I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 130

< Foresight 3 >

Jo Gwang-yun began to scrutinize Ok Yeop-myeong’s face.

It was a face etched with the burdens of striving to provide for his five children. How else could his wife, who deserved a comfortable life, be forced to do piecework?

“What do you think?”

“Pardon?”

“What are your impressions of this place?”

“Ah… At first, I thought it was as beautiful as a utopia… But now, my perspective has shifted.”

“In what way?”

“I can’t help but wonder how much wealth the patrons of this establishment possess…?”

Seeing Ok Yeop-myeong’s wry expression, Jo Gwang-yun smiled knowingly and said,

“It’s an experience Commander Ok could easily afford. It’s simply a matter of having the right connections.”

“But I doubt I could leave with my dignity intact. I’d likely endure all sorts of indignities. Heh heh.”

“If you desire, I can arrange complimentary access to this place for you at any time. Naturally, I wouldn’t expect any payment.”

Ok Yeop-myeong abruptly lowered the wine glass he had been raising to his lips.

“I’m not sure what your intentions are, but I’m not so corrupt as to accept access to a brothel as a bribe. I must take my leave.”

Ok Yeop-myeong stood up abruptly.

“There’s nothing I need so desperately that I would bribe a commander who leads a mere two hundred soldiers.”

“What?”

The word ‘mere’ seemed to sting him, and he visibly gritted his teeth.

Serving in the Imperial Palace is far more perilous than guarding some remote border region.

Even a slight displeasure from the Emperor, the Imperial Family, or the ladies of the inner court could cost you your head. A single ill-chosen word or action could land you in prison after a severe beating.

He lives every day feeling as though he’s walking on eggshells, yet his reward is only a meager salary.

He has lived all these years sustained only by the pride of protecting the Emperor. And now, that period of his life is being dismissed as ‘mere’!

“What I truly need is precisely someone like Commander Ok by my side.”

The tension in his clenched jaw eased slightly.

Even though he was a military officer, he was astute enough to grasp his meaning.

“Don’t underestimate me as just a liquor merchant. I’m a merchant with extensive dealings throughout the Central Plains [the historical heartland of China]. But as my business expands, I constantly find myself hampered by a lack of capable individuals.”

Jo Gwang-yun drained his glass of wine.

“I’m planning an expansion into Fujian Province [a coastal province in southeastern China] this time, but it’s a somewhat remote area, and I lack a trustworthy person to oversee it.”

Ok Yeop-myeong’s eyes flickered. Fujian Province was his ancestral home.

“You’re no ordinary merchant. You’ve clearly done your homework on me.”

“Didn’t I just mention that I’m seeking someone to entrust with an entire province? Isn’t it only natural to assess the kind of person you are? And to suggest that I’ve thoroughly investigated you simply because I know your hometown… Haha.”

“What else have you discovered?”

“Your reputation.”

“Yes, and what is my reputation like?”

“What do you believe it to be?”

Ok Yeop-myeong frowned.

“I’ve heard that a merchant’s tongue is as slippery as a snake… If you intend to engage in wordplay, I’ll be on my way.”

“I ask again because it’s a matter of great importance. If your reputation were unfavorable, I wouldn’t have approached you in this manner. Conversely, if it were stellar, you wouldn’t be contemplating leaving your position in the Imperial Court. Hence, I ask.”

“So, you’re implying that my reputation is acceptable, but I might still consider relinquishing my post in the Imperial Court?”

Jo Gwang-yun smiled knowingly. He had initially planned to offer him a sum of money and facilitate his return to his hometown, but to his surprise, the upright military officer was sharp-witted and possessed a keen intellect.

“Allow me to provide a dispassionate assessment, going beyond mere reputation. For a man to achieve success, he requires four key attributes: appearance, tenacity, talent, and wit.”

Appearance, sufficient to avoid causing offense.

Tenacity, the unwavering resolve to persevere.

Talent, the possession of at least one useful skill.

Wit, the intelligence to effectively manage tasks.

“Commander Ok, you possess a commanding presence, the tenacity to have endured the rigors of military life for over a decade, and martial prowess. Furthermore, you’re astute enough to navigate the treacherous currents of the Imperial Court. However, to achieve true greatness, beyond mere recognition, you require one more element. Particularly as a government official. You know what I’m referring to, correct?”

Ok Yeop-myeong’s expression darkened as Jo Gwang-yun touched upon his most sensitive point. He replied quietly,

“…Connections.”

“Precisely. Among the ten commanders of the Imperial Guard, you stand alone in lacking ties to a powerful family. That’s what my investigation revealed. That’s what I gleaned from delving into Commander Ok’s background.”

He didn’t become enraged or avert his gaze, even though he had struck a nerve.

“Here’s my assessment. You’re exceptionally capable, but due to your lack of connections, you’ll eventually be forced to retire from your position as commander of the Imperial Guard. A forced retirement disguised as a voluntary resignation. Do you believe that’s an accurate prediction?”

As he ages, the higher-ups in the Imperial Guard will issue a tacit directive, urging him to submit his resignation. The only uncertainty is the timeframe, but Ok Yeop-myeong is acutely aware that his future is predetermined and unchangeable.

To Ok Yeop-myeong, who remained silent, Jo Gwang-yun finally articulated his proposition.

“Submit your resignation and return to Fujian Province. Claim that you wish to fulfill your filial duties to your ailing mother, and they will reluctantly grant your request. I will provide you with ten times your current salary. Furthermore, I will arrange for a spacious residence where your entire family can live comfortably, along with ten servants to attend to your needs.”

Ok Yeop-myeong’s jaw dropped at the astonishing offer, and Jo Gwang-yun, leaving him to ponder, immediately rose to his feet.

“I’m not pressing you for an immediate answer. Take your time and contemplate it while you enjoy your wine. However, you must provide me with your decision before you depart from this place. If you simply leave, I’ll assume you’re declining the offer.”

After Jo Gwang-yun’s departure, Ok Yeop-myeong remained motionless in the pavilion for some time. By the time he reached for his wine glass again, he had already reached a decision.

As soon as he had emptied a bottle of wine, Jo Gwang-yun reappeared as if by magic.

“I’m eager to hear your answer.”

“Before that, who are you?”

Jo Gwang-yun blinked in surprise at the unexpected question.

“You seem to know everything about me, yet all I know about you is that you own this establishment. I believe I’m entitled to know your identity to lend more credibility to your offer.”

“Ah…!”

He chuckled, realizing Gu Seung must have been discreet and refrained from mentioning his name.

“I apologize for the oversight. My name is Jo Gwang-yun.”

“Jo…? Are you perhaps Jo Gwang-yun of the Jo family?”

“Indeed.”

Ok Yeop-myeong’s surprised expression spoke volumes. In the martial world, a name carries immense weight.

Even an upright military officer tasked with protecting the Imperial Family recognizes the significance of the Jo family.

The offer extended by the owner of the brothel was, in reality, an offer from Jo Gwang-yun, a wealthy and influential figure in the Central Plains. He was renowned for his unwavering commitment to his word, leaving no room for doubt.

Ok Yeop-myeong took a deep breath and bowed respectfully, clasping his hands.

“Your humble servant, Ok Yeop-myeong, pledges his allegiance to his lord.”

He was taken aback by his sudden display of loyalty, but he couldn’t suppress his smile.

This is precisely why soldiers are so admirable. They are straightforward, and once they commit to a decision, they act decisively.

“You’ll soon realize that this is the most advantageous choice you’ve ever made. Haha.”

* * *

Jo Gwang-yun inhaled deeply and approached the house guarded by ten soldiers.

“Halt! This is not a place for unauthorized entry.”

At the challenge from the military officer who leveled his spear at him, Jo Gwang-yun feigned surprise and glanced back and forth between the house and the soldiers.

“W-what is the meaning of this…? I am the owner of this house. Why…?”

The military officer swiftly lowered his spear and clasped his hands in respect.

“Are you perhaps the brother of Young Miss Yang?”

“Indeed. What transgression has my sister committed…? Judging by your attire, you appear to be a military officer of the Imperial Court…?”

“No, she hasn’t committed any crime. She is under the Emperor’s protection by strict decree. You can obtain the details from Young Miss Yang herself. Open the gate!”

With a bewildered expression, Jo Gwang-yun hastily entered the house, passing the soldiers who parted to allow him passage.

Yang Ryeo-cheong, who had been awaiting him inside, quickly led him to the inner quarters.

It was evident that Yang Ryeo-cheong was elated to see Jo Gwang-yun.

“What am I to do? It’s as if I set out to hunt a deer and ended up capturing a tiger…”

“You understand that this is not a cause for unbridled joy, correct?”

Yang Ryeo-cheong nodded. She had heard it from her etiquette instructor countless times. The inner court of the Imperial Palace is more treacherous than a battlefield under a hail of arrows.

“I will now impart to you what you must bear in mind from this moment forward. Listen attentively and commit it to memory.”

“Yes, Brother.”

“I require a comprehensive account of every action you take within the Imperial Court. To that end, you must not overlook even the most trivial detail and must relay everything to me.”

“Brother, if I enter the Imperial Palace, I’ll scarcely have an opportunity to see you… How…?”

“I will address that concern. The other concubines possess formidable backing, making rash actions difficult. If a concubine were to be harmed, it would escalate into a political conflict. But you? It wouldn’t be surprising if you met your demise on the very day you entered the palace.”

As he spoke so casually of death, Yang Ryeo-cheong grew even more apprehensive.

“No, they might even orchestrate your death to frame someone else. If a concubine favored by the Emperor were to die, the perpetrator would face the extermination of nine generations of their family. There is no more potent tool for political maneuvering than your death.”

Yang Ryeo-cheong, who had been so excited, began to be consumed by fear.

“There will be individuals who attempt to approach you. You must exercise extreme caution with these individuals. They are the ones who will seek to exploit you. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“I am prepared to do whatever it takes to safeguard you, but if you fail to adhere to my instructions, I will withdraw my support. I cannot afford to be placed in jeopardy. I am not so magnanimous as to allow you to endanger me.”

Yang Ryeo-cheong’s large eyes widened even further at the prospect of him abandoning her.

“Master… Ah, no. Brother!”

“I haven’t finished speaking.”

As sparks seemed to emanate from Jo Gwang-yun’s piercing gaze, Yang Ryeo-cheong hastily closed her mouth and lowered her head.

“If you become an impediment to my plans, even in the slightest, I will eliminate you without hesitation. I discard those who are no longer needed and eliminate those who stand in my way. You are no exception.”

Jo Gwang-yun even employed his internal energy to exert pressure on her.

Yang Ryeo-cheong is a person who has lived solely for survival, having endured harsh realities. The most effective means of controlling such an individual is through the threat of violence.

She is intimately familiar with the fear of violence, having experienced it countless times.

The ultimate consequence of violence is death. You must instill the fear of death into her very being to transform her into a docile sheep.

Just as she is now.

The exuberant Yang Ryeo-cheong had vanished, replaced by a young girl trembling with fear.

Jo Gwang-yun withdrew his oppressive aura and reverted to his role as a supportive and caring brother.

“Now that the Imperial Court is aware of my arrival, they will dispatch someone. Entrust everything to me, and you can live comfortably until the end.”

“Yes, Brother.”

As Yang Ryeo-cheong returned to her private residence, Gu Seung rushed in breathlessly.

“Lord, an emissary has arrived from the Imperial Palace.”

It was a clear indication of the Emperor’s anxiety, to send someone so promptly.

“Escort them in.”

“Yes.”

Jo Gwang-yun straightened his attire and proceeded outside. He couldn’t possibly greet an Imperial Court official in his chambers.

Before he could even put on his shoes, a dozen officials swarmed into the courtyard.

Jo Gwang-yun hastily bowed and greeted them. The officials cleared a path, announcing,

“The Vice Minister of the Court of the Imperial Clan is here!”

Jo Gwang-yun’s eyebrows twitched imperceptibly as he kept his gaze fixed on the ground.

The Court of the Imperial Clan?

The primary function of the Court of the Imperial Clan is to oversee the Imperial Family and their relatives. Moreover, the Vice Minister himself?

The position of Vice Minister of the Court of the Imperial Clan is so prestigious that, in principle, only members of the Imperial Family are eligible for appointment.

They have clearly come to investigate him, the brother, not Yang Ryeo-cheong.

< Foresight 3 > End