Chapter 485
Chapter 485
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 485
Chapter Title: The Forgery Expert
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Perhaps it was from his childhood.
It seemed possible because he had been a prodigy who read a wide variety of books.
‘Are my memories gradually returning?’
Until now, his memories had only returned when his martial arts grew stronger or when he received a shock to the meridians in his brain.
But now, it felt as if he had plucked one of millions of specks of light floating up from a hidden treasure chest.
“Indeed, you recognize it.”
Yuk Jang-cheon wore a proud smile.
“I don't know about the others, but this painting alone is valuable enough to gather the division leaders. Isn't that so? Hahaha.”
Bu Eun-seol, clearing the thoughts from his mind, answered politely.
“It would seem so.”
‘Strange.’
But as Bu Eun-seol gazed at the painting, his expression became subtle.
He couldn't pinpoint the reason, but every time he looked at the painting, he felt a strange sense of unease.
*Ziiiing.*
A white light flowed from Bu Eun-seol's eyes as he looked at the painting.
He had activated the All-Seeing Eye.
‘So that's what it was.’
Then, Bu Eun-seol's eyes began to see things like the type of paint and the quality of the paper.
And the paper of this painting had only been deliberately made to look faded.
In reality, it was less than two or three years old.
“Division Head.”
“Hm?”
“I believe we need to send someone back to the Manhwa Emporium immediately.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Bu Eun-seol said with an extremely serious expression.
“It's a forgery.”
“What?”
Yuk Jang-cheon's eyes widened as he shook his head.
“That can't be. Everything here is an authentic item, guaranteed by the Manhwa Emporium in Henan.”
“If you call for experts skilled in appraisal, you will be able to determine its authenticity right away.”
“Are you saying it's really a fake?”
“Yes.”
At Bu Eun-seol's firm reply, Yuk Jang-cheon looked troubled for a moment.
Then, as if he'd thought of something, his eyes sparkled.
It seemed another idea had occurred to him.
“Pardon me for a moment. I forgot I had urgent business to attend to.”
And before Bu Eun-seol could say anything, he stood up and swiftly left.
‘He seems to have something in mind.’
Bu Eun-seol tilted his head.
It didn't look like he had stormed out in anger.
He was clearly up to something.
‘The Division Head will handle it.’
Shaking his head, he left the Deungmu Hall.
But how could he have known?
That by recognizing a single ancient work, Bu Eun-seol would be swept into an unpredictable whirlwind of conspiracy.
* * *
Murim Alliance, Myeongmi Pavilion.
*Rustle, rustle.*
Inside the office of Myeongmi Pavilion, a woman in white robes sat ramrod straight, continuously writing something.
Her skin was so fair it looked pale, and her eyes, fixed on the book, were tinged with blue and crimson.
However, her expression was rather solemn, a beauty whose elegance was more emphasized than her loveliness.
She was the Grand Marshal of the Murim Alliance, Gongsun Dan-gyeong.
Because Eunwol Pavilion was undergoing major renovations, she was working from Myeongmi Pavilion.
“My apologies.”
She looked at Bu Eun-seol, who was standing awkwardly, and closed her book apologetically.
“I had to write a letter urgently. I've made you wait a long time, Brigade Leader.”
Considering her position as Grand Marshal, it was an incredibly humble attitude.
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands and spoke as if to say it was nothing.
“Not at all. Please, take your time.”
“Please sit. Let's talk while seated.”
She pointed to the reception table opposite her.
As Bu Eun-seol took a seat, she let out a deep sigh and said.
“Brigade Leader Seon-u, I heard that you come from a merchant guild and can discern the authenticity and value of calligraphy and paintings. Is that true?”
“It is.”
“You recognized Master Chu-myeong's 'Pine Tree Under the Moon,' a piece that was never publicly released and was secretly traded among high-ranking officials?”
Gongsun Dan-gyeong spoke with a surprised expression.
“And even that it was a forgery.”
Only then did Bu Eun-seol recall why Yuk Jang-cheon had rushed out so urgently yesterday.
For some reason, he had informed Gongsun Dan-gyeong of this fact.
‘Don't tell me he bought it from the Grand Marshal herself, not the Manhwa Emporium, and paid a premium for it?’
The thought made him burst into laughter.
“Brigade Leader Seon-u?”
“Ah, my apologies.”
Coming to his senses, Bu Eun-seol replied politely.
“I only happened to recognize it by chance.”
“You're being modest. But it's impossible to discover something like that by chance.”
Gongsun Dan-gyeong said with a graceful smile.
“Especially since you identified a forgery of 'Pine Tree Under the Moon' that even the renowned experts of the Manhwa Emporium couldn't distinguish.”
She suddenly stood up and said in a low voice.
“Coming from a merchant guild, you must be well-acquainted with the Manhwa Emporium, Brigade Leader Seon-u.”
Receiving Gongsun Dan-gyeong's direct gaze, Bu Eun-seol had no choice but to answer in a clear voice.
“I heard it was a store designed to solve the Alliance's financial difficulties while also helping merchants suffer less at the hands of the underworld and demonic factions.”
“That's right. And the one who proposed it was none other than myself.”
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
Gongsun Dan-gyeong was the one who conceived of the Manhwa Emporium and proposed its establishment?
Why wasn't this fact known to the world?
“The business of the Manhwa Emporium wasn't easy. Although it was to protect merchants, various interests were at stake... and we had to quell opposition from all sides.”
Her voice grew increasingly somber.
“So, we needed someone to take responsibility and move it forward.”
“And that was you, Grand Marshal?”
Gongsun Dan-gyeong tapped her chair and smiled.
“Yes. And the result is this very position.”
Her sudden appointment as Grand Marshal.
It had been possible not only because she conceived of the Manhwa Emporium, but because she took responsibility for its completion, instantly wiping out the Murim Alliance's deficit.
Of course, that probably wasn't the whole story... but it was certain that it had a significant impact.
“Then the responsibility for managing the Manhwa Emporium currently falls to you as well, Grand Marshal.”
“That's right.”
Bu Eun-seol now understood why Yuk Jang-cheon had rushed out in such a hurry yesterday.
He knew that Gongsun Dan-gyeong was responsible for managing the Manhwa Emporium.
And when a fake was discovered at the Henan branch, he reported it, and at the same time.
It seemed he was trying to build a closer relationship with her.
‘He's really something else, Division Head Yuk.’
Acting immediately whenever an opportunity arises.
It was truly exemplary of ambitious individuals.
“Actually, this isn't the first time a forgery has appeared.”
Gongsun Dan-gyeong began to speak with a serious expression.
“Someone is deliberately planting forgeries in the Manhwa Emporium.”
“Could it be the work of the demonic path or the underworld?”
“It's possible. From the perspective of the demonic path or underworld factions, it's as if they've had a gold mine snatched away from them.”
She continued calmly.
“The fact that a forgery was found in the Henan branch, which is not only frequented by the wealthy but is also a symbol of the Manhwa Emporium... means there is a faction carrying out these acts in an organized manner.”
“Hmm.”
“Not only that, but customers visiting the Manhwa Emporium are voicing various complaints.”
Gongsun Dan-gyeong stared intently at Bu Eun-seol and said.
“The first priority is to filter out the forgeries on display at the Manhwa Emporium. To do that, we need someone who can spot at a glance the fakes that even the masters at the Emporium can't find.”
Before Bu Eun-seol could say anything, she continued quickly.
“Next, we must identify the problems on-site to understand why customers are complaining. After that, we need to go to So-ho, where the Manhwa Emporium's joint warehouse is located, and find out if there are more forgeries.”
Gongsun Dan-gyeong's expression was grave. After all, she was the one ultimately in charge of the Manhwa Emporium.
But if counterfeit goods kept appearing and causing problems there? It would tarnish not only her name but the name of the Murim Alliance as well.
“I've already gotten Division Head Yuk's understanding in advance.”
Gongsun Dan-gyeong spoke again.
“Let's go to the Manhwa Emporium together, confirm if there are any forgeries, and devise countermeasures for the Emporium's problems.”
“Don't you have numerous talented individuals under your command, Grand Marshal?”
Bu Eun-seol said with a troubled expression.
“Wouldn't it be awkward if I were to step in?”
Her subordinates must have put in a lot of effort to launch the Manhwa Emporium.
Bu Eun-seol was asking if it was okay to handle this with him, sidelining them.
“You don't need to worry about that.”
Gongsun Dan-gyeong said calmly.
“The Manhwa Emporium was a project I handled personally. My subordinates, in fact, were all against it.”
It was surprising, but on the other hand, understandable.
The Manhwa Emporium was a groundbreaking concept that solved the Murim Alliance's financial crisis, but it was an equally difficult undertaking.
Her subordinates probably all opposed it due to the risks, and in the end, she must have proceeded with everything on her own.
“And there's something you need to understand clearly, Brigade Leader Seon-u.”
Gongsun Dan-gyeong said with an utmost solemn expression.
“It's a secret to the public that I am the chief manager of the Manhwa Emporium. Maintaining security is paramount for this matter as well.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
She was someone who had just become Grand Marshal. If it became known that such a thing was happening at the Manhwa Emporium?
People would start to doubt her abilities, and those who disliked her.
Would see it as an opportunity and start gossiping.
“I understand perfectly what you mean.”
As Bu Eun-seol replied respectfully, she spoke again.
“I've applied for a leave of absence to handle this quietly. As you lead the intelligence brigade, I trust you understand what that means.”
“That won't do.”
Bu Eun-seol immediately objected.
In short, she meant to go quietly, without telling anyone and without a single guard.
“It's too dangerous. At the very least, a discreet escort….”
“If we do that, everything will eventually come to light.”
“But.”
“Let's not discuss this matter any further.”
A calm yet desperate light flickered in Gongsun Dan-gyeong's eyes.
She had just risen to the position of Grand Marshal and was beginning to establish her foundation.
Therefore, she was showing her determination to resolve this matter quietly, no matter the risk.
‘Hmm.’
Bu Eun-seol was lost in thought for a moment.
Recognizing the 'Pine Tree Under the Moon' was just a coincidental memory from the past. He knew nothing about ancient texts or works of art.
However, this mission could also be a good opportunity for Bu Eun-seol.
If he handled it well?
He could make a good impression on a high-ranking figure who was among the top ten in the Murim Alliance's order of precedence.
‘There's no other choice.’
Bu Eun-seol nodded and clasped his hands.
“Understood.”
* * *
The Manhwa Emporium in Henan had already become a famous landmark of the region.
Around the massive store, which stood on a vast thirty-thousand pyeong plot, beautiful flower gardens and unique structures were erected everywhere.
For guests from afar, a carriage depot rivaling a post station had been installed.
Furthermore, befitting its name, Manhwa (Ten Thousand Goods), there was nothing it didn't have, and even regional specialties were displayed together.
It was said that tourists who came to see the sights of Henan would always stop by the Manhwa Emporium on their way back.
*Clatter, clatter.*
Just then, a carriage stopped in front of the Manhwa Emporium.
The carriage door opened, and a man in white robes slowly emerged.
He was a tall, gentle-looking young man with the appearance of a scholar.
It was Bu Eun-seol, disguised as Seon-u Jin.
*Thud.*
Following him, Gongsun Dan-gyeong, dressed in splendid silk clothes and wearing a veil over her face, stepped out of the carriage.
Her features were so striking that she wore a veil that could completely cover her face.
“Hmph.”
An attendant standing in front of the Manhwa Emporium was greeting the incoming customers.
When Gongsun Dan-gyeong passed, the attendant bowed deeply and opened the door for her.
But when Bu Eun-seol passed, he opened the door with a sour expression.
The goods at this Henan Manhwa Emporium were so expensive that even renowned magnates did not make purchases lightly.
However, because one could see a wide variety of goods all in one place.
Many customers came just to browse, even without intending to buy.
Seeing Bu Eun-seol's plain attire, the attendant seemed to think he was a servant following his master.
Inside, a luxuriously decorated space came into view, with several shops set up in their own designated areas.
Unlike ordinary market stalls, there was no touting here.
And the clerks selling the goods also maintained a neat appearance and attire.
“Let's go to the art shop first.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded at Gongsun Dan-gyeong's words.
There was a staircase at the end of the building, and with each floor they ascended, different shops appeared.
Also, the higher the floor, the more expensive the goods being sold.
“How is it?”
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
“I haven't seen anything that looks like a forgery yet.”
Bu Eun-seol possessed the amazing sense of the All-Seeing Eye.
It could detect not only what was visible to the eye, but even traces left over ten years ago.
Therefore, even without recognizing the artworks, he could distinguish recently made forgeries.
“Your insight and expertise are beyond imagination, Brigade Leader Seon-u.”
But Gongsun Dan-gyeong had no idea of this fact…
And was under the illusion that he had the ability to identify forgeries with his eyes alone.
But as Bu Eun-seol was examining the artworks displayed on this floor, his eyes sparkled.
It was a painting that looked quite old, but in reality, it was less than three years old.
“There's something suspicious over there.”
“Then purchase it quietly.”
“Understood.”
Bu Eun-seol entered the shop where the suspected forgery was hanging.
“Welco—.”
The attendant was about to greet him cheerfully, but seeing Bu Eun-seol's shabby appearance, he pursed his lips.
“How may I help you?”
“I'd like to buy that item.”
When Bu Eun-seol pointed to the painting on the scroll, the clerk let out a dry laugh and said.
“I'm sorry, but the items here are expensive.”
“Of course, they would be.”
Bu Eun-seol said nonchalantly.
“First, I'd like to take a closer look.”
“Sir.”
The attendant wore a strange smile.
“Never mind the painting, the scroll alone is worth over three hundred nyang.”
The left and right borders of the scroll were lined with silk, and it was decorated with white jade.
“I wasn't asking about the scroll, but the price of the painting.”
The attendant frowned, sighed, and said.
“Eight thousand nyang.”
“Eight thousand nyang, I see.”
Bu Eun-seol wore a subtle smile.
“And how much are you?”
“What did you say?”
“I'm asking how much you earn working so diligently.”
“What does that…”
As the attendant frowned, Bu Eun-seol grinned and shook his head.
“It's a joke. You kept saying how expensive it was, so I just asked.”
And before the attendant could say anything, he pulled an eight-thousand-nyang bank note from his robes.
It was a note from the Shanxi Eunho Bank, the most trusted bank in the martial world.
‘I failed to recognize a god of wealth!’
The attendant bowed deeply, fawning over him.
“My lord, we will have someone deliver it directly to your residence.”
“That's fine.”
Bu Eun-seol rolled up the scroll and held it in his hand.
Since it was a forgery anyway, it was an item he wouldn't mind tearing up immediately.
Afterward, Bu Eun-seol continued to comb through the Manhwa Emporium, finding forgeries.
Even with her face covered by a veil, Gongsun Dan-gyeong's appearance and bearing were outstanding.
Because of this, many people subtly approached her.
To block such advances entirely, Gongsun Dan-gyeong stuck close to Bu Eun-seol.
Bu Eun-seol was so busy identifying forgeries and dealing with her clinging to him that he was nearly out of his mind.
After finally finding two more forgeries, he looked at Gongsun Dan-gyeong and nodded.
It was a sign that there were no more fakes.
“Shall we go, then.”
*Murmur, murmur.*
Just then, a loud voice came from an old bookshop set up in a corner.
There, a fierce-looking middle-aged man was shouting at an attendant.
“Do you have any idea who I am to speak to me like that!”
The attendants didn't know what to do about the middle-aged man's commotion.
Bu Eun-seol immediately went to check the situation and asked an attendant standing nearby.
“What's going on?”
“Ah, it seems that customer was trying to buy a calligraphy album by Wang Geo-jeong from the old bookshop.”
The attendant whispered softly to Bu Eun-seol.
“But… the customer was actually illiterate. The attendant who was diligently explaining must have realized this, and his expression probably became disrespectful.”
“I see.”
In short, it seemed an illiterate nouveau riche man had tried to buy the expensive calligraphy album by Wang Geo-jeong, only to be sneered at by the attendant, and was now furious.
‘It's truly a bottomless well of problems.’
The only thing the nouveau riche want is to be treated well.
They buy artworks not because they know how to appreciate beauty, but simply to show off their wealth.
Just then, Gongsun Dan-gyeong took a deep breath and said.
“Alright. Shall we go and talk now?”
She went up the stairs and entered a small room set up at the very top of the Manhwa Emporium.
The room was furnished with a carpet from India, and the floor was laid with marble.
It seemed to be the office she used for work, as the person in charge of the Manhwa Emporium.
“Well, as you've roughly seen, things like this happen all the time. The other branches are likely no different.”
Bu Eun-seol calmly explained what he had observed at the Manhwa Emporium so far and suggested improvements.
“First, systematic training for the attendants is necessary. Because they are always selling high-priced goods and dealing with wealthy magnates, they tend to feel that they themselves are people of a very high caliber.”
“I issue training guidelines every time, but it doesn't seem to improve easily.”
“Instead of just issuing guidelines, have them receive training before they are hired. It would be good to create a manual that clearly describes customer service etiquette and establish a systematic training policy.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“Of course, you must also provide a stipend during the training period. And only those who complete the training should be hired as attendants.”
“Hmm.”
“If you do that, then even if the attendants aren't quick-witted or clever, at least problems like this won't occur.”
“That sounds like a good method. I'll think about it.”
Gongsun Dan-gyeong said with a satisfied expression.
“Are there any other suggestions for improvement?”
“The store layout and customer flow should be changed so people can also browse the shops in the inner areas, and we should devise a way to attract more people.”
Bu Eun-seol spoke without hesitation.
“It would be good to standardize the goods according to the floor level. Also, most of the wealthy people who come here come with their families. They can get high-quality fabrics and clothing here without having to go to famous shops.”
Bu Eun-seol explained calmly.
“If you create structures and facilities that children would like, even more customers will flock here.”
Gongsun Dan-gyeong nodded repeatedly.
In truth, she hadn't expected much regarding improvement plans for the Manhwa Emporium.
The Manhwa Emporium was a completely different concept from the stores that had been run until now, and it didn't fit with typical merchant guild management policies.
But Bu Eun-seol was speaking fluently about its pros, cons, and areas for improvement, as if he were a merchant who had run the Manhwa Emporium for a long time.
“Amazing.”
Gongsun Dan-gyeong let out a sound of admiration.
He may be the heir of a merchant guild, but he was still young. So, she had thought she would be grateful if he could just distinguish the forgeries.
But wasn't he presenting not only points she hadn't considered but also a significant number of opinions that would be helpful for the operation of the Manhwa Emporium?
‘Is it because of the merchant guild's training methods? No, that can't be it.’
Gongsun Dan-gyeong was puzzled.
What on earth kind of education had that young merchant heir received.
To be able to handle everything so skillfully and accumulate considerable experience and knowledge regardless of the field?
In fact, this was possible because of the education from his grandfather, Bu Jan-yang.
Bu Eun-seol, who had been despised by many while living as a corpse handler, had stayed only at the Pyeongan Mortuary and had almost no contact with people.
For Bu Eun-seol's sake, his grandfather Bu Jan-yang had told him stories about many different types of people.
Bu Jan-yang had seen and heard many things.
Not limited to the Central Plains, but also India, Tibet, and the Southern Barbarian lands.
He had met people from all over the wide world and meticulously explained the unique characteristics of each region.
Therefore, even though Bu Eun-seol only stayed inside the Pyeongan Mortuary.
He was able to gain vivid, indirect experience, as if he had encountered countless people from all over the world.