The Emperor's Errand (2)
The day to depart for Beijing had arrived.
Since we were leaving at dawn, I'd already said my goodbyes to the family the day before.
“Young master, everything's ready.”
“Got it. I'm coming.”
I headed to the warehouse with my escort warriors.
The Hyunpoong Nation members were already there, bustling about as they prepared to set off.
This time, at Yinwol Pavilion, they'd formally discussed the Hyunpoong Nation's future and decided to station them officially in Beijing.
After all, as the empire's capital and its most prosperous city, the state of affairs in Beijing would directly determine the merchant group's rise or fall.
To grow the group further, a Beijing branch was essential—and crucially important.
In truth, this decision carried a hidden message from my father about me.
“Take care of it. My son.”
“Has the nation lord arrived?”
“Good morning.”
Those who spotted me greeted me warmly, and I exchanged greetings with them as I made my way to one spot in particular.
There stood the leader of the Chaing Escort Agency and Jeong Chung, the captain of the third squad of the Silver Wind Corps.
It had been a while since I'd seen Captain Jeong Chung.
“Today, I count on you all.”
“Of course.”
Building rapport with the Silver Wind Corps and the escort agency folks was incredibly important, so I kept the mood light and friendly as we chatted.
“Shall we head out now?”
At Captain Jeong Chung's question, I glanced at Palgap, who nodded.
“Yes. Everything's set. We can leave anytime.”
“Then let's go.”
“Understood.”
I confirmed that the Hyunpoong Nation members had all boarded their carriages, then headed to mine.
“We appreciate your protection.”
The Seo-u Warrior replied on their behalf.
“We always give our all to guard our lord.”
“Reliable as ever.”
As I climbed into the carriage, Palgap followed and took the front seat.
Through the window, I saw the escorts mounting their horses.
Piiik! Piiik! Piiik!
The signal horns blared alongside the escort leader's voice.
“Depart!”
The procession began moving toward Beijing.
Unthinkingly, I glanced toward my father's office—and my eyes went wide.
Huh?
Father was watching our group leave the main compound from his office window.
As the merchant group's scale grew, so did the leader's prestige.
That meant his presence would cause all sorts of fuss, so he'd stayed away on purpose.
I waved to him.
I'll be back safe, Father.
This time, with you at the helm, I'll make you the world's greatest merchant lord.
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.
.
The road to Beijing was so well-trodden by now that it felt familiar.
Still, I didn't let my guard down.
You never knew when or where trouble might strike.
That said, the Gold Guard masters had earned their keep again this year, breaking the upstream ice with such diligence.
Thanks to them, no floods hit the downstream areas, and there were no disaster victims.
If a flood had come, this spring's harvest...
Just thinking about it is nightmare fuel.
I felt a swell of pride knowing that, thanks to my interventions, the massive peasant revolt that had plagued everyone's lives in my previous existence hadn't ballooned out of control this time.
Speaking of which, when should I head to Hangzhou?
The tavern owners there are still swimming in cash, so they won't sell cheap anytime soon...
Maybe next spring?
By then, the people I absolutely need to acquire should be there too.
Ah...
Come to think of it, once I'm in Beijing, I need to finish mastering the imperial palace martial arts.
.
.
.
We finally arrived in Beijing.
Thanks to our swift pace, we made it without incident.
Besides, no matter how hungry folks got, there weren't enough malcontents near Beijing to spark a revolt.
“Welcome.”
Eun, the designated Beijing branch manager, greeted us.
“Good to see you again.”
“You must be travel-weary. Rest first.”
“I appreciate the thought.”
But I wasn't in a position to lounge and shake off the fatigue.
I had a mountain of work waiting in Beijing.
“First, give me a report on everything that's happened. I'll be at the temporary quarters.”
“Understood.”
Eun's gaze held a hint of pity. Do I really look that pathetic?
I headed straight to the temporary quarters set up at the Beijing branch.
A short while later.
Eun arrived at my quarters, arms full of documents.
“Faster than I expected.”
“I figured you'd want the report right away, so I had it ready.”
Ever since I'd chewed him out before, he seemed to pour his soul into the work.
I examined the documents on the desk one by one, asking him for verbal explanations.
He calmly picked out the key points.
“...That's the background on the new legislation.”
“I see.”
Impeccable work.
“Good job. Let's schedule a proper feast soon.”
I continued with a smile.
“Even without liquor, some sweet drinks and fruits should lift the spirits, right?”
“Hahaha. True enough.”
Once Eun left, I pored over the documents again, scrutinizing every detail.
This wasn't about distrusting him—it was to grasp the big picture.
One lesson from my past life: When tackling big things, always map the overall landscape first.
Only then could I figure out what gains our group should pursue and when to move.
Missing out on profits because of that would be tragic.
But even more crucial was knowing how much to take without backlash.
Screw it up, and the whole group could crumble.
The top issues right now were the poor harvest, the alcohol ban, and the peasant unrest.
Just as I'd predicted...
At least nothing unexpected so far. Small mercies.
That evening.
I sent a letter to Jin Yeong Daehyeop via the Ipil Warrior.
It asked when we could resume training in the imperial palace martial arts now that spring had brought me back to Beijing.
But the Ipil Warrior brought unexpected news.
“Master Jin Yeong is currently away.”
“No word on when he'll return?”
“Yes. He's been gone over a month already.”
Guess I'll have to wait for him, then.
I was eager to learn the palace arts quickly, but Jin Yeong Daehyeop was a Gold Guard member—naturally busy.
I'd just have to be patient.
That said, His Majesty must know I'm here by now. He won't summon me at dawn tomorrow, right?
No way...
Even he should give me a few days to rest.
Or so I thought—
“His Majesty summons you.”
“...”
So much for a few days' respite.
This time, an inner servant had come to fetch me. I'd seen him working close to the Emperor a few times.
“Prepare yourself and follow me.”
“Understood.”
I hurriedly readied for the palace. Clean clothes for the occasion, but nothing flashy with all the eyes around.
“For an inner servant like yourself to come fetch me personally—I'm so grateful, I hardly know what to do.”
I started by buttering him up. Better no bad preconceptions about me.
Working near the Emperor, he was likely Dongchang-affiliated.
Schmooze him right, and I might glean useful info.
Of course, Dongchang mouths were sealed tight, but I wasn't after state secrets anyway.
Even trivial scraps would do.
“A renowned figure like the Seonhyeopmirang—too humble, aren't you?”
“Hahaha. It's just an empty title, yet you praise me so. I'm embarrassed.”
“I merely follow His Majesty's orders. You're one of the few he summons personally for counsel. Have more confidence in yourself.”
Why does that sound like 'easy to exploit' to my ears?
“Thank you. By the way, how's His Majesty's mood today?”
“Why do you ask?”
“If His Majesty's temper is foul, I must avoid adding to his worries. It's pure loyalty.”
“Hm... Fair enough. Few serve His Majesty as loyally as you, young branch head.”
He nodded thoughtfully, then spoke softly.
“His mood's been poor lately. It's rare for him to be cheerful, but as you know, times aren't great.”
“Indeed.”
“That makes it worse. Plus, he's lost contact with Jin Yeong Daehyeop.”
“Pardon?”
The inner servant tilted his head.
“You didn't know?”
“...No.”
“Heh, I see. It's been about three or four days since contact broke.”
Two thoughts hit me at once.
Jin Yeong Daehyeop out of touch? That spelled trouble.
And why would a tight-lipped Dongchang inner servant spill this to me?
But before I could puzzle it out, we reached the Emperor's office.
I announced myself, and the doors opened.
I entered, knelt, and paid respects.
“Your merchant subject Eun Seo-ho greets His Majesty the Emperor. Ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand!”
“Rise.”
“Your grace humbles me.”
I lifted my head cautiously.
He looks suddenly aged in just a few months.
The empire's in dire straits.
“I heard you arrived yesterday.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“No time to rest, yet I summon you. My apologies.”
Huh?
Did I hear that right? The Emperor apologizing?
This is him, right? No fox spirit in disguise?
Such thoughts flickered, but recalling the inner servant's words, I tensed up.
His face was indeed clouded with worry.
“This merchant is fine. But you seem burdened by much these days.”
“Has there ever been a time when affairs weren't burdensome?”
Fair point.
So, his foul mood—was it because of Jin Yeong Daehyeop's silence?
Is that why the inner servant told me? To pass it off to me?
The Emperor continued.
“I summoned you for a favor.”
A favor? In this situation? That had to be finding Jin Yeong Daehyeop.
“There is an old friend and loyal subject of mine. Deliver this letter to him.”
“Pardon?”
I nearly tilted my head.
Not track down Jin Yeong Daehyeop, but deliver a letter to some old friend and retainer? Why me...?
“What's wrong?”
“Nothing, Your Majesty.”
“So, will you grant my request?”
It wasn't hard, and defying an imperial order was impossible anyway.
“This merchant serves Your Majesty—merely command it.”
“Come closer.”
“Yes.”
I approached and knelt before him.
The Emperor drew a letter from his sleeve and handed it over.
“Take it.”
“Yes.”
Not via an inner servant—personally written and sealed by the Emperor himself.
This must be gravely important.
“And here—the man's details and whereabouts.”
I accepted the second sealed document and bowed my head.
“I shall exert every effort.”
“Ah, and take care of yourself.”
What does that mean?
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Back at my temporary quarters, I immediately told Palgap.
“Palgap. Pack up. We leave the day after tomorrow.”
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.
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That night.
As promised, I rented out one of Beijing's pleasure houses for a feast for the Beijing branch staff.
Any later, and scheduling would've been a hassle.
I finished up my work and headed to the venue.
But...
Something felt off—a chill in the air.
An ambush.
The Seo-u Warrior and Jin Yu Warrior realized it too, their faces grim.
Soon, masked figures appeared, encircling us.
“Formation—iron shell!”
The Seo-u Warrior shouted, and the six escorts moved in perfect unison.
Usually, they operated in pairs, but the Emperor's words echoed.
Take care.
So I'd brought all six—and now this.
Thank goodness I did.