Chapter 30
Chapter 30
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: Foresight in Fujian
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"I've made the rounds with the local officials. To set up a branch here and get business rolling, it's best to build rapport with them ahead of time."
Sharp as ever. Yuk Jin-yang inwardly admired Hwang Dal-pyeong for handling the task in his stead.
To prestigious clans, the unwritten rule of officials not meddling in martial affairs was nothing but an outdated custom. Most advocated for officials and martial artists to coexist. The benefits of cooperating with the court were simply too great.
"That said, when I mentioned we were from the Zhejiang Yuk Clan, they seemed genuinely welcoming. They even talked about meeting often and looking to the future. Looks like the Provincial Administration Commissioner has been having a tough time with the local clans' bullying."
Ming officials couldn't be assigned to their hometowns to avoid collusion with relatives and corruption. Yet suppressing the united front of local clans was a challenge no provincial governor could easily handle.
But Yuk Jin-yang dismissed the notion.
"Or maybe Fuzhou's situation is that dire. If tax revenue drops, the commissioner will have to watch his step with the court."
"That's a fair point. He might have welcomed us thinking we have some plan in mind."
"Talk to the local landowners in Fujian too. We'll step in and secure the officials' cooperation, so tell them to push forward on those stalled ventures."
The Zhejiang Yuk Clan's name carried a weight that local clans couldn't ignore. They'd likely opt for compromise to protect as much of their interests as possible.
"Yes... but there's a problem."
Hwang Dal-pyeong let out a deep sigh.
Just then, the food arrived. A lavish spread.
Chicken simmered in wine, steamed garfish stuffed with tangerines, Fuzhou's famous noodles, and several bottles of aged rice wine.
The two men sated their hunger first.
Hwang Dal-pyeong gulped down some chicken broth and exclaimed in delight.
"Warm soup hits the spot. I'd been living off dumplings for three days straight."
"How come?"
"Running around everywhere. Barely spent any time at the inn."
Hwang Dal-pyeong grew serious as he added,
"Running the branch isn't easy. It needs steady funding to keep going. The issue is Fujian lacks reliable revenue sources. That's what I've been scouting for."
Yuk Jin-yang sighed. He appreciated Hwang Dal-pyeong's enthusiasm, but it had all been for naught.
"Wasted effort."
Hwang Dal-pyeong's eyes widened.
"What do you mean?"
"The sea ban won't last long."
"Why not?"
Yuk Jin-yang deftly changed the subject. It wasn't something to discuss openly.
"For now, I want to see the land Grandfather allocated for me. We'll set up the branch there."
"Set up? Oh! No need to worry about that. Surely the clan head didn't hand you an empty field."
Hwang Dal-pyeong smiled slyly.
"Here it is."
Hwang Dal-pyeong pointed to the grand pleasure house along the main avenue. A "fanolou" referred to multi-story pavilions linked together. This one alone consisted of three three-story structures connected by cloud bridges.
The Flying Stream Pavilion warriors gaped at the massive scale.
Yuk Jin-yang was equally stunned. He hadn't expected such a building to have been maintained all this time.
"You've been letting this sit idle?"
"Of course not. It was leased to merchants until I cleared it out. Paid them compensation and terminated the contracts, so no issues there."
"One less worry, then."
"But now you'll have to fret over upkeep costs. It's yours now."
The group entered the fanolou. They settled in what had once housed a brothel and got down to business.
"Why do you think the sea ban won't last?"
"What's the state of the realm right now?"
Yuk Jin-yang asked abruptly. Hwang Dal-pyeong pondered deeply, then his eyes sharpened.
"The Emperor distrusts his uncles. Excessively so."
Ming Taizu had appointed his sons as regional princes, scattering them across the land to safeguard the empire.
The current Emperor saw things differently. To him, the princes were no better than vultures waiting for a chance to strike.
Yuk Jin-yang lowered his voice.
"The eldest grandson who inherited the family after his father's early death. And the powerful uncles. Either side has plenty of motive to act."
It was a future he'd already witnessed in reports.
The Emperor would strip the princes of their fiefs, sparking rebellion.
"You're certain of war."
Hwang Dal-pyeong's voice trembled. In contrast, Yuk Jin-yang spoke calmly.
"And it's our opportunity. War always creates massive demand."
"Cornering the market? Hoarding grain now could..."
Hwang Dal-pyeong swallowed hard.
"Assuming war breaks out, you could make a fortune. Timing's the key."
"Won't take long. Late this year at latest. But that's not how we'll make money. No hoarding."
Yuk Jin-yang shook his head firmly. He counted off on his fingers.
"First, the court already senses the signs. Move rashly, and officials will crack down. Especially anything touching the people's livelihood—they'll react harshly."
"Any other reasons?"
"Second, if I planned on hoarding, I wouldn't have volunteered for the Fujian branch."
"So what are you aiming for?"
"After the war ends."
He could already envision the scorched landscapes from the chaos. From those ashes, seeds of a new era would sprout.
"Raising armies, supplying provisions, rebuilding ruined cities. All enormously expensive. Where will the princes or the Emperor get the funds?"
"Raising taxes..."
"And risk peasant revolts? No chance. Only one group can provide the capital: merchants."
Unlike landowners whose fields take years to recover from fire, merchants could rebuild businesses anytime as long as they survived.
"They won't openly lift the sea ban, of course. Defying Taizu's edict isn't simple."
"It ties to legitimacy."
"Instead, they'll turn a blind eye to smuggling."
No different from fattening pigs for meat.
Smuggling evades taxes, so it's always suppressed—but in rebellion, even that's overlooked.
No ruler haggles over tax details during wartime.
By principle, the lives and property of all—scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants—belong to the Emperor.
When the realm faces upheaval, all must contribute to the state. That's the way of the world.
"Ah!"
Hwang Dal-pyeong exclaimed in admiration.
"Fattening merchants to fill funding gaps... Brilliant foresight. If oversight loosens and smuggling resumes, Fujian stands to gain the most."
"Now you know what to do."
Hwang Dal-pyeong nodded.
"I'll connect with the ship owners first. We'll need ships plying the seas, not rivers."
"Better to acquire fleets or partner with them than build from scratch."
"Not easy. They're not sitting idle—they're running land caravans to keep businesses afloat."
"I'll handle negotiations personally."
Yuk Jin-yang filled Hwang Dal-pyeong's cup to the brim.
"One more thing."
"Yes."
"No need to report to the clan head or Grand Steward anymore."
"What do you mean?"
Hwang Dal-pyeong's hand shook, spilling a drop of wine.
"Join me from now on."
Yuk Jin-yang smiled gently. This reaction confirmed it. Hwang Dal-pyeong had secret orders from the clan head.
He'd suspected as much. Hwang wasn't like the other Flying Stream Pavilion warriors or Jin Won-gi. Hard to believe he served only him.
"I know all about it. Not scolding you."
"Y-Young master."
"But I can't hand the keys to the treasury to someone serving multiple masters. Choose."
Yuk Jin-yang stared steadily at Hwang Dal-pyeong.
"Accept, and drink. Then tell him yourself: my orders come first."
"......"
After a brief hesitation, Hwang Dal-pyeong downed the cup in one go.
"I pledge my loyalty."
"You called for me, Clan Head?"
In the clan head's study.
Grand Steward Choe Rim entered upon summons. The Yuk clan head silently handed over a letter.
Choe Rim scanned it without question. Unfamiliar handwriting, but the content and address identified the sender.
"Young master Jin-yang pulled off something big. Taking the Hainan Gratitude Gang's submission so readily. At his age, the lure of gold must have been strong."
"Destroying the Guangdong Jin Clan surprises me too, but this news pleases me more. Didn't know the boy had such long-term vision."
Ties to a major sect were priceless treasures. Severing them for wealth would be penny-wise and pound-foolish.
"Why'd he pick Fujian of all places?"
"Shall I look into it?"
"No need. Fujian's his domain now. Once you give trust, see it through. Can't have a grandfather meddling in his grandson's bowl."
The clan head spoke evenly, but a pleased smile lit his face. His grandson's feats were that impressive. A rare occurrence.
Choe Rim hid his surprise. The clan head asked out of the blue,
"Found those rats? Lots of eyes on Jin-yang and Flying Stream Pavilion lately."
"Yes. Caught everyone snooping on young master Jin-yang, contacting Beggar Clan or Hao Clan. They're detained. And... one even from the Steward's Office."
"From our office? Discipline's in shambles."
Said half-jokingly, but the barb was sharp. Choe Rim lowered his gaze tensely. No reprimand came—just calm orders.
"Deal with them all. Make examples."
"Understood."
"That'll jolt some sense into the fools. Including my sons."
Choe Rim gave a wry smile. Old or not, a dragon was a dragon. It saw a thousand li from its perch; when it stirred, rivers flooded and storms raged.
No lowly creature could test it. He couldn't fathom why anyone would provoke it.
"How's Gyun these days?"
"Still wallowing in despair. Keeping to his rooms."
"Staying away from drink and women?"
"As far as I know... He dismissed everyone, saying he didn't want grown sons hovering, let alone grandsons."
The clan head chuckled, slapping his forehead.
"Right, he did. I'm getting old too. Not what I used to be."
"You're still vigorous."
"Has he reflected?"
Choe Rim chose his words carefully.
"He regrets it."
"Good. Hold off on punishment. No point letting a division idle long."
A decision that could escalate succession strife. Choe Rim's lips twitched, but he bowed. Not for him to second-guess.