I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 25

After Jo Gwang-yun arrived in Gaebong, two people died and were replaced.

I suspected he was pleased, figuring that with Yoo Chu-saeng gone, all the existing personnel maintained by inertia would also disappear.

Hwang Lee-geon, taken aback by the unexpected reaction, sought to discern Jo Gwang-yun’s true feelings.

“You were testing me one last time, to see if I would take your hand, weren’t you? You were going to decide based on how I handled this voucher and silver.”

“What if I told you I had no such intention? You’ve already confessed your intention to betray Yoo Dae-in, so you’ll have to kill me to silence me, like a member of the Black Faction.”

“That would imply the Black Faction is foolish. While there are certainly some fools among them, I am not one. If I kill Jo Hyeong, dealing with the aftermath will be troublesome.”

“If you spare me, won’t I be a constant source of trouble? What if I tell Yoo Chu-saeng Dae-in [a respectful title] what you’re planning?”

“I don’t believe Jo Hyeong is that foolish.”

The two men drank tea in silence for a while.

The silence, which stretched on, was broken when Jo Gwang-yun spoke.

“Think more broadly. Don’t confine yourself to the Black Faction’s framework.”

“…Huh?”

“Send him somewhere else. It’s commonly called a transfer.”

If Yoo Chu-saeng were to leave Honam Province and relocate to another area, it would be akin to dispatching an advance team.

Wherever he establishes a foothold, conducting business there would become significantly easier.

“It’s a good way to avoid bloodshed, but how do we accomplish it?”

“The person with great ambition should devise a solution. You are far more familiar with the internal workings of the Mookdo Association than I am, aren’t you?”

Finally, a smile graced Lee-geon’s face.

“This is the real test. Very well. Let’s proceed.”

Lee-geon, rising from his seat, clasped his hands together and said.

“Then, rest comfortably. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Jo Gwang-yun addressed Lee-geon as he was leaving the room.

“You didn’t inquire why I possessed so much money when it was merely an escort route investigation? Aren’t you curious?”

Lee-geon turned and smiled.

“I trust Jo Hyeong understands that unnecessary curiosity only hastens one’s demise.”

As Lee-geon departed the room and quietly closed the door, the smile vanished from Jo Gwang-yun’s face.

If he becomes a true ally, he will be far superior to Yoo Chu-saeng, but as an enemy, he is quite formidable.

“Hoo… Let’s adopt a long-term perspective.”

Jo Gwang-yun muttered softly and retired to sleep. There is a long road ahead.

* * *

Since we’ve decided to join forces, we need to build rapport. The two engaged in more conversation than necessary on the journey to Sichuan.

There were exchanges to become better acquainted, as well as subtle probes to gauge each other’s intentions.

“The Mookdo Association is ultimately a structure that collects tribute, under the guise of protection money.”

“It’s simply larger in scale, but the fundamental principle remains the same.”

“Indeed. The difference lies in the Murim Alliance’s [martial arts alliance] significant growth and the presence of numerous masters, wouldn’t you agree?”

“How strong is their unity? There appear to be quite a few factions within the Mookdo Association…”

“It’s complicated, not easily explained.”

He is being sparing with his words, even though it doesn’t seem like a closely guarded secret. Jo Gwang-yun didn’t press further. Instead, he posed a more personal question.

“Usually, men address each other as ‘hyung’ [older brother] and ‘dongsaeng’ [younger brother] even with minimal friendship. Lee Hyeong appears to be ten years my senior, so why haven’t you suggested we adopt those titles?”

Jo Gwang-yun has lived longer, but his current appearance is so youthful that he could be mistaken for a nephew.

“If Jo Hyeong were a Murim [martial arts world] person, I would speak more freely. But don’t we inhabit different worlds?”

“Do you even consider that? I thought freedom was a hallmark of Murim people.”

“If I were to regard Jo Hyeong as my younger brother and speak casually, I would become less guarded. That could lead to mistakes, and Jo Hyeong might take offense at something trivial. Would you appreciate it if I referred to you as ‘this guy’ or ‘that guy’ without hesitation?”

Jo Gwang-yun suddenly felt curious about Lee-geon’s past. How did someone like him become involved in the Black Faction?

“What significance does the title hold? If we respect each other and cultivate trust, our relationship will surpass that of mere brothers.”

Respect and trust from a member of the Black Faction? Jo Gwang-yun nearly burst out laughing at the incongruous combination.

“More importantly, Jo Hyeong.”

“Yes.”

“You were practicing martial arts in the backyard before sunrise… Was it perhaps the Danhon Sword Technique?”

“You recognized it even though I was merely moving my arms and legs without a sword? Indeed, it was.”

“I assumed you hadn’t learned martial arts…”

“It’s not even martial arts. Moving through the stances daily makes my body feel lighter. Yoo Chu-saeng Dae-in said it’s excellent for maintaining health, so I started doing it, and it’s not bad.”

Lee-geon’s eyes took on a strange glint.

“Let’s find an inn early today. I’ll teach you the essence of the Danhon Sword Technique.”

“No. I have no intention of becoming a swordsman, so what use would I have for the essence of the sword technique? I’m content with simply maintaining my health.”

“No, I don’t expect you to learn it properly. Understanding the principles of the stances will improve your movements. In other words, it’s effective.”

Jo Gwang-yun didn’t refuse.

Since it’s something he does every day like national gymnastics anyway, there’s no reason to refuse if it’s more effective. Prioritizing efficiency has become like an instinct for him.

That evening, Jo Gwang-yun picked up a real sword for the first time and began practicing the Danhon Sword Technique stances.

“Wait. There, you must exert strength on the tips of your toes to prevent your upper body from leaning forward.”

“Bend your wrist as much as possible so that the sword and arm form a straight line, as if they are one.”

“You’re trying to rotate too quickly, causing your body to shake. The speed of rotation is not important. What matters is executing the precise trajectory of the sword.”

As Lee-geon’s constant corrections of his posture finally ceased, Jo Gwang-yun was drenched in sweat.

‘This is no joke? PT [personal training] is effective after all.’

“How is it? Much different, right?”

Lee-geon smiled and approached.

“Yes, it’s much more intense. My arms and legs are trembling.”

“It’s only because Jang Hyeong’s bones and muscles are strong that you’re at this level. An ordinary man wouldn’t even be able to stand up now, or would have collapsed in the middle.”

“Oh dear. I can’t continue either. I need to lie down on the bed for a while.”

As Jo Gwang-yun dragged himself into the inn, Lee-geon examined the ground where Jo Gwang-yun had been training.

He carefully scrutinized the ground, noting the indentations in places, and whistled softly.

“The emergence of a tremendous tycoon will be slower than the emergence of a swordsman…”

Lee-geon resolved to observe Jo Gwang-yun’s sword dance every evening. There is still a long way to go to Sichuan.

* * *

“Lee-geon, I’ve simply been eating and traveling to Sichuan. I should have encountered bandits or brigands to earn my keep.”

“I’m also disappointed. I didn’t have the opportunity to witness Lee Hyeong’s martial arts.”

In Sichuan, which was markedly different from Gaebong, Jo Gwang-yun first visited the Central Market.

As the center of silk trade, the silk covered the Central Market to the point where the end was not visible.

“Lee Hyeong, please rest at the inn. I’ll join you after I’ve completed my business.”

“Considering the large sum of money in your possession, I believe it would be prudent for me to escort you.”

“This is a place where transactions are conducted with money rather than force. Besides, I can handle most petty thieves.”

Since he is adept at sensing the energy someone emits, he will be able to detect the presence of petty thieves from a considerable distance.

Lee-geon dismissed his concerns. Safety is paramount, but he also understands that if you wish to conceal something, you must feign ignorance, which is the current dynamic between them.

“Then, take care of your business.”

As Lee-geon disappeared, Jo Gwang-yun moved with familiarity.

During his time as an escort and while planning escorts, he identified the prominent merchants of Sichuan.

There is no need to deal with small fries individually. The caliber of merchants one deals with changes in accordance with the scale of the money involved. Considering the amount of money Jo Gwang-yun possesses, he should meet the most influential merchant in Sichuan.

The place Jo Gwang-yun sought out was a small teahouse attached to the end of the silk shop street.

A humble teahouse with only a few old and stained tables. This was the resting place for the leading merchants who controlled Sichuan silk.

He summoned a servant and ordered a cup of hot tea, saying.

“I’ve come to see the Guild President, so please inform him.”

“Did you make an appointment in advance?”

“If I had an appointment, would I be asking you?”

Pretending to be busy even when idle and being selective about whom to meet is a habit of the wealthy, regardless of the era.

“I couldn’t notify you in advance because I arrived in haste. If now is inconvenient, please inform me of the next available date.”

“Whom should I say is here?”

“Tell him Jo Gwang-yun from Gaebong. Of course, he won’t recognize the name.”

The servant snickered, his face conveying, ‘A nobody whose name I don’t even know dares to request a meeting with the Guild President?’

“Also, tell him this too. Soon, escorts will arrive pulling a lot of empty carts. They plan to load silk onto an endless line of carts and return to Gaebong. I’m curious to know who will be the main player in this deal.”

“I’ve heard tales of merchants’ exaggerations, but silk, not rice? Hey, mister, you’ve gone too far. Hehe.”

At the servant’s sneer, Jo Gwang-yun produced a small booklet from his pocket.

“I dislike vouchers getting crumpled, so I carry them around like this.”

The servant observed the vouchers inserted each time Jo Gwang-yun turned the page, and the numbers written on them.

“Guess how many of these books I brought.”

End