Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 285

285. An Invitation from Beijing

Yunhyun was taken aback.

The Surveillance Commissioner was the chief officer responsible for inspection and criminal law enforcement.

Having not even had a chance to properly greet them, Yunhyun politely bowed to the Provincial Military Commander Lee Eom-han and the Surveillance Commissioner Jang Young-hwan.

‘What is going on?’

Yunhyun looked at his uncle, Yun Il-pyung.

However, Yun Il-pyung was just as bewildered.

And for good reason.

After the introduction by the young Censor [an official who monitors the efficiency of public servants], three high-ranking local officials emerged from the carriage.

The chief administrators of Guangdong Province, responsible for administration, military affairs, and surveillance, all in one place.

“Hahaha.”

The portly Provincial Administration Commissioner Wang Si-joong laughed and said,

“Now that everyone has been introduced, please come this way, sir.”

The seat he offered was the seat of honor.

Even the host, his uncle Yun Il-pyung, was seated next to it.

“No, thank you.”

Yunhyun politely declined.

It was not proper etiquette, and besides, he had no idea what was going on.

Perhaps his feelings were evident.

Yunhyun’s voice was a bit stiff.

“Oh, is that so? Haha. Then please, sir, make yourself comfortable.”

Provincial Administration Commissioner Wang Si-joong lightly wiped his brow.

The Provincial Military Commander watched the scene with a bitter expression, while the Surveillance Commissioner looked on with amusement.

Surveillance Commissioner Jang Young-hwan, in particular, was quite disappointed to have been deprived of the seat next to Yunhyun.

“Hyun, take a seat.”

His uncle Yun Il-pyung suddenly spoke.

“That way, the others will feel comfortable sitting down as well.”

Indeed, everyone except his uncle’s family was still standing.

“…Understood.”

Yunhyun bowed to his uncle as if asking for permission and then sat down.

The Censor and the high-ranking officials finally took their seats as well.

“…What brings you here?”

All eyes were on Yunhyun as he spoke.

“Did you seek me out?”

Yunhyun asked, looking at the Censor, Jo Kwan.

Yunhyun’s guess was correct. Jo Kwan, who had stepped back for a moment as the high-ranking officials took over, rose from his seat.

Step.

Jo Kwan approached Yunhyun.

And he said respectfully.

“His Excellency has instructed me to deliver this.”

‘His Excellency?’

Yunhyun was puzzled.

He didn’t know anyone who could be called ‘His Excellency’ with such influence.

Jo Kwan took something out from his coat.

Wrapped in ornate silk with a tassel, it was a letter or something similar.

Yunhyun was relieved that it wasn’t a red scroll signifying an imperial edict [an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority].

With the Chief Justice of the Provincial Court, who oversaw criminal law, and the Provincial Military Commander, who was in charge of military affairs, present, he had briefly worried about such a possibility.

Of course, judging by the atmosphere, that was unlikely.

Yunhyun slowly unfolded the silk.

Rustle.

Everyone’s attention was focused on him.

The high-ranking officials were just as curious.

And what emerged from within was, as expected, a thin letter.

Rustle.

Yunhyun opened the letter and slowly began to read its contents.

People watched the scene, holding their breath.

Yunhyun’s puzzled expression gradually softened.

And as he reached the end of the letter, a warm smile appeared on his face.

“Hehe.”

Yunhyun chuckled softly.

Rustle.

Yunhyun lowered the letter and looked up.

He asked the Censor, Jo Kwan.

“Park Hwan… Did His Excellency Park instruct you to deliver this letter?”

“That is correct.”

“What position does His Excellency Park currently hold in the court?”

“He is the Byungpil Taegam [a high-ranking official] of the Eastern Depot and oversees all affairs of the State Censorate.”

Yunhyun tilted his head.

“Has the Eastern Depot always overseen the affairs of the State Censorate?”

“Not originally. His Excellency Park has been temporarily delegated all authority of the State Censorate by imperial decree.”

“I see.”

Yunhyun nodded.

And he looked around at the people staring at him.

The Provincial Administration Commissioner, the Surveillance Commissioner, and even the Provincial Military Commander, all renowned high-ranking officials, were looking at him.

His uncle Yun Il-pyung and aunt, who were clearly bewildered by the sudden turn of events, as well as his cousin Yun Hee-yeon and Chief Manager Kang, were also present.

Yunhyun gave a wry smile.

‘…Truly remarkable.’

Power is truly a remarkable thing.

The local dignitaries, the Provincial Administration Commissioner, the Surveillance Commissioner, and the Provincial Military Commander, had come directly to this small merchant group.

They, who hadn’t even shown their faces when he was being sought in Hangzhou, were now here to see him, a former scholar relegated from a key post.

All of this was thanks to Park Hwan becoming His Excellency Park.

‘Park Hwan….’

Yunhyun looked down at the letter.

A relationship built on sharing one’s heart during difficult times is precious.

Even if what was contained in this letter was not purely human sentiment.

“His Excellency has instructed me to escort a distinguished guest,”

Censor Jo Kwan said cautiously.

He had a feeling that Yunhyun might refuse to go.

It was an accurate assessment.

The letter contained only light greetings, but the Byungpil Taegam of the Eastern Depot would not have sent a Censor just to see his face.

Yunhyun was clearly aware of the weight of this thin letter and the responsibility that came with accepting this invitation.

Like a sword has an edge.

“…I understand.”

Yunhyun replied.

Yunhyun knew exactly what his answer meant.

In the past, he might have simply been delighted.

He might have thought of Park Hwan’s rise to His Excellency Park as good fortune, and his heart might have fluttered with the thought that his own situation would improve as a result.

But now he knew.

Nothing in life is given without a reason.

“Let us go.”

Censor Jo Kwan immediately clasped his hands and bowed his head.

“Censor Jo Kwan! I will receive the command and escort the distinguished guest!”

The sight was quite solemn.

“Hahaha, congratulations,”

The Provincial Administration Commissioner laughed heartily.

“As an official responsible for the administration of Guangdong Province, this is a very happy occasion.”

The Provincial Administration Commissioner shook his large frame as he laughed.

Regardless of the grimaces on the faces of the Surveillance Commissioner and the Provincial Military Commander, the Provincial Administration Commissioner said to his aide, who was standing next to him, with a cheerful expression.

“Bring it here.”

The aide immediately brought a large wooden box to Yunhyun.

It was a luxurious wooden box, made of fine wood and intricately decorated in various patterns.

Click.

The aide opened the box.

Stacks of silver coins and iridescent jewels revealed their shining forms.

“This is my small token of sincerity, wishing the distinguished guest a safe journey.”

The Provincial Administration Commissioner smiled.

The wealth that appeared before their eyes made people hold their breath, regardless of its intention.

Yunhyun also stared at the iridescent jewels for a moment.

At this amount, it would certainly not be a small sum.

“This is…?”

At Yunhyun’s question, the Provincial Administration Commissioner said leisurely.

“These are the funds needed for the journey to Beijing. A request has already been made to the Provincial Administration Commissioner’s office through the Censor. Hahaha.”

In other words, it was official funding based on a legitimate request.

Censor Jo Kwan also nodded lightly in agreement.

But the amount was clearly determined by the Provincial Administration Commissioner.

‘Ah!’

The Surveillance Commissioner clicked his tongue inwardly, having missed his chance.

He should have anticipated it when he saw the Provincial Administration Commissioner come in person.

The Provincial Administration Commissioner’s office was the most closely tied to the wealthy Guangdong merchants.

For the Provincial Administration Commissioner, who always had plenty of funds, it was nothing short of a legitimate opportunity for tribute.

Swish.

Yunhyun looked at the shining jewels and silver coins in the wooden box.

He didn’t know how many people were going, but at this rate, it seemed like they could travel for a lifetime, not just to Beijing.

“I see. Thank you.”

Yunhyun gave a gentle smile.

The Provincial Administration Commissioner’s mouth seemed to reach his ears at that reaction, but Yunhyun said to Censor Jo Kwan.

“Censor, please manage this thoroughly, as it is a gesture of consideration from the Guangdong Provincial Administration Commissioner.”

Censor Jo Kwan paused.

But he soon understood Yunhyun’s intention and bowed his head.

“I will certainly do so.”

If it was official funding, it was natural for an official to be responsible for managing it.

Jo Kwan felt a sense of goodwill towards Yunhyun at his attitude.

The Surveillance Commissioner and the Provincial Military Commander also had a glint in their eyes, and only the Provincial Administration Commissioner’s expression stiffened slightly.

Step.

In the meantime, Jo Kwan received the wooden box from the aide.

The aide had a flustered expression, but when the Provincial Administration Commissioner said nothing, he obediently handed over the wooden box.

Censor Jo Kwan politely bowed to the Provincial Administration Commissioner.

“Thank you for the Provincial Administration Commissioner’s office’s willing cooperation.”

“…Ahem.”

The Provincial Administration Commissioner’s reaction was lukewarm, but Jo Kwan paid no mind.

Clack.

The wooden box closed, and the radiance of the jewels and silver coins disappeared.

Jo Kwan handed the wooden box to Hang Jang-ik.

As Hang Jang-ik retreated with the box, people’s eyes followed the box.

As if regretting the iridescent colors that had just been shining.

“Ahem.”

Provincial Military Commander Lee Eom-han cleared his throat.

When people’s attention turned to him, Provincial Military Commander Lee Eom-han said in a weighty tone.

“I have prepared escorts for the distinguished guest’s journey. I have also prepared a request for cooperation in the name of the Guangdong Provincial Military Commander, so if you need escort troops, please request them from the Provincial Military Commander’s offices of each province at any time.”

Provincial Military Commander Lee Eom-han took out a letter from his coat.

The Provincial Administration Commissioner’s aide watched carefully, then quickly took the letter and handed it to Yunhyun politely.

“Thank you.”

“Ahem, the Surveillance Commissioner’s office has also prepared a letter.”

Surveillance Commissioner Jang Young-hwan also took out a document from his coat.

“If any problems arise during the journey, show it to the Surveillance Commissioner’s office immediately. We will be able to resolve most legal issues.”

The Chief Justice of the Provincial Court of each province has full authority over not only surveillance but also trials and criminal law enforcement.

It would be possible to resolve not just ordinary problems, but even extra-legal matters.

“Well, since there is a Censor present, it may not be of much use.”

The Surveillance Commissioner gave a wry smile.

The Censor, who had received the order of the Byungpil Taegam of the Eastern Depot, was leading the group.

So the letters from the Provincial Military Commander and the Surveillance Commissioner were merely secondary assistance.

Rustle.

Yunhyun rose from his seat.

“Thank you for bestowing such excessive consideration on an insignificant country person.”

Yunhyun said in a clear voice.

“Provincial Administration Commissioner Wang Si-joong, Provincial Military Commander Lee Eom-han, and Surveillance Commissioner Jang Young-hwan.”

Yunhyun mentioned the names of the three high-ranking officials accurately.

“I will never forget the kindness of those of you who came all the way to the Yun Family Merchant Group.”

Yunhyun slowly bowed his head in respect.

“Oh dear, for the distinguished guest to show such respect….”

Provincial Administration Commissioner Wang Si-joong stood up with a fuss, and Provincial Military Commander Lee Eom-han and Surveillance Commissioner Jang Young-hwan also rose from their seats.

“It is merely the duty of a local official. Please do not take it to heart.”

The Provincial Military Commander said with a calm expression, and the Provincial Administration Commissioner also smiled and greeted him.

“I hope you have a safe journey.”

The three high-ranking officials bowed to Yunhyun.

With the respect of the three high-ranking officials, which he would probably never see again, the commotion that had turned the Yun Family Merchant Group upside down was coming to an end.

***

In the carriage returning to the Provincial Administration Commissioner’s office.

Clatter, clatter.

Inside the large, ornate carriage, Provincial Administration Commissioner Wang Si-joong was lost in thought.

The aide sitting across from him cautiously opened his mouth.

“Will it be alright?”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

The Provincial Administration Commissioner had a puzzled expression.

“I’m talking about what happened just now. It doesn’t seem like the result was very good….”

It was a rather worried tone, but the Provincial Administration Commissioner chuckled.

“Tsk, that’s why you still haven’t made it in the world.”

“Yes?”

The portly Provincial Administration Commissioner said with a leisurely smile.

“What’s not good about it? The intention to spare no support at any time was clearly conveyed, and I sufficiently showed how much wealth I can mobilize. Besides, he clearly remembers my name, doesn’t he? What’s not good about it when it couldn’t be better?”

The aide tilted his head.

“But the person who received the box….”

The box containing the funds was handed over to the Censor. And that too, in front of everyone.

Wasn’t that Yunhyun’s firm intention to draw a line?

“Tsk.”

The Provincial Administration Commissioner clicked his tongue.

“No, then would he just accept it readily in front of other people? He’ll turn around and come back later anyway. You don’t know it well, but that distinguished guest….”

Recalling what had just happened, the Provincial Administration Commissioner inwardly clicked his tongue.

“He’s very familiar with the political world. And he’s a great master at it. You can’t deal with it so skillfully with just a year or two of experience.”