Chapter 619: The Lay of the Land (1)
The dinner with my aunt's family after so long was warm and lively.
The conversation centered on me and Lady Seo-hyang, which meant they were deeply interested.
"I heard you brought back a huge amount of grain from overseas this time."
I nodded at Older Brother Seon-il's words.
"Yes. Probably twice as much as last time."
Thanks to Dai Viet's unique environment, where they could harvest three crops a year, they had no trouble exporting vast quantities of food.
And because the goods we took there were so popular, we could import even more this time.
"And I heard you helped recover the letter from the king of Mara-seo-guk."
Princess Sinaa spoke up at Older Brother Seon-il's words.
"It's fine to just call him father-in-law."
"Still, he's the king of a nation. How could I? My lady."
The titles weren't fully settled yet.
Of course, I could understand Older Brother Seon-il's position.
Turning to me, Older Brother Seon-il said,
"Anyway, I wanted to say thank you."
"No need. I just did what had to be done."
"You say it's natural, but there's no such thing as a given in this world."
He was right, of course.
After dinner, Uncle and Aunt rose from their seats.
They were busy people.
Those left were me, Lady Seo-hyang, and Older Brother Seon-il and his wife.
I wanted to discuss trade with Mara-seo-guk, but it felt awkward to bring it up first...
Sensing my hesitation, Princess Sinaa said,
"Shall we continue the conversation from earlier?"
"What conversation?"
Older Brother Seon-il asked, and Princess Sinaa replied,
"As thanks for recovering the letter and gift my father sent, he's arranging trade with my homeland."
"I'd be grateful if you did, but... are you sure?"
"Yes."
She nodded.
"Because you're trustworthy."
I didn't think I was that reliable, but her earnest gaze made me flush a bit.
"So, what do you think? Interested?"
"Of course."
Mara-seo-guk was farther than Dai Viet, famous as a major source of tin—essential for metalworking.
The empire produced some tin, but in such small quantities it was exorbitantly priced.
Importing and selling it would yield massive profits.
Beyond tin, they were known for pepper and unique dyes.
An opportunity not to be missed.
"Then prepare for it on the next trade run. Come with me to Mara-seo-guk then."
"Pardon? You're going yourself?"
"To be precise, with my husband. My parents miss him."
Older Brother Seon-il nodded without objection—it must have been pre-discussed.
The emperor would likely appoint him as envoy to build ties with Mara-seo-guk.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
After wrapping up with Princess Sinaa, Lady Seo-hyang and I returned to the Beijing branch.
I changed clothes, sat on the bed, and organized my future plans.
With so many irons in the fire, I needed to prioritize.
All had to be done, but I only had one body.
Alright, decision made.
Top priority: expanding the Luoyang branch.
Luoyang housed the Murim Alliance and was a key transport hub in Henan Province.
Not as big as Beijing, but it needed scaling up.
My trips there were piling up, and staying at inns each time was inconvenient.
Money aside, security was an issue.
And there was a pressing reason not to delay.
Baekcheon Merchant Group wasn't that wary of us yet.
We'd cost them some losses, but we weren't direct rivals.
Once we grew more prominent, they'd sabotage us relentlessly.
How could I be so sure?
Because in my previous life, that's exactly what happened.
I'd wanted to expand Luoyang earlier, but only cracked the top ten rankings afterward—and Baekcheon treated us like thorns, with Murim Alliance interference making it hell.
No repeating that mistake this time.
So, straight to Luoyang.
Thanks to Father's full authority from the Eunwol Pavilion meeting.
I could pick the site myself.
Once secured, everything else would flow smoothly.
Set the expansion framework, report to Father at headquarters.
And discuss the wedding too.
By then, he'd be back from Guizhou Province.
"Huh? Why the sudden grin, young master?"
Palgap, entering my room, asked.
I straightened my face. "When did I grin?"
"No need to hide from me. Thinking about marriage to Deputy Gwak?"
Tch. Sharp as ever.
"Whatever. Prepare to leave for Luoyang."
"Luoyang, sir?"
"Yeah. In a few days."
The next day.
I had Yi Pil the warrior deliver a letter to Jin Yeong Daehyeop.
He came right away.
"You came, Daehyeop."
"His Majesty summons you."
"Yes."
By now, those criminals from Hainan Island should've been escorted to Beijing long ago.
"Um... I have a question."
"What is it?"
"The branch leader and others from Hainan should've been brought to Beijing. What happened to them?"
"Ah, I never told you. Sorry."
"No problem."
"You're the top contributor to that case; you deserved to know."
Jin Yeong Daehyeop continued.
"First, that bastard Mok-gyeong from the Gold Guard was secretly executed—skinned alive."
"......"
"The branch's gold inspector and active participants get public dismemberment."
"Meaning..."
"Tomorrow's the execution."
Flaying and dismemberment... both agonizing, drawn-out deaths.
It showed how furious the emperor had been over Hainan.
I felt no pity.
They'd bled the islanders dry for years.
"But surely some were unintentionally involved?"
"Of course. They'll get leniency—light labor or fines."
"I see. When's tomorrow's execution?"
"Dawn, around 5 a.m."
Decided.
Leave for Luoyang early.
It'd be on the roadside clearing en route—brutally gruesome.
Lady Seo-hyang mustn't see it.
"Questions answered? Let's go."
"Yes."
Soon after.
I arrived at the palace and met the Emperor.
"Heard you proposed quite spectacularly."
"Embarrassing, but yes."
"Good. You need some happiness."
He'd already guessed Lady Seo-hyang's identity—hence the praise.
"He'll be thrilled to hear."
The Emperor smiled and continued.
"And you recovered the Mara-seo-guk king's letter to his daughter."
"Yes."
"Caught the culprit too."
"Yes."
No false modesty.
He knew my capabilities; pretending otherwise might cost me rewards.
Though it fueled ambitions to appoint me official, my merchant role proved better— I'd keep showing it through actions.
"You prevented soured relations with Mara-seo-guk and empowered Governor Yak."
Politics at play.
Complicated stuff gave me headaches.
Better to take my gains and step back.
"I'm glad to be of service, Your Majesty."
"Happy to help, or happy thinking of the reward?"
Oof...
Straight to the point—embarrassing.
I bowed politely. "I rely only on Your Majesty's grace."
"The kid's got a silver tongue."
The Emperor chuckled.
"Your reward will come with wedding gifts."
"Wedding gifts?"
"Don't want them?"
"No! Of course I do."
"Then go. Safe travels to Luoyang."
"Yes."
Withdrawing, I tilted my head. So the summons was just...
To say thanks, it seemed.
Mara-seo-guk was a key trade partner, and Governor Yak protected the crown prince in Nanjing.
Warranted gratitude.
The next day.
I departed for Luoyang at dawn as planned.
Whipping Jukangma past the bustling Gold Guard prepping the execution.
Beijing to Luoyang wasn't far; we arrived days later.
"Welcome!"
We stayed at Yeonpung Inn from the last Murim大会.
The errand boy greeted us warmly.
"Thank you for returning to our inn."
"We like it here."
"Our pleasure. Rooms ready now."
We unpacked in our rooms.
"Rest today, shake off travel fatigue. Start tomorrow."
"Yes."
The next day.
I took prepared gifts to the Jegal family estate in Luoyang.
The Supreme Patriarch was still here.
Speaking of, rankings were soon.
Last time, twentieth place.
Excited to see how much higher Eunhae could climb.
Murim大会 follow-ups extended into early year.
That's why he stayed—core talks done, now details with non-leaders.
Jegal sent the Supreme Patriarch.
"Welcome!"
The gatekeeper recognized me, hurried to announce.
Guided to the reception, sipping tea, the Supreme Patriarch entered.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Not at all. The tea's so fine, time flew savoring it."
"Good. Sit."
I returned to my seat.
"All well?"
"All well."
"Glad to hear."
I offered the gifts.
"From my Hainan trip—thought of you."
"What's this?"
"High-grade tea. Clear liquor, bitter then sweet—unique charm."
"Ho, intriguing."
"Top quality—one leaf yields deep flavor. Don't oversteep; count to twenty."
"Got it. Thanks for the treasure."
"Hardly—mere token against your favors."
"Nonsense. The thought matters."
He seemed delighted.
Jewels wouldn't suit him.
Better small, thoughtful gestures.
"Grateful you think so."
I continued.
"Actually, a favor to ask."
"Speak."
"Eunhae wants to expand our Luoyang branch. Scouting sites, but no luck."
This was Luoyang.
Murim influence trumped officials; best through them, no hitches.
Hence, leveraging my top Murim contact: his introduction.
"Eunhae's grown enough for Luoyang expansion!"
"Thanks to your guidance."
"Me? You've done me favors. Conditions?"
After hearing my specs, he pondered, then said,
"I'll look into it. Wait a bit."
"Thank you."
I added,
"Someone to introduce."
I called Deputy Gwak from behind me.
"My fiancée."
Better preempt; avoid later slights.
Small things mattered.
"Hoho, fated pair. Congratulations. When's the wedding?"
"Setting the date. I'll inform you."
"Good. After your brother-in-law, now you—double joy for Eunhae!"
"Thank you."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Days later.
We returned to Jegal estate at his summons.
"Found a site matching your conditions."
"Wonderful. Thank you."
"But there's a problem."