Chapter 287
Chapter 287
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 287
Chapter Title: It's a Festival (2)
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Dealing with mild poison wasn't some tremendous secret, but it was still a matter of revealing a clan secret technique.
It went against the Sacheon Tang Clan's family laws.
Knowing that point well, I opened my mouth to gild the Tang Clan's reputation.
"I know full well how generous, loyal, and warm-hearted the people of the Tang Clan are."
The seated members of the Sacheon Tang Clan blushed one by one or cleared their throats.
"Wh-what's he saying?"
"Y-yeah, if it's loyalty, it's our Tang Clan."
"Ahem."
"Heh-hem."
Master clicked his tongue.
- ...Look at the twitching lips of those bearing the Tang surname. Can't keep their wits about them with this kid's silver tongue.
Pretending not to hear Master's words,
"But so many people don't know that, and it's upsetting how this situation arose because of it."
I offered my opinion one last time.
"It may be a different path from the one the Tang Clan has walked so far, but holding a festival will surely let many recognize the Tang Clan's true heart. Family Head, please give it careful thought."
As I finished speaking, Tang Ho-tae turned to the Grand Strategist.
"What was the idea you came up with, Grand Strategist?"
"It ran along similar lines to what Yong-un thought of, but this method feels fresher. Can't keep up with the young ones, as they say."
"Hmm. Do you two elders have any objections?"
"None from me."
"This one has none either."
Having gathered opinions, Tang Ho-tae closed his eyes briefly before opening them and making his decision.
"Let's proceed."
He then turned to me.
"So, what do we do starting now?"
"The festival I envision isn't just some simple banquet. The goal is a scale that sets the entire provincial capital abuzz, so Family Head, please notify the government offices of the plans and secure their permission and cooperation."
"That shouldn't be hard."
"Yes. The location should be the capital's main avenue."
"Huh? Not at the Tang Clan branch?"
At those words, the Grand Strategist spoke up.
"Right now, plenty fear the Tang Clan, so it'll draw crowds more easily on the main avenue than at the branch."
"Yes. It's already a road where people and carts gather even without a festival."
"Blocking regular passage is an issue, though. But if I suggest alternatives and explain how this event benefits the magistrate himself, he'll likely approve. I'll assist as well, Family Head."
It was then that Jeong-hyeon asked cautiously.
"Young Master Eon. But with crowds gathered like that... what if Poison Valley or the Demonic Cult launches an attack?"
"The Tang Clan's forces won't slack on vigilance, and we'll handle it. That reveals the true culprit, naturally clearing the Sacheon Tang Clan of suspicion."
After my response, the Grand Strategist nodded and added a word.
"Yong-un's right, but one reason the Demonic Cult covets Sacheon lands is the productivity from its vast population. With crowds, they won't dare commit open acts that build infamy."
"Original Heavenly Venerable. I see. Scheming something like that would only turn all of Sacheon against them."
Jeong-hyeon nodded in understanding, and the Grand Strategist smirked as he glanced at me.
"So, we just need their cooperation?"
"Yes. Once the location and date are finalized, we'll spread the word far and wide that we're holding the festival. Using the gazette network's Sacheon branch makes it simple."
I shifted my gaze to Ye Hae-su.
"Yes, Junior. Not difficult at all. But what's the festival's name?"
"Isn't drawing attention with words your specialty, Senior? Any names come to mind?"
"Hmm. For cases like this, something straightforward works best. How about the First Mild Poison Festival?"
"First sounds good. It implies seconds and thirds to come, softening the sudden-festival vibe."
I asked the group.
"What do the rest of you think?"
Most nodded in approval, but the poison freak spoke in a listless tone.
"Fine, except for poison coming after mild."
"You fool. Slap 'Poison Festival' on it—who'd show? Think before you speak."
As the poison elder scolded the poison freak,
Tang Ok-ki spoke to me.
"But Eon Yong-un. This is all to change our clan's image, right?"
"Right?"
"Then shouldn't the Sacheon Tang Clan be in the festival name?"
"Oh?"
"Kyak! What's with that un-you look?!"
"Your imagination. Ye Hae-su Senior, thoughts on Ok-ki's idea?"
"A bit blatant, but not bad. Shall we go with First Sacheon Tang Clan Mild Poison Festival?"
I looked to Tang Ho-tae, and he nodded.
The festival name was set.
It was then that Tang Jun-ki spoke to me.
"You mentioned the stockpiled poison gold earlier. Planning to cover festival costs with that?"
"Yes."
"Didn't the elder say merchants are paying penalties? How does that..."
"Silver Radiance Merchant Group said they wouldn't. Ha-seong here will guarantee it, and they'll buy the full amount at about seventy percent of last year's price."
At that, Yin Ha-seong nearby leaned toward me hurriedly and whispered.
"...Me?"
"Yeah, you."
"I was taught not to guarantee for others lightly..."
I replied loudly.
"What nonsense is this kid spouting? The Tang Clan strangers? Can't guarantee for them?"
As the Tang Clan members' gazes focused, Ha-seong smiled awkwardly and spoke.
"...Not strangers, so I can do it. Ok-ki sis said I'm a Tang Clan friend too? Not strangers at all. I'll guarantee it! Ahaha!"
With Ha-seong's quick about-face, this household's young master Tang Yun-ki asked me.
"Seventy percent. Isn't that too cheap?"
"Given the times, I think you have to accept that level of loss."
"Ah, we plan to eat the loss. Just, after paying full labor for silkworm rearing and weaving, it might fall a bit short for a generous festival."
"Then get the capital's other merchants to join in."
"Other merchants?"
"Yes. We draw the crowds, so they'll profit for sure—they should pay a share."
"How specifically?"
"Set up a vendor zone along the avenue and have them cover part of the costs as stall fees?"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Preparations for the Mild Poison Festival proceeded without a hitch.
With the Sacheon Tang Clan Family Head stepping forward and the Grand Strategist's influence, securing government cooperation was easy.
"Starts in eight days and runs for ten."
"Yes. Silver Radiance has finished buying up the poison gold, and the gazettes will start posting across Sacheon within two days."
But one snag: the capital merchants dragging their feet on the vendor spots.
Even the day before the festival, only about forty percent had filled.
"Hahaha. Our inn specializes in high-end cuisine requiring ample kitchen space. Hard to handle a simple stall like that."
The big inns' attitudes were rotten, full of excuses to freeload without paying proper fees.
"Hmph. Seems they think little of this Tang Ho-tae."
Tang Ho-tae found them outrageous but brushed it off for us.
"I'll cover the shortfall from my private funds. No need for you to worry."
"No. We must. Only way my heart eases is seeing flies buzzing over their shops."
"This is about changing the Tang Clan's image, not flexing power... What're you scheming?"
To Tang Ho-tae, I offered one idea.
"We'll run a stall ourselves."
"You will?"
"Yes. With our stall packed and theirs drawing flies, their attitudes will shift. Then charge the holdouts three—no, five times what the early birds paid."
"Hah. Got the confidence?"
"This is Eon Yong-un."
And so, my siblings and I took on one stall.
Nothing difficult about it.
Liquor and ingredients available unlimited from the Tang Clan branch.
Festival fare sold well even with basics.
"You lot. Sudden merchants, but no need to panic. Sharp-eyed Ha-seong wears the price board."
"Yes!"
"Rest cook and carry. That's it. Cooking's simple too. This sauce I made myself last night—even got approval from the Tang branch chefs. Slather it on meat or chicken feet..."
Sizzle—
Sizzle—
"Grill for that smoky flavor, serve with booze. Easy, yeah?"
But one guy struggled with even this simple task.
None other than Nangong Yun.
Fwoooosh!!!
"What's th—that... Hey! Nangong Yun!"
"......"
"Peak expert burns it while stirring! These kids from prestigious clans!"
"...You're from one too."
"What?"
"...Nothing."
"Doesn't matter. You're out."
I dragged Nangong Yun from the fire, ripped two planks on the spot, rigged a shoulder yoke, and clamped it on his neck.
"...What're you doing?"
"Quiet. Shut it and stay still."
"......"
Then wrote on the plank.
『Stand run by Righteous Martial Academy cadets.
> Tang Ok-ki. Tang Jun-ki.
>
Taste stir-fries by direct Sacheon Tang Clan descendants and Righteous Martial Academy cadets! Served with booze!』
My siblings crowded around to check the sign.
Tang Ok-ki tilted her head and spoke.
"Why just our names? Even in Sacheon, your name, Eon Yong-un, would sell better."
I added one more line.
『World's #1 Late-Bloomer Freak Dragon Eon Yong-un here too!』
Ye Hae-su Senior then said to Tang Ok-ki.
"Isn't Jeong-hyeon Junior pretty famous now too?"
"True."
『Wudang Sword Dragon Jeong-hyeon here too!』
"Enough adding. Gong Yun, you wear this and go tout!"
I shoved Nangong Yun out of the tent, but customers weren't rushing in yet anyway.
We all watched him tout from afar.
Ha-seong spoke up.
"Will Gong Yun hyung be good at touting?"
"If he can't even that..."
"Useless. Starve him. I'll tell Mom no chopsticks for him starting today."
"Eon hyung! Tang sis! People heading to Nangong hyung!"
I put a finger to my lips—watch quietly.
The group approaching Nangong Yun was a band of gisaeng out for a festival outing.
"Oh my. A handsome face we don't see in the capital. Young master from where?"
"...I am Nangong Yun. This stall's food is surprisingly tasty. H-hence, if you have time, I recommend trying it."
"Kyarruru. What kind of touting is that? Gotta go 'sisters!' and tug sleeves."
"Exactly! Ahaha. 'Surprisingly tasty'—what's that?!"
Not sure if he had talent for touting or the opposite.
But he was drawing eyes somehow.
"Wait! Nangong Yun?! The world's #1 late-bloomer Nangong Yun?"
"...That title's passed to another, but it's probably the Nangong Yun you're thinking of."
"Really? Why's a Nangong Clan young master touting in the capital?"
"......"
"Girls! Check the sign this young master's wearing. Eon Yong-un young master too?!"
"For real?! Missed it ogling Nangong's face!"
Soon, customers streamed into our tent.
"Alright, customers incoming! To stations! This is battle? Sell out prep or no dinner!"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Our stall was a smash hit, plain and simple.
Nonstop frenzy for ages.
"One more blue bamboo chicken feet stir-fry!"
"Right out!"
Tang Clan folks came over to lend hands.
Even young master Tang Yun-ki among them.
"Hahaha. Saw the line from afar—thought all for here."
"Yes. Young master, how about elsewhere?"
"All good. Empty vendor spots now have folks bidding premiums. Free clinic and mild poison booth getting great response too."
"Excellent."
"Yeah. Tang branch guys saying 'Should've done this ages ago.' Prodigy junior's fame reaches beyond the Great Divide, and seeing you in action—impressive indeed."
"Overpraise. Ah, one thing I'm curious about, young master."
"Drop the stiff young master—call me brother."
"Yes. Brother."
With the brother he wanted, Tang Yun-ki beamed and spoke.
"Yeah, what's on your mind?"
"What's the original relation with the He manor?"
"Hmm. Their prestige and power dwarf ours by miles. But both make and sell poison gold, so basically rivals. They're a scholar house—plenty went into government service."
"Doesn't sound like bad blood?"
"Martial vs. scholar clans—nothing to beef over basically. Ah, their youngest young master is frail; our clinic treated him once."
Listening to Tang Yun-ki, a picture started forming in my head.
To solidify it, a visit to the He manor seemed in order.
"Ok-ki and Ha-seong handling inside now. Brother, go help there. Tell 'em I'm stepping out."
"...Got it."
After asking him to pass the word, I untied my apron and called to Nangong Yun, who paced outside still wearing the plank.
"Nangong Yun!"
Master queried then.
- Headed to the He manor? Calling Gong Yun instead of Little Tomb?
'Me and Gong Yun going—they won't slam the door.'
- Not sneaking in?
I nodded.
'Right. To gauge their atmosphere, better go bold this time.'
By then, Nangong Yun had approached.
"Busy—why call?"
"Busy? You just stood there like a pole."
"Pole?"
"Not the point. Word's spreading now—customers come without you."
"......"
"So. Come with me somewhere."