Plenty Indeed (2)
We gathered in the conference room at the Provincial Command Office to discuss this trade's results and our next steps.
The participants from the merchant group were fired up, no doubt because the Emperor had shown personal interest in this venture.
Good, very good.
But this was a meeting just for the merchant group affiliates.
The officials weren't present.
We were excluding them to solidify our own position first.
Captain Yeo and Branch Leader Song, along with the others who'd directly taken part in the trade, shared valuable intel with us.
And among that info was exactly what I'd been hoping for.
"Dai Viet wanted our empire's liquor."
"Malayser was the same."
"But isn't there a liquor ban in place right now?"
"Then shouldn't we petition to lift it? For trade purposes, at least—allow us to brew alcohol."
I continued.
"The ban's there to avoid wasting grain. But if we can bring in even more grain than that, doesn't it change everything?"
"Exactly."
"I agree."
With our trade partners craving liquor, the Eunhae Merchant Group—which had prepared ahead—stood to gain the most.
That's why a joint petition from all of us would look best.
It'd keep the gossip down.
The sleeping pills from the Emperor worked like a charm.
The recipients slept straight through for three whole days.
When they finally woke, groggy and dazed, what awaited them was...
"Come on, everyone! Get ready!"
"We're heading back to headquarters!"
Preparations to return straight to base.
At that moment, at the Murim Alliance's Nanking branch.
The branch chief recalled the covert order from above.
Extract trade info from the merchant caravan that had just arrived in Nanking.
He knew why.
"Tch, that bastard Namgung Gang pulling some half-baked scheme..."
The Baekcheon Merchant Group had urgently requested help to recoup their losses.
They'd promised a hefty reward, so it wasn't a bad deal for the chief.
He issued orders to his planted agents.
The overseas trade ships had docked three days ago—intel should be trickling in by now.
"Branch Chief, it's Gang Du."
"Come in."
The door opened, and his trusted subordinate Gang Du entered.
Empty-handed.
"What? You came about the ship intel, right?"
"Yes."
"Then why come empty-handed?"
"Well... there's nothing to report."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"For some reason, all the crewmen are holed up in a few inns, sleeping the whole time. They haven't stirred, so we can't get any info."
"......"
To extract info, the sailors needed to hit the brothels or taverns—but they hadn't budged.
"And... they're prepping to set sail now."
"Set sail?"
"Yes. Back to their headquarters..."
The chief scowled.
"Damn it! Screwed! Totally screwed!"
He grumbled, rubbing his brow.
Sleeping for three straight days? Someone had drugged them on purpose.
Some sharp mind had intervened to prevent leaks.
"Word is... the Emperor ordered it."
"The Emperor?"
"Yes."
The chief clicked his tongue.
If the Emperor had commanded it, the intent was crystal clear.
Checking the Murim Alliance? The current Emperor's a smart madman—no touching the palace, that's what they told us.
The Eunhae Merchant Group's ships readied for departure again.
They needed to head to the Hubei headquarters for refits.
And there was a minor incident.
"This is too much. How could you really knock us out for three full days? I've been dying to hit dry land."
Some merchant group staff grumbled at me reproachfully.
I'd anticipated this and put on a genuinely sorry face.
"How could I not understand? I know you've got a ton you want to do off-ship."
Of course, I had an excuse ready.
"But what power do I have to defy His Majesty's command?"
I clasped my hands in a formal bow, head lowered.
"This is my failing. I'm truly sorry."
At my bow, they panicked and waved their hands.
"N-no need to bow and apologize like that..."
"W-we were just..."
I sniffled, eyes welling up.
"I've done you all wrong."
"Aigoo, Young Branch Leader! We're the ones at fault."
"We're the bad guys."
Palgap, watching from the side, shook his head. The escort warriors averted their eyes.
Ahem.
With a remorseful look, I handed them pouches heavy with coin.
"My humble token. You couldn't here, but once you're in Hubei, enjoy some fine food and catch up."
"You didn't have to..."
"Take it quick. My arm's aching. Aigoo, my poor arm."
The crew roared with laughter at my antics.
"Captain, take it already."
"Our Young Branch Leader's arm hurts, doesn't it?"
Captain Yeo Eung-am chuckled and accepted the coin.
"We'll put it to good use. Thank you."
And so, Eunhae Ships One and Two set sail once more.
I watched them go, then turned away.
Much as I'd love to board and head home, I had business in Beijing.
We decided to trail the grain caravan heading to Beijing.
With countless Gold Guard staring daggers, who'd dare touch it?
No tension needed—couldn't be easier.
We followed slowly behind the Gold Guard-escorted wagons.
Damn, there sure is a lot.
This grain would go mainly to the hardest-hit areas.
Future trade hauls would distribute to somewhat better-off regions.
National-scale trade meant consolidating in Nanking, shipping to Beijing, then divvying up.
Sure, you could unload grain nearer Beijing via coastal routes, but ship maintenance and other issues made this practical.
Still, this first trade went smooth—no pirate raids. But ahead...
Word of massive grain trades would draw pirates like flies.
And as scale grew and distances lengthened, we'd face fiercer ones.
Even merchants moonlighting as pirates.
But those markets promised huge profits—we had to push in.
For that, we needed force to crush pirates...
Cannons were simplest, but the empire tightly controlled them and powder.
The Emperor might approve a request, but it'd spark fairness issues.
As I pondered, a shout came from ahead.
"Camp here tonight."
"Yes, sir!"
Our group began prepping to camp as well.
Then a deer bounded right near us.
"Whoa, a deer!"
An arrow whistled toward it, striking clean.
Deer are fast—nailing one takes skill. Impeccable shot.
Someone approached, calling out.
"Hey, dinner just fell in our lap. Lend a hand?"
The Gold Guard rushed over, hoisting the deer with grins, heading off.
Seo-u Warrior spoke up.
"We'll catch something too."
"Go ahead."
At my nod, Seo-u and Myeongjong Warriors vanished into the woods.
With those two, we'd eat well... Ah!
Suddenly, that perfect arrow recalled a memory.
From my past life—the Archer God.
His moniker came from his unique archery.
Cheonpa Palace (Heaven-Shattering Bow).
Arrogant name, but its power matched.
His family's heirloom art, lost in his generation.
Cheonpa Palace packed punch, and with infused qi, insane range.
That'd be huge for Eunhae pushing into the outer seas.
Perfect—next move set.
Dawn broke.
As I rose, Seo-u Warrior on watch duty spotted me.
"Coughing, sir?"
"Yeah. Palgap up already...?"
"Said he'd make special breakfast—headed into the woods."
"Special? What kind?"
"Isn't today special?"
Special? What...?
As I racked my brain, Seo-u smirked.
"Too busy to remember? It's your birthday, Young Branch Leader."
"Oh, right."
It really was.
Seo-u's eyes softened.
"Happy birthday, sir."
"Thanks."
Palgap had foraged mountain ingredients for my meal.
"Even down south, early November has plenty left."
Bird stuffed with fruits and roasted, plus wild mushroom stew.
"Whoa, gourmet stuff out here. Thanks—looks amazing."
"Heh."
Palgap rubbed his nose bashfully.
His cooking was delicious.
And feeling his care warmed my heart.
Meeting Palgap was the luckiest break of my life.
His attentiveness let me focus without petty distractions.
Learning it was my birthday, the accompanying staff heads offered congratulations.
"Still, your birthday's prime for networking with bigwigs—and we missed it."
Hence "shared misery."
He was right—my birthday opened doors to desired connections.
But some things couldn't be helped.
Shuttling between Nanking and Beijing trumped that.
"But hearing from the Group Leader himself? Best gift."
"Haha, you're making me blush. No proper present, though."
"Give it later."
"Deal—Beijing, I'll hook you up."
We exchanged light birthday wishes amid departure preps, and the caravan rolled out.
"Three days to Beijing now."
"Got it."
I nodded at Seo-u. Ex-escort boss, he nailed travel estimates.
Twenty-three already.
Eight years since returning from death at fifteen.
Makes you think.
Recalling my achievements and changes, I smiled.
There sure are a lot.
But not enough.
Far from top merchant group. Vengeance on Baekcheon and Murim Alliance needed more power.
So, time to push harder!
Dusk fell.
We'd reached a village with inns.
The Gold Guard commander approached.
"Ye Busang and the officials are hitting the inn. You?"
We exchanged glances.
Our answer was set.
"No merchant strays from cargo mid-transport."
"...?"
"Not paid by His Majesty yet, right?"
Precisely, our cut for the trip—but same difference.
His eyes gleamed with interest.
"I see. Understood."
He nodded firmly.
Hm? What? Looks mighty pleased.
Another camp night.
As the group set up, Geumryeong burst from my sleeve.
"Kkwi!"
"Hm? What? Something up?"
Geumryeong only emerged when called, usually.
"Kkwi! Kkwi!"
"Wait here?"
It bolted off.
Huh? What's going on?
Eh, it's Geumryeong—no worries.
Curious, though.
Soon it returned, filthy with dirt unlike usual.
And dropped something from its mouth onto my lap.
"Kkwi! Kku!"
"My gift? That's why you went?"
It nodded at my question.
I tilted my head, picked it up—and froze.
"Whoa? How'd you get this?"