Why Are Your Eyes So Wide? (2)
“Welcome.”
Jin Ha-seong, who had come out to greet them all the way to the outermost gate where Cheongeumbang’s Outer Market began, bowed at a perfect right angle alongside the elders. The carriage door hadn’t even opened yet.
But no one found the sight strange.
Only after a long silence, during which their backs threatened to stiffen, did the door finally creak open. A refined old man with clear features stepped down.
“My, my, such a warm reception. With the Bangju himself coming out, I hardly know where to put myself.”
“Nonsense. How could I possibly stay cooped up in Da Geumgak when my father-in-law has made the trip in person? It’s only right that I come out and wait.”
“Haha, the Bangju always knows how to make a man feel good.”
The old man straightened Jin Ha-seong’s bent back and clasped his hand, bursting into repeated laughter.
Saihai Money House lord, Geuman Yang Taek. He had amassed Shandong’s greatest fortune, and in terms of sheer wealth, he was among the top in the Central Plains. He was also Jin Ha-seong’s father-in-law and the single largest investor in Cheongeumbang.
Thus, even Jin Ha-seong, the titan of commerce, had no choice but to come out and greet him respectfully.
“I heard there was some unseemly business recently. It feels like I failed to raise my child properly—I can’t help but feel apologetic toward you, Bangju. But a grown child can’t be beaten with a switch... Sigh.”
As Yang Taek, who kept a deliberate distance by calling him “son-in-law” rather than “son,” let out a sigh of feigned remorse, Jin Ha-seong shook his head.
“Think nothing of it. Isn’t she an outsider by marriage? It’s my failure to manage the household that caused this, so please don’t trouble yourself. If anything, I’m sorry for letting the commotion reach your ears.”
“Is that so?”
Yang Taek smiled at the reciprocal apology, but inside, he twisted with irritation.
Outsider by marriage... Just as he had drawn a line by using “son-in-law,” Jin Ha-seong had now firmly marked his boundary with that one phrase: don’t interfere. It’s a family matter—not your concern.
How could a sly old merchant fail to grasp such words? Money was, after all, the best way to read a man’s heart.
Yet neither face betrayed any emotion. They merely exchanged everyday pleasantries, veiling their true intentions.
“Shall we head in? We prepared a banquet in a hurry once we heard you were coming.”
“A banquet? Is there any greater joy? This is why I always want to visit Cheongeumbang. It’s a shame I can’t come more often with business keeping me so busy.”
“No need for concern. ‘Not a moment to catch your breath’ simply means Father-in-law’s ventures are thriving—and that’s music to my ears. I only worry the banquet fare won’t suit your refined palate.”
“Ha! Nonsense. I’ve long known the superb skills of Cheongeumbang’s chefs. Come, let’s go in.”
“Yes.”
To the eye, the father-in-law seemed utterly warm and affable.
But as he passed the lined-up elders, Yang Taek’s expression flashed cold for an instant.
“Useless fools.”
“...”
His murmur was low, but it chilled them to the bone. A single word from him could seal their fates.
Jin Ha-seong, following behind, merely wore a smile.
Did he think that was hidden? He had surely ordered Yang Sojin to return to the main house for his involvement, commanding the elders to assist her. All to meddle directly in Cheongeumbang’s affairs.
But things had gone awry, leaving him to exchange mere pleasantries upon arrival.
Still, no room for complacency. The man was the epitome of a crafty schemer. His smiles hid barbs, his every thought bent on profit. Even a casual gesture concealed plots—there had to be a reason for this visit.
“By the way, I heard the matter with Beksan Band wrapped up nicely?”
“We were fortunate.”
“Haha, too modest. Word is you didn’t just save someone—you struck a deal outright.”
“Our interests aligned, that’s all.”
“Good, good. Now Beksan Band’s contracted with Cheongeumbang, even providing escorts going forward. What could be better?”
“Indeed. I’ve always worried about relying on Father-in-law’s aid, but this cuts massive losses and boosts our main branch’s gains—truly enhancing our independence, no?”
As Jin Ha-seong touched on Saihai Money House’s investments, Yang Taek nodded.
“Exactly. For a merchant, what’s more vital than one’s own capital? Well done. But I worry this might stir gossip among the masses. Bandits are ever the object of scorn, after all...”
“They’re businessmen, aren’t they? When need arises, you join hands with anyone. Money knows no good or evil, does it?”
As Yang Taek prodded at the morality of dealing with villains, Jin Ha-seong countered with a smile.
An exchange of blows, as it were.
Worry? If anything, we should be grateful he doesn’t spread malicious rumors to tarnish Cheongeumbang’s name.
“Thank you for your concern.”
“I’m always concerned. A son-in-law is like a son, after all.”
“To have you think that way fills me with reassurance.”
“I’m the one reassured, having a son like you, Bangju. I bungled raising mine—none meet my eye.”
“Your nephews would be heartbroken to hear that. They’re all striving for Saihai Money House, pushing into the world.”
“What of it? Not a capable one among them. My daughter stirs up trouble unbidden. Tsk tsk.”
Clicking his tongue, Yang Taek shifted to a subtle tone.
“In contrast, you’ve raised your son splendidly, Bangju.”
“...”
“Even these old ears, dulled by age, hear endless praise for Cheongeumbang’s young master. His excellence must be even greater than rumored.”
As talk turned to Jin Yeo-rip, Jin Ha-seong’s ever-calm face furrowed slightly.
Now it clicked. After the elders’ failure and his daughter’s disgrace—sights he loathed—this was why he’d come to Cheongeumbang in person.
To see and judge Jin Yeo-rip himself. To gauge the boy, his abilities. And how to crush him.
A snake through and through.
“What’s wrong?”
“Pardon?”
“Your expression sours. Does my interest in your ward displease you?”
Ward? Laughter nearly escaped.
Not a drop of shared blood, yet he spoke of maternal lineage?
“Of course not. For the Golden-Eyed Lord of Saihai Money House to take such interest is an honor. Merely...”
Jin Ha-seong trailed off, organizing his thoughts.
“...the boy’s shortcomings came to mind, souring my mood for a moment.”
“Shortcomings?”
“He lacks in every way.”
“Hm, that differs from what I’ve heard. Rumors say...”
“Idle gossip from the ignorant.”
“...?”
Deepening the furrow between his brows, Jin Ha-seong cut Yang Taek off with a sigh.
“He relies on talent alone, shirking effort—my worry knows no bounds. Lazy by nature, he never leaves Unjeong Pavilion, so I barely coaxed him to Beksan Band, only for him to act like a thunderbolt, nearly killing everyone.”
“Is that what happened?”
“Yes. I smoothed things over with Hong Myeon-gwi at the right moment, or it would’ve been disaster. What does the fool know to mouth off like that?”
“He defied Hong Myeon-gwi?”
“Indeed. Swollen-headed from a few Shaolin techniques—does he think the martial path is easy?”
“...”
“Daring to yap at Hong Myeon-gwi, adopted son of the Great Mountain King himself... Good grief.”
Jin Ha-seong openly grumbled, badmouthing his son.
It was a ploy to conceal.
Yang Taek had surely investigated already. He knew the words were false.
But Jin Ha-seong couldn’t let it show. The moment he caught Golden-Eye’s notice, the perils for Jin Yeo-rip were unimaginable.
How many unripe talents had bloomed only to wither under that gaze? Prodigies, all.
Refuse his hand, and they vanished without a trace.
Yang Taek was the type to shatter what he coveted rather than see it in another’s grasp.
Yet Yang Taek merely smiled.
Admirable effort, but such denial only whetted his appetite to see the boy he guarded so fiercely.
“So the rumors were exaggerated?”
“Hearsay, nothing more. He gets by on being my son, hence the talk.”
“Must be a heavy worry for you, Bangju.”
“What can I do? The child endured much from the calamity that struck his mother’s family. Not even remembering her face—it pains me, so I spoil him.”
“Hm...”
“I fear drawing your interest might unsettle you. Come, let’s go in. I’ve procured some fine liquor for your visit.”
“Very well, lead on.”
Guiding Yang Taek to Da Geumgak, Jin Ha-seong quietly summoned Wang Seok.
“Seok-ah.”
“Yes, Family Head.”
“Go to Unjeong Pavilion at once. Yeo-rip must not attend the banquet. Make an excuse—anything—and have him leave Cheongeumbang for a while.”
“Pardon?”
“It must be done. He’s likely investigated thoroughly, but the boy’s not fully ripe. Catching Golden-Eye’s eye now would bring no good.”
“Understood. I’ll hurry.”
Jin Ha-seong planned to spirit his son away.
At least while Yang Taek remained in Cheongeumbang.
Around the time Yang Taek arrived at Cheongeumbang, someone knocked at Unjeong Pavilion’s door.
“Who is it?”
“Is this Unjeong Pavilion?”
Im Pilsaeng, sweeping the courtyard, opened the gate and tilted his head. A stranger.
Not kin, yet scanning him up and down stirred an odd sensation. The man exuded unrefined energy casually, crude and disordered—instinctively raising alarms.
But the man, staring back, suddenly burst into a hearty laugh, beaming warmly.
“Haha! Who’d have thought—Gwiyeong sunbae!”
“Huh? You know me?”
“How could I forget such a famed name and face? I go by Tak Sobak.”
“Tak... Piao Xiang Shou?”
“Heavens! For Gwiyeong sunbae to remember my name—such an honor. Yes, indeed. I paid respects when you were with the Ak family, yes?”
At Tak Sobak’s grin, Im Pilsaeng’s face didn’t brighten with recognition—instead, it twisted in disgust.
Piao Xiang ShouTak Sobak. His whirlwind-like hands earned the moniker. A ronin.
As the man said, they’d met. Long ago...
When the Ak family flourished, and Im Pilsaeng had just claimed “Shandong’s Top Swordsman.”
But foul memories. The man sought refuge with Ak, but his cruelty and ruthless style repelled them. Worst, a martial artist chasing coin.
He’d kill without hesitation for pay.
Cast out, he brewed malice and caused chaos—Im Pilsaeng had judged him personally. How could he forget?
A vessel of injustice.
Why seek Unjeong Pavilion now?
“What brings you here?”
“We’re family now, aren’t we?”
“Family?”
“That’s right.”
“I haven’t heard...”
“No reason you would. I serve Saihai Money House, the Young Master’s maternal kin you protect.”
“Saihai Money House?”
“Yes.”
Grinning ear to ear, he peered past the open gate at Jin Yeo-rip seated on the porch.
“By the House Lord’s command, I’ve come to fetch his grandson, Young Master Jin.”