was something odd about their fear.
Me?
It wasn't as if they'd been threatened by someone else—they seemed afraid of him.
'Stay here? That means...?'
Then the eldest, who appeared in his fifties, spoke.
“We had no idea how much you've been suffering, Branch Leader Moyong. Thinking back, you had no reason to, yet you took on all this hardship for us.”
“...”
“It's all our fault. Our shortcomings. From now on, we'll sort things out among ourselves, so please—just stay in your position.”
Mo Yong Woo felt inwardly frustrated.
“I don't follow. What difference does my staying make...?”
He meant it innocently, but to the three men, his words hit like thunderbolts.
“Forgive us! Spare us just once!”
“If you leave, branch leader, we'll starve to death!”
“Take our shares instead!”
What? What the hell?
Mo Yong Woo was utterly flustered by their fervent pleas. At the same time, his mind cleared coldly.
Yeon Hojeong?
He must have pulled some trick. But it didn't seem like brute force.
They feared him, not Yeon Hojeong.
In that instant, Mo Yong Woo recalled Yeon Hojeong's words.
'Don't make them come demanding food. Make them crawl here apologizing.'
'When opportunity knocks, bite the leash.'
...Hmm, whatever it is, shall I probe?
Mo Yong Woo feigned ignorance.
“Aren't you three the representatives of the trade guild? You can manage fine without me.”
In that moment, he felt the air freeze solid.
Their faces drained of color, turning bluish in utter terror. Their minds seemed half-gone.
“S-sorry! Forgive us, branch leader! Please, just once!”
“Sob!”
“We'll never fight among ourselves again! If anyone meddles in profit disputes, we'll crush them first!”
Mo Yong Woo stopped probing. One wrong move, and he might kill someone.
Then the fifty-something man, tears streaming, said,
“We didn't know you were fighting alone. From now on, we'll stand by you and protect you.”
“I...”
“So, shameless as it is, we beg you: please stop the Moyong family from coming to Zhejang!”
A chill ran down Mo Yong Woo's spine.
Moyong family? Why bring up the main house all of a sudden?
He asked calmly, “Are you so afraid of the main house coming to Zhejang?”
“Sob! We have no excuse.”
Mo Yong Woo felt the same. He had no words without knowing what was happening.
But he knew one thing: this couldn't go on.
“Come inside first.”
The three entered the guest hall, wiping red faces streaked with tears and snot.
At that moment, someone knocked urgently at the branch gate. A Beggar Sect disciple.
“A letter from Young Master Yeon.”
If you'd truly made up your mind, you wouldn't have needed this help.
But I understand—you've had your own agonized time. We can exclude this from our deal.
That confidence was staggering. As if he could resolve this anytime, his bold words leaped off the page.
Whatever else, allying with such talent felt right.
With your brother's temperament, he'd probably slaughter every merchant in the alliance.
Don't let them know that. They look soft, but they've survived viciously. Cornered, they'll bare their fangs.
That would complicate things.
Mo Yong Woo felt chills. Had Yeon Hojeong planted a spy here? How else could he see so clearly?
Terrifying!
One thing was clear: Yeon Hojeong must never become an enemy. His strategies already played on a world stage.
And paired with frightening action.
Has your brother already made him an enemy? I told them the Moyong family is pouring funds to swallow Zhejang's trade whole.
And you're the one blocking it on the front lines.
Later might differ, but for now, no headaches.
“Hah!”
Mo Yong Woo inwardly marveled.
The Moyong family fully committing to trade? Zhejang merchants were doomed. They'd lose every profit to them, foul or fair.
Astronomical funds crushed small traders. Now their terror made sense.
With a blood Moyong blocking their devourer, how could they not be grateful? But him threatening to leave? Thunderclap to them.
He shakes the board with mere words... I've never seen anyone actually do it.
Mo Yong Woo shook his head, then hardened his expression.
Do you get why I dragged the Moyong name in? When Moyong Yeonhwa comes, you'll choose: abandon them or embrace them.
Their lives hang on your judgment.
Mo Yong Woo's nose twitched faintly.
If you truly want to topple the clan, seize Zhejang first. No will or ability? Kneel to Moyong Yeonhwa.
Choose the former, and you're fully with me. The latter makes us foes.
An extreme fork. Yeon Hojeong openly tested his vessel.
Fearsome!
Passing the test secured Zhejang's base, then snapped up the sensitive trade market in one stroke.
Zhejang stable meant Gangso Province stable. Bi-san Yeon family operations eased too.
One move yields double, triple gains...
Talent recognizes talent. Mo Yong Woo stuck out his tongue at Yeon Hojeong's myriad profits.
If I fail... he'll bring Yeon forces and conquer.
Even worst case, he takes it. Audacious beyond Mo Yong Woo's imagination.
Mo Yong Woo read the rest.
Planning a month at Hoseon Daehi House to survey Zhejang markets. Success? Come visit.
Mo Yong Woo folded the letter and sighed deeply.
Have I joined hands with someone too much to handle?
Then Yi Geun rushed in.
“B-branch leader!”
“What?”
“The merchant reps want to elect you Great Benefactor of the trade alliance! Why the sudden change?”
“Great Benefactor...”
Mo Yong Woo smiled wryly.
“'Bite the leash when opportunity comes,' he said, then yanked out all their fangs and teeth first.”
“Pardon?”
“Nothing. Let's go in.”
Mo Yong Woo drew a deep breath, resolve gleaming in his eyes.
“What choice is there? Even a thorny flower must be plucked if its scent pleases.”
