Carelessness is Taboo (5)
The Gaksaoerang Minister readily agreed to my request.
He told the crowds about how we'd tracked down the small vials stolen by the Blood Bird Group and utterly crushed them, embellishing our exploits just a bit more.
And this came from an imperial court official—not someone from our Eunhae Merchant Group.
That lent our tale undeniable credibility, and in no time, it spread far and wide around the Nanjing area.
In the meantime, at my request, we'd arranged a session for the former pirates to share their vivid firsthand accounts.
It was the same training we'd run before for the executives aboard the Eunhae Merchant Group's ships back in Hubei Province.
Having been through it once themselves, the ex-pirates spun their yarns far more captivatingly this time around.
And that sparked yet another outcome.
The deputy leader of the Changhae Merchant Group, Song Sodanju, paid us a visit.
"With departure just days away, you must be swamped. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I've heard the news. You punished the pirates who stole those small vials this time, right?"
"Ah, yes. That's right."
I replied with a bashful smile.
"Word of that already reached your ears, Song Sodanju?"
"Of course. The rumors are already buzzing everywhere."
Song Sodanju continued with a beaming face.
"What a monumental feat. Countless folks have suffered at the hands of those Blood Bird bastards."
"Has the Changhae Merchant Group fallen victim to them before too?"
"Naturally. There was nothing we could do—it was utterly frustrating."
"I'm glad I could resolve that issue for you."
Just like that, I've earned another ally in Song Sodanju.
"Thank you. I, uh..."
Song Sodanju trailed off, as if he had more to say.
"Please, speak freely."
"I've come to you with some concerns, Eun Sodanju. The truth is, our group's martial forces aren't all that impressive."
"What do you mean? If the Changhae Merchant Group's strength was lacking, how have you dominated those treacherous seas all this time?"
He shook his head at my words.
"We're not running massive trade operations, so we've scraped by somehow. But now that we're gaining notice, more eyes will be on us—and that means real danger."
He pressed on.
"So, I was wondering... could you have the Eunhae Merchant Group protect us on this trading voyage?"
"You mean us?"
"Yes."
"Then you've come to the wrong person. The one in charge of the ships is my eldest brother."
I did have the authority, of course, but hierarchy had to be maintained.
Especially for Jeong Ho-hyung to solidify his position as leader.
Song Sodanju chuckled at my response.
"Of course, I went to Eun Jeong-ho Sodanju first. But he told me, 'Go see my younger brother.'"
"I... see."
Hyung...
He hurried to continue.
"Ah! Of course, I'm not asking for free. We'll share a portion of our profits."
In truth, since the Eunhae Merchant Group traveled with other fleets, we'd have to fight pirates together anyway if they showed up.
Song Sodanju knew that much.
What he really wanted was a little extra vigilance—and priority protection in a pinch.
"How much of a share were you thinking?"
"Two hal of our profits."
Two hal?
He's more desperate than I thought.
It'd mean paying a bit more attention, but pocketing two hal made it a no-lose deal.
"Very well. I'll discuss it with the group and get back to you with a final answer."
I immediately gathered Jeong Ho-hyung, Captain Yong, Navigator Song, and the rest of the key staff for a meeting.
"That's not a tall order."
"And we'll get extra pay on top of it."
"Then it's a go."
Their eyes lit up at the mention of bonuses.
Last time, during our first trade run, the payouts had been substantial.
Navigator Song had even bought a house with his.
The other crew had made out handsomely too.
And so, we drew up a contract for the Eunhae Merchant Group to protect the Changhae fleet as well.
That evening, I sought out Jeong Ho-hyung.
There was something I needed to make clear.
"Jeong Ho-hyung."
"What's up?"
"Why bounce it to me? You could've handled it yourself."
He smirked at my grumbling.
"The Silver Wind Palace deal was your doing, wasn't it? And smashing the Blood Bird Group this time—that was you too. I can't steal your credit."
"It's fine. Don't worry about that—just take the lead. I did it for the Eunhae Merchant Group's benefit, not my own."
I continued.
"Besides, deferring to me like this leaves room for others to maneuver. I want you as leader without any gaps."
Jeong Ho-hyung stared at me steadily.
"W-what? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You rascal..."
He reached out and ruffled my hair.
"Hey, hyung! Fixing my hair is a pain!"
.
.
.
The merchant groups seeking out the Eunhae Merchant Group weren't just the Changhae.
Leaders from other fleets came too, requesting protection for their ships.
I asked for two hal of their profits from each, and they accepted without hesitation.
"If pirates hit, we'd lose all our goods—and the crew would end up dead or enslaved."
"For protection like that, two hal is nothing."
"Damn right."
As a result, the Eunhae Merchant Group's ships took point at the front of the fleet.
I asked Captain Yong if that was okay, and he grinned.
"Perfect. We get the respect and the cash—best of both worlds, right?"
The man's got it together.
Finally, departure day arrived.
The ships were loaded to the brim with trade goods.
The Gaksaoerang Minister led the rites as representative, burning the prayer scroll and sending it skyward.
Everyone beamed as it soared high.
"An auspicious sign!"
"This voyage will go smoothly too!"
The crew exchanged farewells with the crowds and boarded their vessels.
"We'll be off then."
"Take care."
"Safe travels. I wish you all prosperous trades."
Captain Yong nodded at my words and glanced at the Gaksaoerang Minister, who was aboard his ship.
"Shall we set sail?"
"Yes, proceed."
Captain Yong bellowed.
"All hands—depart!"
Those with strong voices echoed it several times.
"Set sail! Set sail! Set sail!"
Bwoooo!
Dong-dong-dong-dong!
Horns blared and drums thundered as the ships began to move.
We'll bring back a tidy profit this time too.
We've prepared thoroughly for it.
- Caw!
Golden Bell's reaction had me looking forward to it.
"Hyung."
I turned to Jeong Ho-hyung.
"You're heading to Beijing too, right?"
"Yeah. Gotta check on the silk deliveries anyway."
"Perfect."
I grinned.
I had a packed schedule waiting the moment we got back to Beijing—but here was someone to handle it for me.
Jeong Ho-hyung eyed my smile warily and took a step back.
"What? Why the creepy grin?"
"Huh? What grin?"
"Is it about setting up that martial hall?"
"...!"
I flinched.
How'd he know?
"Fool, you think I'm going to Beijing just for silk? Father told me to assist you."
"Huh?"
"The Beijing branch is already busy enough, and starting a martial hall will have you running ragged."
"..."
Father knows best.
No matter how cleverly I schemed, I couldn't outmatch his experience.
Then a sudden thought struck me.
The illness that had plagued Father in my previous life.
His condition had worsened sharply after handing the leadership to Jeong Ho-hyung.
I'd desperately sought out Heukjeok Seon for treatment, but it was too late.
Looking back now, it seemed the sickness had started even before the handover.
No immediate rush, but I couldn't afford to slack off.
We sent the crew to the inn to prepare, then headed to the Provincial Command Office.
We needed to pay respects to Provincial Commander Ak Daein before leaving for Beijing.
And for the martial hall, we had to meet him anyway.
We were shown to the reception room at the Provincial Command Office and waited briefly before Ak Daein arrived.
"Greetings, my lord."
"Greetings, my lord."
He acknowledged our bows and took his seat.
"Sit comfortably."
"Thank you."
"So, the fleet departed safely?"
"Yes. Thanks to your lordship's meticulous oversight."
He chuckled heartily at Jeong Ho-hyung's reply.
"You're envoys under His Imperial Majesty's orders—how could I not give my all?"
The mindset of a true official.
No wonder the Emperor smiles every time he sees him.
Then he turned to me.
"And truthfully, the fleet's safe passage owes more to your merit than mine, doesn't it?"
"Pardon?"
"I've heard. The Eunhae Merchant Group stepped up and wiped out the Blood Bird Group."
"We make a point of not showing needless mercy to those who threaten our group... so we ended up acting a bit boldly, against our better judgment."
I answered humbly first.
Ak Daein's mood seemed fine, but who knew?
If he saw my power as a threat to the Emperor, he'd act without hesitation.
"Hahaha!"
Ak Daein laughed heartily.
"Just as His Majesty described you."
"Pardon?"
"No need to worry. I know full well you're using that strength to aid the Emperor."
What exactly did the Emperor say...?
I showed due modesty.
"I'm grateful you understand my intentions."
"You've solved my headaches too, so I owe you thanks."
It wasn't that Ak Daein lacked the prowess to deal with those pirates.
The issue was they were pirates—unpredictable, slipping away on ships wherever and whenever.
That's why my guards and I had infiltrated their vessels with a meticulous plan.
"I've received your favor, so it's only right I repay it properly. Anything you desire?"
Just the opening I wanted.
Still, I politely demurred at first.
"What are you saying, my lord? We only dealt with them because they threatened our group—and interfered with His Majesty's decree."
"I know your loyalty well enough. But a proper accounting must be made."
The reason Ak Daein enjoyed the Emperor's trust and rose steadily as an official.
His background and personal prowess were strong, but his calculations were impeccable.
"In that case, grant me one request."
"Speak it."
"Recommend someone from the Shandong Ak Clan skilled in spear arts."
"Spear arts? I heard you wield the sword."
"It's not for me."
I shook my head.
"Truth be told, I'm planning to establish a martial hall here in Beijing."
"A martial hall..."
"Yes. We already run the Haeng Hwa Academy under the Eunhae Merchant Group in Beijing, but that's solely for scholarly pursuits. I feel it lacks balance."
"What's the purpose of this hall?"
"The same as Haeng Hwa Academy: to raise promising talents."
"Raise them how?"
"By training those with exceptional martial aptitude into outstanding warriors."
Ak Daein smiled at my words.
"That'll spike the military exam competition. Producing top martial talents will only strengthen national defense."
He continued.
"Very well. But on one condition."
"What is it?"
"Secure His Majesty's approval. You know you'll need it to establish a martial hall in Beijing anyway."
"Of course."
A martial hall was an organization of warriors, if not quite on the scale of a clan or sect.
In Beijing, imperial sanction was required.
"Once you have that, I'll send two top instructors from the main house."
"My deepest thanks."
Spear instructor sorted.
The next morning.
I and the Eunhae Merchant Group crew set off for Beijing.
En route, we passed the Miodeun Mountainside, collapsed by the previous landslide, but as an official road, repairs were swift.
Thanks to that, we reached Beijing right on schedule without issue.
"Welcome back."
"You've had a long journey."
The Beijing branch staff greeted Jeong Ho-hyung and me.
We headed to our quarters.
After a thorough wash, I flopped onto the bed.
Ahh, bliss.
Nothing beats a proper bed.
But no time to lounge. Backlog of work awaited... and the martial hall setup...
Still, my eyelids grew heavy.
I've got a little time. A quick nap? Just an hour...
That's when it happened.
"Young master!"
The door burst open.
"Wha—? What's going on?"
"Jin Yeong Daehyeop is here."
"..."
Sleep vanished in an instant.
Sigh. As if rest was ever in the cards for me...
A short while later.
I met Jin Yeong Daehyeop in the reception room.
"Greetings, daehyeop."
"It's been a while."
"Yes, I've grown remiss."
"Last time, an inner servant came for you at His Majesty's behest, but you'd already left for the North Sea."
Ah...
The Bing Yeol Conference at the North Sea Ice Palace.
Good thing I heeded Seo-hyang Sojeo's words.
"My apologies. Urgent business called me away..."
"I'm not blaming you. I know how busy you are."
"Thank you."
"We should head straight to the palace. His Majesty summons you."
This time, the Emperor's call was welcome.
I had rewards to claim for this job... er, receive.