Chapter 232: Jin-ho Hyung's In-Laws (2)
I blinked twice.
She'd come to escort me?
Bing Hae-rin, the Minor Palace Lord, smiled faintly at my reaction.
"Oh? Have you forgotten? I mentioned it before. That I'd formally come to fetch you later."
"Ah... Of course I haven't forgotten."
I just hadn't expected it to be today.
First things first... let's eat and think.
"Have you eaten yet?"
"I ordered noodles."
"If it's not too much trouble, why don't you join us?"
I glanced at Jin-ho hyung.
"That okay?"
"Of course. Please, have a seat over here."
We checked with the kitchen, and they hadn't even started cooking the noodles yet because of the backlog.
So we canceled the noodle order and gathered around one table.
Soon, the lotus root rib soup and other dishes we'd ordered arrived, steaming invitingly.
"Please, dig in."
"Then, I'll gratefully partake."
I ladled some lotus root rib soup into my bowl and started eating.
Mm, it's been a while—tastes great.
And even better since Jin-ho hyung was treating.
As we ate, I stole a glance at Bing Hae-rin Minor Palace Lord. Her bowl was already piled high with rib bones.
She eats well. Nice.
Our eyes met then, and she tilted her head.
"Is there something on my face?"
"No, just... you're eating better than I expected. I was worried the local food might not suit your tastes."
She laughed softly at my words.
"I'm not picky about food."
"I see. Glad it's to your liking."
We finished the meal and headed back to the Eunhae Merchant Group together.
After all, any real conversation with her couldn't happen in public.
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I escorted Bing Hae-rin to the Eunhae Merchant Group's reception room.
"The garden view from here is beautiful."
"That's why we bring esteemed guests here."
"I'm grateful for such fine hospitality."
The Minor Palace Lord and I sipped tea and chatted idly.
"Is everyone at the Yangyang Martial Hall doing well?"
"Yes, all safe and sound."
"I already miss the kids."
"The kids miss you too, Minor Palace Lord. Especially little Mi-yeon—she said she wants to marry you."
"Cough!"
I nearly spat out my tea.
"I-is that so."
Bing Hae-rin set down her teacup.
"The winter winds have mostly died down. If we leave now, by the time we reach the North Sea, any winds will be regular and predictable—safe enough. That's why the Palace Lord ordered me to fetch you."
"⋯."
"Now we can properly repay our benefactor's kindness."
"I see."
"Actually, the Palace Lord offered to send disciples as escorts, but I refused."
She smiled brightly.
"Because I'm here."
Her eyes gleamed with unshakeable confidence.
"And I figured you wouldn't want a bunch of extra guards anyway."
"You know me well."
I pondered for a moment before speaking up.
"Truth be told, I was planning to head to the North Sea Ice Palace anyway."
"Pardon? Do you have business at the main palace?"
"Yes. My second sister-in-law's mother hails from there."
I explained the whole story, and she nodded.
"Ah, that makes sense. Good thing I left right after the Palace Lord's letter arrived. Looks like I'll be traveling with you."
That put my mind at ease.
As the North Sea Ice Palace's Minor Palace Lord, she knew the terrain well, and with her skills, our safety was guaranteed.
"One thing before that—I need your permission for something. I have a few matters to handle on the way to the North Sea. Is that alright?"
"No problem for me."
Just then, Palgap's voice came from outside.
"Young master, the Group Leader is here."
I stood quickly.
"Let me introduce you to my father."
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Preparations for the North Sea Ice Palace trip progressed smoothly.
Thanks to my prior experience there, it wasn't too difficult.
I paid special attention to leather waterskins for fresh water, preserved rations, and beast-fur garments.
Heat-emitting artifacts would be ideal, but those aren't easy to come by.
The ones I'd acquired so far were thanks to memories from my past life.
And a bit of heavenly luck.
Among them, my pouch, the Fire-starting Wall, and the silks of thousand-zamsa thread were gifts from the Emperor.
Those came with a price.
Since I'd be passing through Beijing anyway, I should pay him a visit. Otherwise, he might get sulky.
And I had reports to deliver.
The departure day arrived.
Jin-ho hyung commanded the Silver Wind Squad's six units, so I pulled some members from them for his escort.
There was talk of taking a whole unit, but I nixed that.
Our group's martial prowess was already strong enough, and detaching an entire unit long-term would burden the merchant group.
So we settled on five for Jin-ho hyung and his wife's protection.
Our North Sea Ice Palace party: me, Palgap, and four escorts; Jin-ho hyung and his wife with five guards; and finally, Bing Hae-rin Minor Palace Lord.
Right before we left, Father handed me a letter.
"Deliver this to your master's wife."
"Yes, sir."
"Travel safely."
With our family's farewells, we set off.
We rode horses, no carriages.
Everyone was a martial artist, after all.
Horses were faster, and once we hit the plains beyond Beijing, carriages would just be dead weight.
As I rode, I mentally reviewed my tasks.
Hmm, first up: deliver a letter to the Henan branch.
Then swing by Auntie's place in Beijing, visit the palace...
Don't forget to thank Lord Gwang-jun for the horses he sent last time.
These very steeds are from him.
Ah, and I'll see Sub-leader Bok-yun again soon.
We were supposed to meet at the next Hundred Merchant Group summit, but this is even sooner.
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We handled our errands en route and reached Beijing in about half a month—faster than expected.
"We'll be staying at my aunt's place here in Beijing."
Bing Hae-rin nodded at my explanation.
"Got it. Mind if I impose as well?"
"Of course not. We're traveling together."
Auntie welcomed us warmly at the Yeonjun Merchant Group.
"Come in! It's great seeing you so often lately."
Jin-ho hyung bowed first.
"Have you been well? Thank you again for attending our wedding."
"Wouldn't miss it."
She greeted me too, then leaned in to whisper.
"That young lady who came with you..."
Her eyes sparkled, and I waved my hands frantically.
"It's not what you're thinking, Auntie."
"Oh? Really?"
Her disappointment was plain, and I felt a pang of guilt.
"We have a prior connection. Circumstances led to us traveling together."
"I see. Nice to meet you."
"Sorry for the intrusion."
"Nonsense—make yourselves at home. Though it's forward of me to ask a stranger... are you unmarried?"
"Yes."
"Oh! Wonderful!"
Auntie showed no signs of giving up.
Sorry, but I'm not thinking of marriage yet.
Not until I've avenged myself on the Baekcheon Merchant Group and the Murim Alliance.
Auntie arranged Bing Hae-rin's quarters in my pavilion annex.
"How could I let a young lady stay in the outer quarters alone? Take the annex—you two can share it."
Her logic made sense, so I agreed readily.
I sensed an ulterior motive, but Bing Hae-rin would probably prefer my company over strangers' anyway.
And the annex was spacious, with plenty of rooms.
After a long-overdue bath in warm water, I stepped out.
The annex had a nicely landscaped garden.
As I strolled leisurely, a familiar orchid scent wafted on the breeze.
Looking over, I saw Bing Hae-rin in casual clothes.
"Out for some fresh air?"
"Ah, yes."
She nodded.
"The journey was so comfortable, I almost feel guilty."
No wonder—we'd stayed at top inns most nights, except unavoidable camps.
And we covered her expenses.
"I'll settle the inn bills when we return to the Ice Palace."
"No need. The Eunhae Merchant Group isn't stingy with hospitality. Don't worry about it."
We aren't stingy, and her bills weren't a burden anyway.
But she looked uneasy, a bit troubled.
"I'm the one escorting my benefactor, yet it feels like you've turned the tables on me."
"So what?"
I continued.
"Really, don't worry. And please, no more talk of repaying inn bills."
"But..."
"Minor Palace Lord, any more would offend us."
She dropped it then.
But she must have felt a bit shameless about it.
The North Sea Ice Palace was wealthy.
She probably planned to pay later, but my refusal left her in a bind.
I had my reasons for insisting.
I wonder if Jin-ho hyung knows how hard his little brother is racking his brains for him.
"Understood. I'll accept your kindness."
"Good."
"Also, I need to step out briefly tomorrow."
"Feel free. I have business outside tomorrow too."
Me too—the palace.
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The next morning.
With Bing Hae-rin there, we ate breakfast privately in the annex.
Then paid respects to Uncle and Auntie.
I wonder how Sun-mi is doing?
It had been nearly five months since she went to the Hanghwa Academy head's household.
Auntie beamed.
"Sun-mi's doing great. Letters every five days at least."
"Relieved to hear it."
Still, her cousin brother should show some support.
What would be good?
Then Palgap came rushing up.
"Young master! Young master!"
Ah, from the palace.
"From the palace."
In the reception room, a now-familiar face awaited.
Jin Yeong Daehyeop of the Gold Guard.
"This humble merchant greets Jin Yeong Daehyeop."
"Good to see you. Heard you were leaving, but didn't expect it so soon. Felt a bit slighted."
He meant the upstream Yangtze affair.
"My apologies."
"Haha, kidding. I already approved it."
Jin Yeong Daehyeop smiled.
"Thanks to you, His Majesty's trust in me is restored."
"Glad to hear."
I pressed on.
"And thanks to your consideration, I received a reward from His Majesty as well. My gratitude."
"You deserved it. Anyway, prepare yourself—His Majesty summons you."
I readied quickly and followed him.
En route to the palace, Jin Yeong Daehyeop gave a heads-up.
"The eunuchs are quite interested in you now, because of that business."
"What?"
I sighed involuntarily.
That's why I tried to stay low-key.
Sigh, no helping it. Water under the bridge.
I'm being careful, but the Emperor makes it... tricky.
A moment later,
I was granted audience with the Emperor.
"Your merchant Eun Seo-ho pays respects to His Supreme Majesty, the Emperor. Ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand!"
I prostrated deeply, and the Emperor spoke.
"Rise."
"Your boundless grace humbles me."
"Good."
The Emperor looked pleased.
"I reviewed your improvements to the bird-mail system. Implement them as proposed."
"My thanks for your approval."
Formally, the system belonged to the Emperor, so his sign-off was needed.
I'd expected it, though.
"So, are you pleased with the rewards I sent?"
Not the reward—he said rewards, plural.
Meaning not just the grain, but the thousand-zamsa silks via the sundries shop elder too.
"Your Majesty's graces are as vast as the sea."
"No need for flattery. I gave them because I was truly grateful. It gave me the perfect excuse to purge those sycophants circling me."
What happened? Need to look into it.
"That said, is there anything else you need?"
I started to say no, then something clicked.
"In that case, Your Majesty, this merchant has one request."