In Shandong (1)
The weather had cooled into a crisp autumn.
It was perfect for an outing, but outings were the last thing on my mind.
I was swamped every day, buried under the endless flood of paperwork.
"Still, it's nice to see you smiling these days, Young Master."
I nodded at Seo-hyang Assistant's words.
"Whew, you bet! Sure, the mansions I bought collapsed, but I got a hefty compensation, and business is booming besides."
"True enough."
Thanks to Seo-hyang Assistant fully settling into her role, all I had to do was review reports and sign off.
Just then, the office door opened, and Palgap stepped in.
"Young Master, a letter's arrived."
"A letter?"
"Yes. From the Chairman himself."
"From Father?"
I tilted my head, taking the letter and scanning it.
It offered consolation and encouragement over how the mansion fiasco had resolved well.
But that wasn't the key part.
The Hundred Great Merchant Groups' assembly is being held in Shandong Province. I need to head there, but things are too busy here for Jeong Ho to go, so I'll be traveling with you. Prepare accordingly.
— Eunhae Merchant Group Chairman
Ah...
Come to think of it, at the rankings announced last Dongji season, the Sebin Merchant Group had slipped a spot.
And the one that took their place was the former second-place holder, Shandong's Baekyeom Merchant Group.
Iron was their mainstay, handling most of the iron and ironware circulating through the Central Plains.
They were so dominant that people joked you couldn't even get a needle without them.
Exaggerated, sure, but it spoke to their scale.
Baekyeom—White Flame—literally meant a white-hot blaze.
Forging iron required intense heat, and only a white flame signified top-quality results.
Hence the name, symbolizing their pursuit of premium iron.
True to it, they produced and distributed high-grade iron, trading the top merchant spot with us Eunhae folks in a constant game of leapfrog.
It hit home once more.
The title of world's greatest merchant group wasn't something you held onto by resting even a moment.
Anyway, with Baekyeom's headquarters in Shandong, that's where the Hundred Great assembly would convene.
And... that meant me attending.
Others might pity me, but inwardly, I was thrilled.
I had business in Shandong anyway and was racking my brain over how to swing a trip there.
Talk about perfect timing!
I hadn't overlooked the Hundred Great assembly entirely.
But with Jeong Ho Hyung gearing up as next Chairman, I figured he should go.
That's why it hadn't crossed my mind.
"What'd the letter say to put you in such a good mood?"
I folded it with a grin at Palgap's question.
"It's from Father."
I glanced subtly at Seo-hyang Assistant.
We were keeping Father's identity as Guiju Fortress's Abbot Pojeong hidden from the Murim Alliance to protect him— an unwilling separation.
No need to stir her worry with loose talk.
Sensing my intent, she smiled warmly.
"Don't mind me."
"..."
"If you keep watching my reaction like that, I'll feel awkward. I'm really fine."
I sighed, rubbing my neck.
"Whew, looks like I've made you uncomfortable. My apologies."
"It's fine."
"I'll be more careful."
After apologizing to her, I turned to Palgap.
"Prep for Shandong. We'll head out with Mother and Father when they arrive."
"Got it."
"And fetch Seo-u Warrior and the Branch Chief."
A short while later.
Seo-u Warrior and Eun Branch Chief entered the office. I told them we'd be heading to Shandong soon.
"So, Branch Chief."
"Yes."
"Father will inspect everything when he arrives. Prepare thoroughly."
"Understood. Thank you for the heads-up."
He looked genuinely grateful I'd tipped him off early.
"Then we'll ready our escort warriors too."
"Please do."
About five days after the letter arrived.
Mother and Father reached the Beijing branch.
I'd been alerted ahead and waited at the main gate. Spotting the emblem on their approaching banners—a moon over waves, the Eunhae Merchant Group's mark—I smiled.
"Here they come."
"Right on schedule, as expected."
Eun Branch Chief nodded.
The carriages halted, and my parents disembarked.
I approached, bowing deeply.
"You've had a long journey—welcome. All well?"
"We're both fine, and the household too."
"Glad to hear it."
Eun Branch Chief bowed next.
"Greetings to the Chairman and Lady."
"Ah, Branch Chief Eun! Hard work. You've built a splendid branch."
"The real credit goes to Young Master Eun Seo-ho. I merely assisted."
"That's what matters."
I flashed an awkward smile.
Flattering me like that felt embarrassing.
To cover it, I changed the subject.
"Please, come inside. You must be tired—I'll show you to your quarters."
Father shook his head.
"No rush. I'd like to tour the new Beijing branch first. What about you?"
Mother's face lit up.
"I'd love to see it too."
"Then allow me to guide you."
I led them around the Beijing branch.
"This is the tea warehouse—the start and end of all trades."
"Oh! Just like headquarters."
"Exactly. It's the most efficient model."
The branch was spacious, so the full tour took over half a shichen.
Mother and Father were thoroughly pleased.
Father, with his hands-on experience, was moved near to tears.
"A grand branch in Beijing, in my tenure... I never dreamed I'd see it."
"Come on, Father. Don't get that emotional over this."
"Hm?"
"Our group will grow even bigger, and this branch too. Save the tears."
"Haha, right."
Nodding, Father spotted Seo-hyang Assistant—formerly Ja-ryeong Assistant—beside Seo-u Warrior and approached her.
"Ah, Seo-hyang! Settling in well?"
He greeted her like an old acquaintance.
At my prior request: act like you know her, to fool any Murim Alliance spies.
Already briefed by me, she smiled without missing a beat.
"Greetings, Chairman. Young Master has guided me well—I'm managing, though imperfectly."
"Splendid!"
"She's quite capable—handles things to my liking."
"High praise from you! No wonder Captain Gwak recommended her."
I glanced at the sky.
The sun dipped westward.
"You must be hungry. Wash up and dine."
"Ah, yes."
Eun Branch Chief stepped forward.
"Allow me to escort you to your rooms."
"Much obliged."
As they followed, I watched their retreating figures.
Father's posture alone screamed good spirits.
No wonder.
A major Beijing branch meant our group's prestige had soared.
"Such fine people."
"Pardon?"
At my echo, she smiled softly.
"The Chairman and Lady. They seem wonderful."
I nodded.
"I think so too."
Gazing at Father's back, I remembered something unsaid: the true scale of the Beijing mansions I'd bought.
He only knew I'd purchased them, they collapsed, and I secured compensation.
I held off lest overwhelming joy strain his heart.
.
.
.
The next day, my parents got busy.
Father reviewed the branch's documents first.
Regardless of trust, a Chairman's duty—our handed-down rule.
Then he visited Yeonjun Merchant Group to see Aunt and Uncle, and caught up with Beijing contacts.
Three days passed. Time to depart for Shandong.
Beijing to Shandong: about four days.
Well-paved roads made it quicker than the distance suggested.
"We'll leave it to you."
"No worries."
Yeochang's Deputy Bureau Chief thumped his chest.
"Who am I? The Deputy!"
"We know. Oh, and take good care of Seo-hyang Assistant too."
"Trust me alone!"
Seo-hyang Assistant would stay in Beijing.
She wasn't fully recovered— no need to push.
Plus, a Hundred Great assembly.
Baekcheon folks prying into her could spell trouble.
Unlikely to expose her, but better safe.
And she was strikingly beautiful—risky in other ways too.
"We'll be off then."
"Safe travels."
And so, we set out for Shandong Province.
Clatter, clatter.
In the carriage, I heard the wheels rumbling.
Two carriages in our convoy.
Parents in the lead; Palgap and I in the rear.
I skipped theirs due to the paperwork piled inside.
Maxed it out on purpose.
What else to do on the road but work?
The journey to Shandong was smooth.
Good roads, frequent inns.
After four days, we reached Jinan, Shandong's capital.
Shandong lived up to its breezy rep.
Though winters here were dry and brutal.
We pulled up at an inn: Cheongsan Inn, pre-booked by Father's aide.
Named for Mount Tai's greenery, and indeed, green decor and silks abounded.
A large, upscale place, naturally.
"Welcome!"
"Right this way."
The innkeeper and attendants greeted us.
Our rank—thirty-fifth—warranted such fanfare.
"Grateful for the welcome."
"Long trip—inside, please."
Our spending here helped too.
Father instructed his aide to notify Baekyeom of our arrival.
We headed to our rooms.
"I'll check the room."
I nodded to Seo-u Warrior and entered.
Excluding Myeongjong and I-pil Warriors, the escorts searched thoroughly.
The attendant waited patiently, unfazed.
Merchant life bred bizarre threats—precaution was key.
Our skills could handle it, but why risk?
No desire to flaunt either.
"Clear."
"Safe to enter."
"Good work."
I stepped in; the attendant briefed Palgap.
"Pull this cord, and I'll come running. Rest well."
Once he left, I told my escorts:
"You must be tired from travel, but I'm stepping out briefly."
"We'll accompany you."
With Father's okay, I left the inn.
The reason I'd wanted Shandong: to recruit someone here.
Since regressing, I'd listed must-have talents.
Unexpected gems popped up now and then, a bonus.
This one was already on the list.
And right now... Huh?