A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 465

465. Guests of Pungwol Pavilion

Namgyeong is an ancient city known as the ‘City of Six Dynasties’ because it served as the capital for six dynasties in its history. While called the Six Dynasties, it actually encompassed the capitals of numerous smaller and larger kingdoms. This historical fact underscores that Namgyeong has been one of the largest cities on the continent for a very long time. Although Beijing is the center of politics and power, Namgyeong remains a sprawling metropolis where all forms of wealth, culture, entertainment, and luxury converge, maintaining its strong reputation.

“Hahaha.”

“Hoho.”

Amidst the flowing music, men and women in splendid attire sat in their designated places, their laughter filling the air. Even in Namgyeong, the most dazzling and bustling location, universally acknowledged, is this very Pungwol Pavilion.

Luxurious liquors and exquisite dishes were mere appetizers here. The performances, songs, dances, poems, and paintings presented by the artists were all of exceptional quality. Consequently, Pungwol Pavilion was renowned as a must-visit destination for anyone with an appreciation for the arts in Gangbuk [the northern region of the Jianghu, or martial world].

Of course, indulging in the pleasures of this establishment required a considerable fortune. However, for those with overflowing wealth and abundant leisure time, this was hardly an obstacle.

Step, step.

A dignified elderly man entered Pungwol Pavilion. A middle-aged man, dressed neatly as a scholar, and a young man in rather flamboyant clothing followed closely behind.

“Welcome, Elder.”

A middle-aged man, attired in elegant yet refined clothing, greeted them with a bow. He was the general manager of Pungwol Pavilion.

“Have you been well?”

The elderly man, addressed as Elder, responded with a gentle smile. This man, dressed in simple yet stylish clothes, was none other than Ho Geum-heun, the head of the Hoeyang Merchant Group. Though his attire appeared unassuming, the coat he wore alone could purchase a respectable house in Namgyeong. Naturally, the general manager of Pungwol Pavilion was not lacking in wealth himself. However, the influence wielded by the head of the Hoeyang Merchant Group could not be measured solely by financial assets.

“This way, please.”

“Thank you.”

Ho Geum-heun, an elderly man with a slightly plump but not obese physique, offered a light expression of gratitude to the general manager. The general manager understood that the gesture was perfunctory, but he couldn’t deny that Ho Geum-heun projected the image of a gentle and amiable person. The general manager respectfully led Ho Geum-heun and his entourage forward.

Step, step.

Ho Geum-heun, the head of the Hoeyang Merchant Group, followed the general manager, his gaze sweeping over the lavish interior of Pungwol Pavilion. The first through third floors of the towering pavilion were accessible to the general public. Of course, this didn’t imply that just anyone could enter.

“It’s a good time,”

Ho Geum-heun remarked, observing the young men and women enjoying themselves on the first floor of Pungwol Pavilion.

“I’m truly envious.”

The general manager of Pungwol Pavilion, who was walking ahead, smiled.

“Are there people you envy, Elder?”

“Hehe.”

Ho Geum-heun chuckled softly as he walked.

“Why wouldn’t there be? There are many. But the most enviable of all is youth.”

He sighed gently and continued.

“If I could regain my youth, I would gladly pay any price. Even if it meant giving up everything I have.”

“Haha, surely not.”

The general manager laughed. The Hoeyang Merchant Group is one of the top five merchant groups in the world. Its influence spans the entire continent, and recently, it has been amassing enormous wealth through trade with the Bukhae Ice Palace [a powerful and mysterious organization]. It maintains connections with the central government and local administrations in every region, and it has deep ties with the Namgung Family, one of the five great martial arts families of Gangho [the martial world], so it can be said that it has truly grasped the wealth of the world in its hands. Who could possibly believe that the head of such a powerful merchant group would willingly relinquish everything for youth?

“Huh, you. I’m serious, you know?”

Ho Geum-heun, the head of the Hoeyang Merchant Group, said with a serious expression.

“Is it just me? Anyone else from another merchant group would say the same thing. They would say they would give up anything if they could regain their youth.”

“Well? Even coming from you, Elder, I find it hard to believe.”

The general manager continued with a gentle expression.

“After all, you possess everything but youth, so isn’t that why you can say such things?”

“Hahahaha.”

Ho Geum-heun laughed loudly and cheerfully. The general manager’s words might seem impolite, but they were essentially praising him for ‘having everything in the world’.

“Of course, that’s true.”

He didn’t deny the general manager’s words.

“But, you see. Originally, I attained my current position with nothing. No, rather, I came to this position while overcoming the fierce obstruction and challenges of my brothers and relatives.”

Ho Geum-heun’s eyes gleamed with confidence.

“If I am given time, I am confident that I can build it up again at any time. Whether it’s wealth, power, or the position of the owner of a large merchant group. So how can I not buy youth even if I give up everything?”

The general manager smiled gently. He had no intention of disputing the words of a man so confident in his abilities. In fact, Ho Geum-heun was the one who had significantly elevated the Hoeyang Merchant Group through his exceptional skills. But he did not rise to his current position with nothing. If he had not been a descendant of the former head of the merchant group, would he be in this position now?

Swish.

The general manager glanced at the young man following behind him. One of Ho Geum-heun’s many sons, his expression was quite distorted. Ho Geum-heun’s words were no different from rebuking him, ‘Why can’t you accomplish anything even though you are young?’ And at the same time, it was a warning that he could be dismissed at any time. But the fact that he revealed his uncomfortable feelings so readily indicated that he was still just an immature young man.

Step, step.

Before they knew it, the general manager and the Hoeyang Merchant Group were crossing a small garden. Even the tall pavilion is just an outer facade, and the true essence of Pungwol Pavilion is concealed within this backyard. It is like a fairyland that influences the wealth of the continent and the destinies of numerous merchant groups.

Rustle.

A beautiful woman in a colorful silk dress was standing in front of the round gate leading to the backyard. Her attire, which almost exposed her neck and shoulders, and her makeup, which was dark and vibrant, made her a great beauty who felt more classic than vulgar.

“Oh, Lady Lou.”

The elderly Ho Geum-heun greeted her first with a bright expression. The beauty was Hyo-seol, the Lady Lou of Pungwol Pavilion. Hyo-seol smiled brightly and bowed her head.

“Welcome, Elder.”

As she bowed her head, the long hairpin she wore diagonally in her hair and the large red gem at the end sparkled impressively. Moreover, because she was wearing revealing clothes and bowing her head, her skin was almost visible. The young man standing behind her sparkled his eyes and showed blatant interest. And Hyo-seol was also aware of that gaze.

“Oh my. Who is this young and handsome man?”

Hyo-seol said in a rather coquettish voice. The moment the heat rose in the young man’s eyes, Ho Geum-heun, the head of the Hoeyang Merchant Group, said with a bitter smile.

“He’s my useless son.”

Ho Geum-heun looked back at his son and said.

“This is the Lady Lou here. Pay your respects.”

It was a significant thing for Ho Geum-heun to use honorifics when introducing someone. However, the young man, who was distracted by Hyo-seol’s exposed skin, did not notice the signal.

“Ho, Ho Gye-wi. Nice to meet you.”

“I’m Hyo-seol. Nice to meet you, Young Master Ho.”

Hyo-seol, who lightly paid her respects, also greeted the middle-aged man dressed like a scholar.

“It’s been a while, Chief.”

The middle-aged man, called Chief, bowed his head silently and politely. Hyo-seol smiled and said to Ho Geum-heun, the head of the merchant group.

“Please come in, Elder. They are waiting inside.”

“Has Gonggong [a respectful term for a eunuch] already arrived?”

The elderly Ho Geum-heun widened his eyes.

The person he was meeting today was a eunuch who served the Emperor. Although the position was not high, the eunuch who served the Emperor was a key figure that anyone wanted to cultivate a relationship with. How could he not put everything aside and rush over when the eunuch, who would not bat an eye at anyone’s call or any gift, summoned him? Hyo-seol smiled instead of answering. And Ho Geum-heun didn’t dwell on that. The potential embarrassment of arriving later than the other party was his primary concern.

“Let’s go.”

Ho Geum-heun quickly moved his feet. Hyo-seol slightly brushed her hair back and followed him. The young man, Ho Gye-wi, was lost in thought, captivated by Hyo-seol’s feminine charm, when he suddenly heard the Chief’s low voice.

“Didn’t you hear the Elder’s words, Young Master?”

Ho Gye-wi frowned at the unexpected words.

“What is that……”

“She is the Lady Lou of Pungwol Pavilion.”

The Chief looked at Hyo-seol’s back and sharply flashed his eyes.

“With a single gesture, she influences the logistics of the continent, and with a single word, she sways even the heads of the five major merchant groups. That is the Lady Lou of Pungwol Pavilion.”

Ho Gye-wi’s expression hardened. Only then did he realize the true significance of the woman he had been eyeing with such undisguised desire.

-Pay your respects.

His father had said that a little while ago. That meant that even his father, Ho Geum-heun, held Hyo-seol in high regard.

“She is……”

Looking at Hyo-seol, who was smiling and talking to the head of the merchant group, Ho Geum-heun, the Chief said quietly.

“She is not someone you can covet, Young Master.”

It was a truly insulting statement. But Ho Gye-wi gritted his teeth. That’s because the Chief’s words were entirely correct. If the Lady Lou of Pungwol Pavilion harbored hostility, he would be extinguished like a candle in the wind. Even if he was a descendant of the head of the merchant group, his father would not protect him if it meant incurring the wrath of Pungwol Pavilion.

“……Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

The Chief’s words were sincere. His advice was not for Ho Gye-wi’s benefit, but to prevent Ho Geum-heun’s disappointment and anger. However, it is also clear that Ho Gye-wi benefited from the Chief’s advice.

Step, step.

The two silently followed Ho Geum-heun and Hyo-seol, the heads of the merchant group. Before they knew it, the general manager of Pungwol Pavilion had returned to the tower, but no one paid attention.

***

The building constructed in the backyard of Pungwol Pavilion was expansive and magnificent. Even the mansion of the Hoeyang Merchant Group, one of the Five Great Merchant Groups, was not as impressive, so the young man Ho Gye-wi could not conceal his astonishment.

Rustle, rustle.

The corridors they were traversing were adorned with poems, calligraphy, and paintings by renowned artists. Each piece was something that a wealthy individual would naturally pause to admire.

Clack.

Hyo-seol suddenly stopped. She was standing in front of a fairly large door.

“This is the place.”

At Hyo-seol’s words, Ho Geum-heun, the head of the Hoeyang Merchant Group, nodded.

“Thank you. I will never forget what Lady Lou has done for me.”

“You’re welcome.”

Hyo-seol slightly bowed her head as if it was nothing. The elderly Ho Geum-heun also responded to her courtesy and reached out to the door.

Slide.

Just before Ho Geum-heun’s hand touched it, the large door opened silently. And a young man dressed as a scholar appeared.

“Welcome.”

The young man said with a gentle smile. He opened the door from inside.

“Thank you.”

The elderly Ho Geum-heun also smiled and replied habitually. The young man’s eyes looked quite bright, but he was not curious. Meeting the eunuch inside was the priority now.

Step.

Ho Geum-heun, his son Ho Gye-wi, and the Chief entered the room.

‘Huh?’

As soon as he entered, Ho Geum-heun frowned. It was not because the room was larger than he thought, nor was it because someone was already in the room. It was because the person who shouldn’t be here was right there.

‘Yang Won-jo!’

The fat old man who was frowning at him was Yang Won-jo, the head of the Hwanam Merchant Group, which had been fiercely competing with his Hoeyang Merchant Group, one of the Five Great Merchant Groups and backed by the Hyeokryun Family [a powerful and influential clan].

‘Could it be.’

Ho Geum-heun’s face hardened in an instant. Perhaps he was not the only one the eunuch had called.

“Please sit here.”

Ho Geum-heun turned his head at the voice he suddenly heard. The young scholar who had opened the door was recommending a seat.

“Hmm.”

Ho Geum-heun confirmed that there was no eunuch in the room and headed to the seat with a calm expression. He couldn’t show a flustered look in front of the head of the Hwanam Merchant Group, but he couldn’t help but harden his face as he passed him.

Click.

Ho Geum-heun and his party from the Hoeyang Merchant Group sat down. The young scholar poured tea for the three of them according to the etiquette of welcoming guests.

Trickle.

Listening to the sound of the teacup, Ho Geum-heun looked around the room. And only then did he realize that there were five seats on both the left and right sides of the room.

‘Hmm.’

An ominous feeling flashed through his mind. The good thing was that their seats were not the last seats. Of course, it wasn’t the best seat either. The place located at the front of the room, which was probably the eunuch’s seat, was empty. Hyo-seol said ‘they are waiting’, so perhaps they are waiting for all the guests to arrive in another room.

“Hoo.”

Ho Geum-heun took a low breath and grabbed the teacup. The fragrant tea scent tickled the tip of his nose, but he didn’t even have time to savor the scent now.

“It’s amazing.”

Ho Geum-heun frowned at the voice he suddenly heard. The person who spoke was Yang Won-jo, the head of the Hwanam Merchant Group.

“What is?”

Ho Geum-heun asked, not hiding his discomfort. The obese Yang Won-jo smiled bitterly. Next to him were a young lady from the Hwanam Merchant Group dressed in a colorful manner and the Chief.

“Are you going to pretend you don’t know even after coming here? Tsk tsk.”

Yang Won-jo, the head of the Hwanam Merchant Group, clicked his tongue. The sound was very annoying to Ho Geum-heun of the Hoeyang Merchant Group.

“I didn’t know you had a relationship with the Seven Palace Lords of Bukhae [a powerful group from the Northern Sea]. Besides, it seems like we weren’t the only ones invited……”

“What?”

Click. The elderly Ho Geum-heun lowered his teacup without realizing it. He suddenly caught sight of the young scholar standing next to the door, but Ho Geum-heun frowned and asked Yang Won-jo of the Hwanam Merchant Group.

“The Seven Palace Lords of Bukhae?”

The obese Yang Won-jo narrowed his eyes. Unlike what he looked like, he was very quick-witted. It was his natural sense and amazing scheming that brought him to his current position as the owner of the Hwanam Merchant Group.

“I came at the invitation of the Seven Palace Lords of Bukhae. Who were you called by?”

Yang Won-jo, the head of the Hwanam Merchant Group, asked directly. Ho Geum-heun, the head of the Hoeyang Merchant Group, bit his lip slightly. He didn’t like Yang Won-jo, but he had to accept this exchange.

“I was called by Gonggong, who serves the Emperor.”

The obese Yang Won-jo widened his small eyes. Then he frowned.

“……This can’t be. This is, really ridiculous……”

His head had already come up with an answer. It wasn’t a difficult problem for Ho Geum-heun of the Hoeyang Merchant Group either. However, he just couldn’t accept the answer he had come up with.

“……But I have no choice but to believe it. The person who called us here.”

Ho Geum-heun, the head of the Hoeyang Merchant Group, said as he quietly picked up the teacup he had put down. It was impossible to impersonate a eunuch. The letter he received was a personal letter written directly by the eunuch who served the Emperor. Perhaps the invitation received by Yang Won-jo, the head of the Hwanam Merchant Group, was similar to his. An invitation with a clear source that could never be doubted. Then the conclusion is clear.

“It means that he can exert absolute influence over the imperial eunuch and the Seven Palace Lords of Bukhae.”

Silence fell in the wide room. Not only Ho Geum-heun’s party from the Hoeyang Merchant Group, but also Yang Won-jo’s party from the Hwanam Merchant Group could not say anything with hardened faces. The eunuch who served the Emperor, who was the absolute power alive, and the Seven Palace Lords, who were even called the Empress of Bukhae, willingly lent their names. They couldn’t even imagine what it meant for such beings to try to meet them.

In that heavy silence, only the young scholar standing quietly next to the door was waiting for the next guest with a gentle face.

(Author’s words)

He opened the door himself, greeted them first, guided them to their seats, and even poured tea for them, so there was nothing lacking in the etiquette of welcoming guests.