I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 112

< Two Birds, One Stone 2 >

Lee Hak-lin addressed Lee Gun, who remained silent for a long moment.

“You acted presumptuously.”

At the terse statement, Lee Gun immediately prostrated himself.

“I have committed a crime deserving of death. Please, forgive me.”

“If there are two crimes deserving of death, I cannot grant forgiveness.”

Still prostrate, Lee Gun squeezed his eyes shut.

The fact that Hyuk Si-mok, the head of the Hyuk Si-mok Association, was dead was a secret Lee Hak-lin intended to keep to himself. Yet, Lee Gun had gone to Jo Kwang-yun to confirm it. That was the first offense.

Furthermore, he had divulged the internal strife within the Silent Doctrine Society without Lee Hak-lin’s consent. That was the second.

Most importantly, Lee Hak-lin was unenthusiastic about the solution Lee Gun had proposed.

“Raise your head.”

Lee Gun knew he had been spared with those words.

“As you suggested, we will strike Szechuan. But!”

Lee Hak-lin’s eyes flashed with intensity.

“The reason for striking Szechuan is not due to internal problems within the Silent Doctrine Society. It is to humor Jo Kwang-yun, to play along with his schemes.”

Lee Gun didn’t grasp the meaning, but at that moment, he was simply relieved to have survived rather than trying to decipher the intricacies.

“Also, you must forever be cautious with your words. No, completely erase any knowledge of Hyuk Si-mok from your mind. If any questions regarding Hyuk Si-mok’s life or death arise within the Silent Doctrine Society, I will personally sever your head. Do you understand?”

“I will keep that in mind, sir.”

“When the troops move to Szechuan, the Surveillance Department must fulfill its role as a guide. Prepare accordingly.”

“Yes, sir!”

As Lee Gun repeatedly bowed and departed, Lee Hak-lin relaxed his stern expression.

Jo Kwang-yun’s lengthy letter contained a great deal of information, but Lee Hak-lin distilled it down to one core feeling:

Being a leader is truly exhausting.

It’s about orchestrating a single move, but the benefits must extend beyond a single outcome.

“The Szechuan Tang Clan is terribly unlucky as well, to become the prey of such a man.”

The Silent Doctrine Society’s role wasn’t much different. It must fulfill the role of a hunting dog that bites its prey.

But this hunt is a bit different. At least, it’s not about offering the prey to the owner, but about the hunting dog eating its fill.

And all the annoying gnats that stick around can be swept away at once. Jo Kwang-yun gets intangible benefits, and he gets the opportunity to gain tangible benefits.

Lee Hak-lin summoned all the leaders of the Silent Doctrine Society.

* * *

“If we are to seize the businesses in the Szechuan region, a conflict with the Szechuan Tang Clan is inevitable. Is that acceptable?”

“What nonsense is that? We’re throwing bait to provoke a fight with the Tang bastards. Of course, we have to clash with those guys!”

“Brother, it’s not that simple. A clash between the Tang Clan and a black society gang is merely a local squabble, but if the Silent Doctrine Society takes the lead, the Murim Alliance [a coalition of martial arts clans] will intervene.”

“That bastard… So what if they do? Let them come. We’ll destroy them together.”

“But isn’t Szechuan too far away?”

“What’s so far about it? We just need to cross Guizhou. We might as well wipe out Guizhou Province on the way.”

When men with such forthright personalities gathered, the atmosphere was noisier than women at a laundry, and Lee Hak-lin simply observed the scene in silence.

Everyone voiced their opinions, and when a dissenting view emerged, they stubbornly insisted, showing no sign of ending the boisterous debate.

“Hak-lin.”

An old man with a fine white beard, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. His words immediately silenced the noisy rabble.

“Yes, Brother.”

Lee Hak-lin responded with utmost politeness.

Red-Faced Devil Old Man, Gu Ye.

Because he had consumed all sorts of elixirs indiscriminately in his youth, his face was as red as a persimmon, and all the hair on his body had turned white.

Consequently, he had been saddled with a nickname containing the word ‘old’ since he was young. Now, past the age of sixty, his appearance perfectly matched his moniker.

He was the oldest member of the Silent Doctrine Society, though his martial arts prowess was slightly inferior to that of Hyuk Si-mok and Lee Hak-lin.

However, the forces loyal to him were considerable, granting him significant influence within the Silent Doctrine Society.

“Why are you undertaking such a significant task in the absence of the association head?”

“We’ve carried out big tasks even when the head of the association was present. What difference does it make now? Haha.”

Whether the head of the association was present or not, he implied that he decided and executed the major and minor affairs of the Silent Doctrine Society.

Gu Ye flinched at Lee Hak-lin’s confident smile and tone.

“Have you considered what Hyuk would have done if he were here?”

“Of course…”

Gu Ye, about to answer boldly, faltered.

Hyuk Si-mok had never been present at such gatherings. He would occasionally make an appearance, but upon the discussion of the Silent Doctrine Society’s pending issues, he would either depart or initiate a drinking party.

He was a true loafer who had nothing to do with work.

As Gu Ye stammered, Lee Hak-lin answered instead.

“The Silent Doctrine Society must continue to function even in the absence of the association head. I have always taken the lead in deciding on pending issues, so I’m somewhat disappointed that you’re suddenly raising objections like this.”

Startled by Lee Hak-lin’s fierce gaze, Gu Ye waved his hand dismissively.

“No, not objections! I simply mean that we should exercise caution, considering we are targeting the Tang Clan of the Five Great Clans [referring to the five most powerful and influential martial arts clans].”

He hurriedly offered excuses and quickly addressed the core issue.

“No matter how boldly you state it, clashing with the Tang Clan is akin to turning the Murim [the martial arts world] into a battlefield. Will the Murim Alliance stand idly by?”

“Even if we strike Szechuan, the Tang Clan cannot retaliate openly.”

“Why?”

“They are regarded as a prestigious family of the orthodox faction [referring to clans that adhere to traditional and morally upright martial arts principles]. What will happen if it becomes known that such individuals are obsessed with making money and have been engaging in all sorts of shady dealings behind the scenes?”

Lower-ranked families eager to join the ranks of the Five Great Clans will eagerly bring this issue to light.

If the Tang Clan’s money-making ventures, including prostitution, gambling, and illegal liquor businesses, are exposed, they risk expulsion from the Murim Alliance.

“The Tang Clan can never come forward directly. If they do, they will be ousted from the orthodox faction and become the Szechuan branch of the Silent Doctrine Society.”

Everyone laughed at Lee Hak-lin’s jest. As the meeting’s atmosphere shifted in Lee Hak-lin’s favor, Gu Ye grew anxious.

“Even if the Tang Clan doesn’t directly intervene, there is no place in Szechuan beyond the Tang Clan’s reach. Even if the Tang Clan doesn’t directly come forward, the Tang Clan’s collateral clans will flock from all over Szechuan.”

“As expected, your judgment is always astute. Are there any other concerns?”

Gu Ye raised his voice at Lee Hak-lin, who dismissed his concerns lightly.

“Don’t take it lightly. Even if they are a disorganized mob, their numbers are immense when united. Szechuan will become a sea of blood, and then the Tang Clan or the Murim Alliance will naturally intervene.”

“I see. It won’t be an easy problem.”

Lee Hak-lin appeared to be deeply contemplating Gu Ye’s opinion with a serious expression.

When he spoke again, all eyes were fixed upon him.

“I would like you to take charge of this matter. We must seize the lucrative money-making ventures in Szechuan.”

Gu Ye was speechless. He had emphasized the difficulty of the task, yet he was entrusting it entirely to him?

But his next words were even more shocking.

“I will take responsibility for achieving bloodless entry. The Tang Clan will not move, and the collateral clans will watch the fire from across the river. You simply need to handle the managers of the lucrative businesses and take over.”

Everyone began to buzz as Lee Hak-lin spoke loudly. After allowing their commotion to subside, Lee Hak-lin addressed Gu Ye.

“Brother, I have something to discuss with you privately. Would you be willing to listen?”

Gu Ye nodded and said.

“Could everyone excuse us for a moment?”

As the noisy men retreated, Gu Ye appeared somewhat nervous.

“Yes, what is it?”

“Brother, I’m truly disappointed. Why do you fail to understand my sincerity?”

“What do you mean? Sincerity?”

“I’m not simply trying to seize Szechuan for selfish gain. I’m attempting to give Szechuan to you.”

Gu Ye grew even more uneasy at the sudden shift in demeanor. Lee Hak-lin had never displayed such a friendly attitude.

“Brother, aren’t you the eldest brother of our black society?”

Because the black society leads such a rough existence, few live as long as the elders of the Nine Sects [referring to the nine most prominent and established martial arts sects]. Most succumb not to swords like martial artists, but rather collapse on their own, addicted to a dissolute life.

“As the eldest brother, you must be generous to your juniors… To be honest, Hyuk has squandered all the Silent Doctrine Society’s funds, so there’s rarely a time when your pockets are overflowing with silver, right?”

As one ages, people around them depart one by one. The vacancies left by those who have passed must be filled with young recruits, but generosity stems from wealth. No juniors will rally under a senior lacking money or power.

The sole reason Gu Ye still wields some influence is out of respect for his age. He could become a has-been at any moment.

Driven by this anxiety, he also intended to solidify his position within the Silent Doctrine Society by questioning Hyuk Si-mok’s whereabouts.

“When the head of the association is absent, you can seize control of Szechuan and claim its share. Even if the head of the association returns later, would he bother to reclaim it? Wouldn’t it be embarrassing for him?”

Gu Ye relaxed at the tempting proposition.

“But what you stated publicly, is it true that you will prevent the Tang Clan’s collateral clans from intervening?”

“Yes. Trust me.”

“It’s not an easy task, so I’m seeking reassurance, correct?”

“If even one clan intervenes, return immediately and sever my head. I will gladly accept your sword.”

It was difficult to argue further, given his confident declaration. What more was needed when he was offering his own head as collateral?

Gu Ye seized the opportunity.

“Since you’re speaking so decisively, what more can I say? But what about the head of the association? If he returns while I’m seizing control of Szechuan, wouldn’t I be the only one left exposed?”

“He won’t be back for at least a year.”

“What? A year?”

Lee Hak-lin nodded with a bitter expression.

“He departed, claiming he would take over the Jo Family. But as far as I know, the Jo Family is thriving, and Jo Kwang-yun is alive and well in Kaifeng.”

“Then does that imply he failed?”

“If he had failed, he would have returned. It’s neither a success nor a failure.”

“Don’t be so frustratingly stingy, just spill it out.”

“Jo Kwang-yun offered three or four beauties from the imperial capital and a substantial sum of money on the spot. As you know, the head of the association detests complicated matters, so he accepted the women and money and departed. Where do you think he is now?”

“Damn it…! Jo Kwang-yun accurately assessed the head of the association’s weaknesses.”

Now that he possessed money and beauties, he would not return for several years, not just one. He would be exploring the scenic spots of the Central Plains, burying his face in the breasts of beauties, and living in a drunken stupor.

If he seized control of Szechuan within half a year, it would be as Lee Hak-lin predicted.

The Hyuk Si-mok that Gu Ye knew was not a petty individual who would covet even the share of his seniors.

Gu Ye sought final confirmation.

“But you’re not instructing me to remain stuck in Szechuan, are you?”

“How could that be? Once you seize control of Szechuan, select a trustworthy individual to entrust it to. All the profits generated from there are for your personal use.”

Gu Ye harbored some doubts, but he chose to believe the words backed by the offer of his head. Unlike others who harbor hidden agendas, isn’t Lee Hak-lin a great man who honors his word?

Gu Ye received only the final pledge.

“Okay. Then reiterate the same promise to the men embarking on the expedition to Szechuan. That way, those men will feel reassured, correct?”

“Of course, I will. I cannot send them on a long journey with uneasy hearts.”

Lee Hak-lin understood Gu Ye’s intentions. If he stated it officially, the weight of the words, backed by the offer of his head and acceptance of responsibility, would carry greater significance. It would be difficult to retract them later.

As the satisfied Gu Ye departed, Lee Hak-lin let out a long sigh.

“Damn it, it’s exhausting to live with your mind constantly racing. I should have remained in the mountains.”

Lee Hak-lin felt anew how difficult it was to be a leader who diligently fulfills his duties.

< Two Birds, One Stone 2 > End