Imperial Silk Supply Competition (5)
I let out a silent sigh inside, recalling memories from my previous life.
The third theme back then, notorious for its hellish difficulty that tormented every participant.
It was identifying the production region of silk samples just by looking at them.
Silk is a handmade product crafted from local silkworms by the people of that region.
So it was only natural that it reflected regional characteristics, much like Sichuan's Chokgeum silk.
But when the differences were subtle, the difficulty was brutal.
I could guess what the imperial family wanted from this theme.
Only those capable of this deserved the right to supply silk to the palace.
"Please write the production region for each silk sample matching the number on the answer sheet we'll distribute now."
I smirked inwardly at the eunuch's words.
Why?
Because I'd turned Eunhae Fabric Shop into a massive success in my past life.
This was child's play—I could do it blindfolded.
That day,
I nailed all thirty silks.
A few were debatable, but my answers turned out correct every time, and the accountants' gazes toward me shifted.
Before, they saw me as a helpful branch leader for the merchant group.
After that, they looked at me like a true merchant.
Hmm, but if they started pushing me as the next group leader, that'd be a problem.
That seat belonged to Brother Jeong Ho.
* * *
The Emperor had not only the Empress but also several concubines.
Meaning plenty of princes and princesses.
No matter how fair he was, differences in affection were inevitable.
Among them, sixteen-year-old Princess Jinhwa enjoyed particular favor.
And she had come to observe this imperial silk supply competition.
All the princesses had, by the Empress's command.
"What a hassle. Even Mother..."
Grumbling, Princess Jinhwa headed to the competition venue.
There, she spotted a man—and couldn't tear her eyes away.
From the youth with such exquisitely handsome features.
From that day, his face haunted her visions, robbing her of sleep.
Naturally, her face grew pale, enough to worry the Empress into visiting.
"Princess, is something troubling you? Your face looks so worn—it's breaking Mother's heart."
"I'm sorry to worry you, Mother."
"What's the matter?"
"Well..."
"Tell me."
Hesitating, she finally burst out.
"I... I've found a man I want to marry!"
"What? So suddenly?"
The Empress was startled but soon nodded.
Considering princesses usually wed before twenty, it wasn't too early.
"Y-Yes. Ever since I first saw him, my heart races, and when I close my eyes to sleep, his face appears—I can't rest."
The Empress looked troubled for a moment but composed herself.
"So, who is this man?"
"Well..."
She squeezed her eyes shut and continued.
"He's Eun Seo-ho, branch leader of the Eunhae Merchant Group."
"..."
She peeked cautiously at her mother.
She'd expected a scolding—how could a princess fancy a lowly merchant?—but it didn't come.
The Empress just gave a wry smile.
"Why so glum, Mother?"
"Must it be him?"
"Yes."
Sensing possibility, Princess Jinhwa rushed on.
"I know that as a princess of this realm, my marriage should benefit the nation. But if I'm unhappy in a loveless union, Father's heart would ache watching it—and that wouldn't serve the country."
"Why him, of all people?"
The princess faltered.
It wasn't the response she'd expected.
"M-Mother, is there something wrong with him?"
"Yes. A very big problem."
The Empress naturally kept tabs on her husband's every move.
Thus, she knew.
The Emperor summoned Eun Seo-ho often—to exploit his talents.
In short, he was a marked talent.
Princess consorts could become officials, but it was rare for them to take practical roles due to complications.
But the Empress knew her husband's temperament too well.
He wouldn't care about such things.
He'd find it more headache-inducing if princesses begged for exemptions from overtime.
"Listen carefully, Princess."
"Yes, Mother."
"Eun Seo-ho is exceptionally capable. That's the problem."
"Pardon? Isn't ability a good thing? Then why...?"
"Because he's caught His Majesty's eye. Anyway, that's the issue."
The Empress offered no further details, and Princess Jinhwa realized the answer lay with the Emperor.
Determined, she sought an audience the next day.
"What brings my princess here so early?"
"Father, I have a plea for you."
"Speak."
"I've found a man I love. Please allow me to marry him."
"What? A man you love?"
The Emperor eyed her face and repeated.
"Who is he?"
"He's... Eun Seo-ho of the Eunhae Merchant Group, competing in this silk contest."
"..."
The Emperor sighed wordlessly. It was as expected.
Misreading it, Princess Jinhwa hurried on.
"Father, though lowly born, he's talented—my marriage would bind him to the court, aiding you..."
"Princess."
"Yes, Father."
"Be honest. What do you like about him?"
"Well..."
"His looks, right?"
"Eek!"
She flinched. It was indeed the main reason.
"This father doesn't care about his status. As long as you're happy."
"Father..."
She gazed at him, moved. But the emotion faded quickly.
"But marrying Eun Seo-ho would make you unhappy."
"Why...?"
"Because he's the guy I'll keep using forever. With his talents, he amuses me—and exploiting him long-term keeps the realm at peace."
Grinning mischievously, the Emperor continued.
"He'll work overtime like it's meals. Even living together, you'd rarely see him. What good's a handsome face then?"
"Father, that's too harsh! We might even lose the lineage."
The Emperor chuckled inwardly at her unsurprising words.
"But if you help, he'd have more time with you."
"Me? Help how?"
"Yes."
He nodded.
"Work with him. I hear he's studying the Classic of Poetry among the Four Books and Three Classics. With that, palace tasks abound. What say you?"
"I'll do it."
"First, prove you can handle work."
With a flick, the eunuch set down a bundle.
Thud!
Its weight was immense from the sound alone.
"Finish this by morning."
"By morning? There's too much, Father!"
"He'd do five times this by then."
"..."
"And you call this too much? Your resolve is lacking. Think you can be happy with him on such terms?"
"No. I'll do it."
She answered firmly.
For marriage to that handsome Eun Seo-ho, she'd endure any hardship.
Or so she thought...
The next morning,
Princess Jinhwa bowed before the Emperor.
"Father, I was shortsighted."
"Hm?"
"The world is wide, men many. I give up on Eun Seo-ho."
"Good choice. Pity, though—with you wed to him, we'd clear more work..."
"Sorry for taking your time. I'll go."
At her haste, he smiled.
"Still, finish yesterday's tasks and hand them to the eunuch."
"Yes, Father."
She withdrew with a sigh.
Despite all day, she'd barely done half.
And reality dawned.
The work itself wasn't hard.
But the volume was endless—clearly not a one- or two-day affair.
The Emperor would say, if she complained of her future husband's overtime, "Then work with him."
For life!
Yes.
Eun Seo-ho was bait to hook a princess into work.
Sharp Princess Jinhwa realized it in a day, her passion cooling instantly.
Suddenly, she pitied him—Father's favorite.
'Ah, I should at least treat him well during the contest.'
.
.
.
After Princess Jinhwa left, the Emperor asked the eunuch.
"So, she was seventh?"
"Yes."
"Thought she'd be first... but quitting in a day? Quick on the uptake."
"Still, Her Highness did well—half the work you gave."
"Really?"
It was actually double a minister's daily load.
"Even realizing and quitting, she did the most. Things'll ease up."
"Indeed. Most backlog's cleared."
"Hahaha. That guy's great bait."
Hearing princesses would observe, the Emperor fixated on Eun Seo-ho's looks.
Sure some would fancy marrying him.
So he schemed: use him to lure princesses into voluntary work.
Princesses had learned all they could but stayed cooped in the palace for "proper decorum."
He disliked it.
Knowledge should serve the realm—that was his creed.
Officially assigning them work would rile stuffy ministers.
Thus, baiting them with Eun Seo-ho cleared long-pending tasks neatly.
The Emperor was thrilled.
Though sorry it was one-time.
Meanwhile, the eunuch pitied Eun Seo-ho.
'Wonder if he'll ever marry.'
If he did, it'd be impressive.
* * *
I rubbed my ear.
"What's wrong, young master?"
To Palgap's question, I kept rubbing.
"Nah, itchy ear. Someone talking about me?"
"Plenty gossip about you, sir."
"Is that so?"
We'd finished the third round and returned to the Yeonjun Merchant Group.
Next round notice in a few days.
Two days passed.
Now, lunch with the accountants.
"Branch Leader."
"Yes, Yeong Accountant."
"Any guess on the next theme?"
I had one, but...
Couldn't say.
"No idea. But it's imperial—they'll test the group's true capabilities."
"Likely."
Then a Yeonjun servant approached.
"Um, guest outside."
"Guest?"
"From the palace."
We rose and headed to the reception room.
"Welcome. Eunhae Merchant Group branch leader, Eun Seo-ho."
"From the Empress."
As we bowed, the eunuch stopped us.
"No need. I'm just here to relay the next silk contest schedule."
He handed me a scroll. I unrolled it right there.
"...!"
I nearly betrayed my shock.
It wasn't the fourth theme I remembered.