Hyeonjilmusin - Chapter 130



Only Krnovel

130. Aftercare (1)

“Then the most active group in Gansu right now would be the Cheonsoo Group, right?”

“yes.”

The King looked at Mukhwiyeong with an anxious expression. He was truly an unfathomable man.

At first, I thought he was just a merchant who was running errands for Yeo Bul-jin, but he suddenly turned the tables on himself. This is something an errand boy would never do.

In addition, he defeated his classmate’s admiral, who was considered a master in the martial arts world. The most important thing was the magic of unknown origin.

The Imperial Palace is more active than any other sect in collecting martial arts secrets. This is because martial arts or powers that they do not know about can become the seeds of rebellion.

In that sense, when the Demonic Cult was eradicated, the Imperial Palace was the one that left many copies of the Demonic Cult’s secret recipe. Of course, if an individual other than a member of the Imperial Palace were to copy the Demonic Cult’s secret recipe, they would be immediately punished.

Even in such a palace, I have never seen such a method of handling magic. If there was something like that in the palace, I would have learned it myself. I couldn’t figure out what kind of past Mukhwiyeong had gone through to possess such magic.

“Where is the next most occupied area?”

“It’s the best ship.”

“Ah. The top of the cargo ship.”

Mukhwiyoung’s expression became slightly sentimental. But it only lasted for a moment.

“I see you have connections with Shanxi merchants as well.”

“Because Shanxi is closer to Gansu than Anhui. In fact, if it weren’t for Yeo Hongyuan, there would be no reason to get involved with the Huizhou merchants.”

“I see. Then what about the Hubei merchants?”

“Hubei merchant?”

“Me. Me.”

Mukhwiyoung shamelessly pointed at himself with his finger.

Judging from the way he smiled as he said that, he was definitely a merchant. At any rate, it was clear that he was a strange person with many different sides.

“Open the way for me to do business in Gansu?”

“Yes.”

“Just come in and do it. I think free competition between the top is better for the people’s livelihood. If the government interferes unnecessarily, it will only cause problems.”

“That’s true, but we don’t want to compete.”

The King looked at Muk Hwi-yeong as if he was looking at a madman. Muk Hwi-yeong smiled and continued speaking.

“Isn’t there a place where there is no competition?”

Only then did the King understand what Mukhwiyeong was saying.

“Are you talking about government procurement supplies?”

“Yes.”

Government procurement supplies were definitely far from competition, as the government directly selected suppliers. Of course, in an effort to be fair, procurement supplies were also put through a bidding auction, but in most cases, they were left to trusted top companies.

In addition, the amount of supplies for the entire Gansu Province is not small. Most merchants do not dare to bid. If they make a mistake while doing business with the government, they could end up in prison.

“I guess Cheonsu Sangdan is in charge of procurement supplies now, right?”

“That’s right.”

“We’ll take care of that.”

“It’s not as easy as it sounds.”

The King expressed his discomfort. Mukhwiyeong nodded.

“I know. It will make our relationship with the King, including Cheonsu Sangdan, worse, and it will be like pouring ink on Prince Yeo Hongwon’s face.”

“Honestly, that doesn’t really matter to me. Even if he’s the king, he’s just a merchant at best. But can you, a mere merchant, handle the king’s wrath?”

“Well, of course.”

The king was shocked by the casual tone of Mukhwiyeong’s speech.

“Does your company have a distribution network that can easily supply supplies throughout Gansu Province in the first place? If so, I would have known the name of your company.”

“It’s okay. I’ll use the Cheonsu Sangdan distribution network.”

The King was speechless. It was truly a sight to behold. While taking away the money supply of Cheonsu Sangdan, he was going to use Cheonsu Sangdan’s distribution network. At this point, it wasn’t just ridiculous; it was simply crazy.

“Even if I don’t know much about business, isn’t that just ridiculous?”

“It’s okay. I have received permission from the King to use the Cheonsu Sangdan distribution network.”

“Even if that were true, who would allow it if it meant taking away their own rice bowl?”

“That’s the funny part. Your upper distribution network is being trampled by the person who stole your livelihood.”

Mukhwiyoung laughed as if he found it amusing just thinking about it.

The King had no idea what Mukhwiyeong was thinking. Of course, this was beyond the King’s understanding.

The King first made Muk Hwi-yeong drink water by selling the Taegeuk Hye Sword. Muk Hwi-yeong was seeking revenge for that.

“Your Majesty, you know this too. The Heavenly Guardians can be replaced, but I cannot be replaced.”

Mukhwiyoung confidently beat his chest. Although it was unlucky, it was true.

It would certainly be of great help to his plans if there was someone with such high-level magic. And as far as the King knew, Mokhwiyeong was the only one.

“Then let’s do that. I’ll tell the manager.”

“thank you.”

“If you don’t pay attention to the quality of the procured goods because I’m giving you this kind of convenience, I will change it without mercy. The procured goods of the government are related to the people’s livelihood.”

“Of course. I will make sure that no one will say anything.”

Mukhwiyeong smiled brightly. After all, being in charge of the supplies for the entire Gansu Province was a burdensome, if not impossible, task for the new supreme leader.

However, Mukhwiyeong had increased the size of the Hwiyeongdan and had also received a promise from the King to lend him the distribution network of the Cheonsu Sangdan. Although the King had never dreamed that he would use the distribution network in this way.

If the King were to withdraw his promise to lend him the distribution network, that would also be the situation that Mukhwiyoung had hoped for. It would destroy the credibility of Cheonsu Sangdan itself.

The salt sales agency and distribution network commitments had already been documented. It was not something that could be handled verbally.

There were also shamanist Taoists sitting there. If even the shamanist Taoists were to be accused of being liars, Cheonsu Sangdan would have to stop doing business in Hubei.

Of course, there was one problem. The King had clearly said that if he was satisfied with the amount he received from selling the Taegeuk Hye Sword, he would lend him a distribution network. However, since Muk Hwi-yeong had not sold the Taegeuk Hye Sword at all, there was no way he would have the money for that.

But Mukhwiyoung had already finished calculating it.

“The procurement contract is for an annual basis, right?”

“That’s right. Ah. I can’t terminate my contract with Cheonsu Sangdan in the middle. The penalty for that amount of damages is quite large.”

“It would be enough to start next year. We also need to prepare.”

“You don’t do things so ignorantly.”

“Instead, let’s sign the contract now for next year.”

“That’s simple.”

“Isn’t it customary to give advance payment for work?”

“That’s right.”

The King saw that Mokhwiyoung’s eyes had turned into snake-like ones for a moment. As soon as he had money to receive, his eyes had become sly.

The total amount of supplies for the entire Gansu Province is about 50,000 nyang. Now, Mo Huiying has signed a contract worth 50,000 nyang. And he will receive the advance payment of 5,000 nyang in a lump sum.

The contract was a breeze. Mukhwiyeong received 5,000 nyang from the government office, and the smile on his face when he received the money was truly a happy one.

* * *

When I went to Sarangchae, Myeongil and Yeohongyang were sitting there with anxious expressions. They jumped up as soon as I opened the door and came in.

“How was it?”

“what?”

“I just met His Majesty the King. Was everything okay?”

“A lot has happened.”

He cut off the arm of the eunuch who was his bodyguard, threatened the King, and even made a contract worth 50,000 nyang. There were so many things that happened.

“Ah. I have something to tell you for moral reasons.”

“what?”

“From next year, the supplies from Gansu Province will be taken by the Hwiyoung Corps.”

“huh?”

“Originally, Cheonsu Sangdan was doing it.”

“… … Is that possible?”

Yeo Hongyang let out a blank voice. He was also a person from the upper world, so he would know. It was not easy to overtake the upper world that had already taken the lead. And it was even more so if the place that was being taken was the king’s heavenly guardian.

“Well, it doesn’t matter to me. My older brother is in charge of Gansu.”

“Yes. Also, the distribution network will use the Cheonsu Sangdan.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“I’ve already discussed everything with the King.”

“I don’t understand it at first.”

“There are many things in the world that are incomprehensible.”

Yeo Hong-yang’s expression distorted at my laughter, and Myeong-il was dumbfounded, not understanding what I was saying.

“You don’t need to understand that. What’s important is that you bring Yeo Hong-won’s things.”

“I brought it?”

“Yeah. You’ll have your own party too. If your party and our party cooperate, how will the King see it? Yeo Hong-won made a mess, and you’ll look like you cleaned it up. That’s how you get points. It’s over.”

“Ugh.”

Yeo Hong-yang nodded her head in admiration.

Yeo Hong-yang really met a great coincidence. It was a coincidence called ‘me’. It would be a bit unsophisticated to say it myself, so I won’t say it.

But then Yeo Hong-yang’s expression changed to one of disgust, as if she was looking at some kind of bug.

“Still, that’s a bit.”

“huh?”

“Isn’t it a bit too self-conscious of the country?”

“Did I say it out loud?”

“huh.”

Looking at the next day, it seems like I’m really shaking my head. Hmm. I guess I got too excited after signing a contract worth 50,000 nyang.

“Well, that’s not wrong.”

“… … Yeah. It’s better to have confidence than not to have it.”

We chatted like that as we left Nanju.

As expected, there was no one on Nanju Street. But since I had eliminated the black demons including Marahyeolbul, things would get a little better.

As I went out of the city, I saw only houses with shabby straw roofs. The houses were so small that I wondered if people lived there. Since I couldn’t hear any signs of life, it could be that no one really lived there.

But we saw a little girl wandering around the village entrance. Considering that there were no people in the city center of Nanju even in broad daylight, we could say that the girl had great courage to stand there.

Of course, there was no reason for us to worry. The black people had already been taken care of anyway, and the girl wouldn’t be in any danger.

I tried to just pass by. The girl didn’t pay any attention to us either. But her face looked strangely familiar to my eyes.

I stopped walking without realizing it and approached the girl.

“Miss. What brings you out at this hour?”

The girl looked up at me. I crouched down so that she could see me. Only then did our eyes become level.

“My younger brother didn’t come home.”

“Little brother?”

“Yes. At this height… … .”

The girl described her younger brother using gestures, and only then did I realize where I had seen her face.

It was the face of the kid who had scammed us. The kid had cut me down as he ran towards me.

When I looked back, Myeongil and Yeohongyang seemed to have noticed and their expressions darkened. I looked at the girl again.

“I see. You’re a big sister who cares for your little brother.”

“I’m saving up. That guy needs to bring the money so I can pay for my mother’s medicine. It’s been a while since he was supposed to bring it, so where is he doing? Tsk.”

“I wasn’t waiting for my brother, I was waiting for money.”

“Of course! Why am I waiting for that guy?”

The girl put her hands on her hips and made a displeased expression. But her expression was not honest. As is usually the case with siblings of that age.

“The young lady takes care of the children, and the younger brother goes out and earns money.”

“yes that’s right.”

“That’s amazing.”

I patted the girl’s head. When I raised my hand, the girl flinched and then put her neck inside.

“Uncle, you’re not that bad of a person.”

“I think so. Please understand. My father beat us a lot.”

“Really? Where is your father now?”

“He’s dead. Thank goodness.”

“That could be possible.”

This time, the girl’s expression showed honesty. She really seemed to be glad that her father was dead.

I opened the purse. There was five thousand nyang of silver that I had received from the King. I took out one hundred nyang of silver and gave it to the girl. The girl accepted the silver in a daze.

“Isn’t this money?”

“huh.”

“Why are you suddenly giving this to me?”

“Because it’s special.”

I pretended to laugh. The girl looked at me as if she couldn’t believe it. Of course, it was incomprehensible. Who would give you a hundred nyang of silver on the street out of the blue?

“Use it for your mother’s medical expenses. Don’t spend the rest right away, but invest it in your future. Whether it’s learning letters or learning a skill.”

“… … You’re really giving it to me.”

The girl took the money and bowed to me repeatedly. The more I was greeted, the more uncomfortable I became, so I straightened my crouched legs and stood up.

“Then I will go, uncle.”

“Over there, over there!”

As I was about to leave, the girl grabbed me.

“Please tell me the name of your benefactor. At least so I can find him and repay him later.”

“It’s okay. You don’t have to pay it back.”

I stood far away from the girl. When I winked at Myeongil and Yeohongyang, they also took heavy steps. The girl didn’t even dare to think of following us.

“Thank you, thank you!”

I heard a girl shouting from far away.

How long had I walked? I turned around only when I could see the girl as a dot. Contrary to what she had said, that she was waiting for money and not her brother, the girl was still loitering around the village entrance.

“I feel uneasy.”

Looking to the side with a bitter smile, Myeong-il and Yeo Hong-yang were also looking at the girl.

“Priest.”

Myeongil was the first to speak after a long time.

“yes?”

“If Jeongdo Murim had managed the black magicians well, wouldn’t this have happened?”

It was Myeong-il who killed that boy. Myeong-il’s expression was gloomy. It couldn’t be helped.

As we go through life, we all encounter things like this. When it’s no one’s fault. I was just telling you what I realized.

“Let’s not hold people responsible for the choices they have no choice in. Life becomes incredibly difficult if we live like that.”

“Shouldn’t we also be responsible for unexpected choices?”

“If you feel that much guilt, then you’ve done enough. We didn’t know the child’s circumstances, did we?”

Myung-il was silent. It seemed that none of my comforting words would work in the current situation. The one who spoke at that time was not Myung-il or me, but Yeo Hong-yang.

“Dojang. If you look at it that way, then this is also the responsibility of the merchant.”

“Why is there a trade-off?”

“Merchants have a duty to give back to society the money they earn. Isn’t it because we didn’t properly give back the money we earned in Gansu that we have such poor people?”

“Is it a merchant’s duty to give back to society?”

“This is what was said directly in the palace. Merchants with a lot of money should build academies or schools and educate students. Then, they will receive a reduction in taxes. However, is that necessarily because of the law? I sincerely believe that merchants should also give back to society to some extent.”

Yeo Hong-yang spoke passionately. I didn’t know Yeo Hong-yang’s values ​​either. She was a friend with quite sound values.

“So you’re saying that this is also the fault of the Sanggye. How could it be only the fault of the martial arts world?”

“……thank you.”

The most unexpected sound came out of Myeongil’s mouth. Yeo Hong-yang also seemed a little surprised and stopped talking.

“Then this is the conclusion.”

I clapped my hands.

“There are mistakes in the martial arts world and there are mistakes in the Sanggye world.”

“……yes.”

“Then I should go and correct my mistakes.”

“You’re going to fix it?”

“then.”

I turned my head forward again, because the girl was no longer in sight.

“Shouldn’t I go to Cheonsu Sangdan and give him money?”

I laughed. Yeo Hongyang’s face became somehow uneasy.