Heading to Beijing (1)
The sun was dipping low on the horizon.
And there, finally, in the distance, stood the main headquarters of the Eunhae Merchant Group.
"We're finally home!"
Palgap asked at my words.
"Are you that happy about it, young master?"
"Of course I am. It's home."
My butt was sore from riding all day—it felt like calluses had set in deep.
And the road from Sichuan to Hubei Province? It was treacherous enough that even in my previous life, it ranked among the top five trade routes I dreaded most.
"It's still sweltering hot here, though."
"It's bearable compared to Sichuan."
At Palgap's words, Yeo Eung-am Warrior chimed in. The Yi-pil warrior beside him picked up the thread.
"This level of heat doesn't even qualify as hot. I once went to Yunnan in southern Sichuan, and that was something else entirely—unbearable."
Right, Yunnan...
Yunnan was another trade route I loathed.
"Yeah, I bet."
As we chatted, drawing closer to headquarters, I spotted someone racing toward us from afar.
Someone very familiar...
"Huh?"
It was Father.
I dismounted quickly, and Palgap and the two warriors followed suit.
"Father, your son has returned saf—"
Before I could finish my greeting, Father demanded, "What in the world is going on here?"
"What do you mean?"
"Salt! Salt! This morning, a messenger from the imperial palace arrived. They've selected us as the salt retailer for Hubei Province and ordered us to Beijing immediately."
I grinned.
"Ah, that's great news."
"This isn't the time for casual remarks! What happened in Sichuan? Why would Jin U-rim, the head of the Jin Merchant Group, send a letter praising how well you've been raised...?"
Aigoo, Father's about to keel over.
"Calm down, Father."
"How can I calm—"
"I know you can't, but isn't this a huge boon for the merchant group?"
"A boon! Yes! A massive one!"
"But imagine dying before you can enjoy it—how unjust would that be?"
"...You little devil."
"That's why I'm telling you to calm down."
I laughed and took Father's hand, tugging him along.
"Let's head inside, Father."
A short while later,
I washed off the road dust and made myself presentable before heading to the dining hall.
The family had prepared a feast upon hearing I was coming and were waiting.
Entering the hall, I saw them gathered around the table, chatting amiably.
All eyes turned to me, and I cupped my hands in greeting.
"Your grandson, son, and little brother has safely returned from handling affairs in Sichuan."
They welcomed me warmly, and only then did it truly sink in that I was home.
After a joyful dinner and tea, Father, my eldest brother, and I headed to the Silver Moon Pavilion.
The pavilion leaders were assembled there.
To discuss this matter.
It's been a while. Almost two months?
I flinched upon seeing Chief Steward Yu.
He'd looked fine when I left, but now his face was etched with exhaustion again.
Seeing it stirred an inexplicable guilt.
But I had my excuses.
Father had sent me, and Chief Steward Yu had approved it.
Everyone greeted me warmly.
"Welcome back, young master."
"Yes, I made it back safe."
We exchanged greetings and took our seats. Father addressed the room.
"As everyone here knows, the new salt distribution law has been announced."
The others nodded.
"Each province has selected one merchant group to handle salt retail, and we've been chosen for Hubei Province."
"Congratulations."
"What congratulations? It's thanks to all of you."
Father turned to me.
"That said, what exactly happened in Sichuan? Explain in detail."
No one had heard the full story, so all ears were on me.
"To think something like that happened in Sichuan! Now I understand why Jin sent me that letter."
"Saving the life of the Yeonpyeong Merchant Group's head, no less!"
"I didn't even know he was their new leader."
"It was done in secret by His Majesty. No surprise you didn't know."
"We did have some talks here and there, but salt retail? That caught me off guard."
I played it coy.
I couldn't very well say I knew in advance.
Then, Yeon Dam-i, leader of the Shangyu Pavilion, asked Father, "According to the imperial edict delivered by the palace messenger, we must arrive in Beijing by month's end. So, when do you plan to depart?"
"Considering the journey to Beijing, we should leave within five days."
"Understood. We'll prepare accordingly."
Jeok, leader of the Sepung Pavilion, and Chief Steward Ko nodded as well.
"Got it."
"We'll proceed on that basis."
Father then called me.
"And Seo-ho."
"Yes, Father."
"You're coming too."
"...Me as well?"
Father nodded at my question.
"But I just got home today, and I haven't even recovered from the trip. Plus, I have duties assisting Chief Steward Yu."
Head to Beijing within five days after barely returning from Sichuan?
I was tired.
Assisting Chief Steward Yu wasn't easy, but at least meals and rest were strictly observed.
Beijing in five days, though? No proper rest on the road.
Father and the likes of the Shangyu Pavilion leader could handle it without me.
They were capable.
At my words, Chief Steward Yu sighed.
What?
Shouldn't he be backing me up and dragging me to his office?
As I puzzled over it,
Father called me with a serious expression.
"Seo-ho."
"Yes, Father."
"No choice. It's His Majesty's command."
Ah...
I have to go.
Damn.
This wasn't what I'd expected. I figured just Father and big brother.
"And."
Father pulled something from his bosom and held it out.
"Take this."
It was a white jade plaque inscribed with silver letters.
[Eunhae Merchant Group Sub-Branch Leader Eun Seo-ho]
I'd recognize it anywhere.
It was the identity plaque I'd received after completing my five years of practical training and officially becoming a sub-branch leader.
The Eunhae Merchant Group didn't reserve sub-branch leader positions for eldest sons alone.
All the family head's children became sub-branch leaders after training, then competed to become the main leader.
Father had won that competition to claim the top spot.
Those who didn't became leaders of branches suited to their talents or pioneered new trade routes as branch heads.
In my previous life, there'd been no such rivalry among us brothers.
Big brother offered me the leadership, but I declined.
It wasn't for me.
Jeong-ho naturally became leader, second brother Jin-ho led the Silver Wind Division, and I headed the Paper Intelligence Pavilion—the leader's advisory council.
Anyway, that's the past...
What mattered now was why Father was giving me this.
"Father, this is...?"
"Does it need explaining?"
"Of course! I haven't even finished one year of training."
"You're worthy, so I'm giving it."
"The other pavilion leaders haven't... "
"The pavilion leaders already approved, that's why I'm handing it to you."
In other words, the leaders of the Finance Pavilion, Sepung Pavilion, and Shangyu Pavilion had passed my practical skills.
"But... I haven't even started training at Shangyu or Sepung."
Yeon Dam-i smiled at my protest.
"Young master, we've been watching you all along. And you've been quite the whirlwind."
"Ah..."
Come to think of it, I'd caused quite a stir.
"We judged that practical training at Shangyu would be a waste of your time. Not my decision alone—the managers agree."
"..."
"You're as skilled as someone with over ten years under their belt. We'd just embarrass ourselves trying to teach you. Hohoho."
Jeok nodded at her laughter.
"I agree."
Finally, Chief Steward Yu spoke.
"I wanted to keep you around a few more years... er, have you assist longer, but as Pavilion Leader Yeon said, it'd be a waste."
Did he just say 'use me'?
Anyway, even Chief Steward Yu agreed.
"But if I become sub-branch leader first, Jin-ho brother will be upset."
"Jin-ho agreed."
"What? Jin-ho brother agreed?"
"He has no interest in leadership anyway. He said the youngest sub-branch leader in family history is something to brag about."
"Ah..."
Yeah, that's Jin-ho for you.
"And there's a reason I'm giving it now. You're heading to Beijing with me, and this title will let you stand tall before others."
Father wanted me to be more confident dealing with people in Beijing.
"It's not that I'm ashamed to call you an apprentice. You're my pride and joy, the merchant group's talent."
"I understand your heart, Father."
Father nodded, pleased.
"We should hold your sub-branch leader announcement ceremony, but with departure in five days, it'll have to wait until we return from Beijing."
"Doesn't matter to me."
Before the ceremony, even with the title, I couldn't exercise sub-branch leader authority.
I didn't care either way.
"So, Father, me, and Jeong-ho brother heading out together? Honestly, it's a great opportunity."
Father replied, "You're right, it is. But Jeong-ho refused to come."
"What?"
I turned to Jeong-ho.
"Why? This is a golden chance."
"Father and us two sub-branch leaders gone at once? Be sensible."
"But..."
"Someone has to hold the fort while you and Father are away."
That night,
I headed to the annex where Gong Mil lived.
"Young master!"
Gong Rae, munching snacks on the yard bench, spotted me and came running.
"I heard you went to Sichuan."
"Got back today. Where's your brother?"
"In his workshop."
By splitting the doll production process, Gong Mil had gained some free time.
Thanks to that, he could tinker with other clever inventions.
Entering Gong Mil's private workshop with Gong Rae, I found him hunched over his workbench, pondering something as usual.
He glanced over, startled upon seeing me.
"Ah! Young master!"
"Working hard as ever."
Gong Mil approached, delighted.
"I heard you went to Sichuan, but when did you get back?"
"Today."
"You must be exhausted..."
"I'm fine. More importantly, how'd that thing I mentioned turn out?"
"Ah, that one?"
Gong Mil fetched a device from nearby.
A circular frame with three wooden blades. Behind them, a long box was attached.
Refined based on my advice, it looked pretty sharp.
Grinning, Gong Mil reached into the box and wound the wheel.
Whirr, whirr, whirr...
After about ten turns, he let go, and the blades spun, sending a cool breeze my way.
Honestly, my constitution and martial arts kept me from feeling heat, but the refreshing wind was nice.
A gadget to delight crowds in the sweltering summer: the fan machine.
But "fan machine" felt a bit bland.
"I just named it."
"What'd you go with?"
"It makes wind. Taking our names, how about Silver Gong Wind Fan? Cool name, right?"
Gong Mil gave an awkward smile.
Hm? Weird reaction.
Gong Rae piped up then.
"Lame..."
"Huh?"
"The name's lame."
"Ah..."
Yeah, naming wasn't my strong suit.
.
.
.
After much debate, the fan machine kept its straightforward name: fan machine.
Intuitive was best, they said.
I planned to take it to Beijing.
And present it to the Emperor.
I knew exactly what he truly wanted.
By offering this, I could get what I desired.