I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 139

< The Rich Level 9 Civil Servant 3 >

“So, you mean you took in and raised a child just to gain trust? For business?”

“No, Your Majesty. How could I use a life as a tool for trade? Of course, it was done for righteousness. It’s just that the order is different, and the results are different.”

“Explain in more detail.”

“When a chivalrous person in Jianghu [the martial arts world] endlessly practices righteousness, the people’s high praise is abundant. When an official continuously practices righteousness, the people’s lives become prosperous. When a scholar practices righteousness throughout their life, young scholars and gentlemen follow them in droves. Similarly, when a merchant practices righteousness, trust is born.”

Jo Gwang-yun, seeing the Emperor’s hardened face brighten, continued speaking.

“Results such as praise, the people’s well-being, a following, and trust are not guaranteed. That’s why it’s not an immediate profit. One simply acts endlessly. If a merchant’s trust is built as a result of such actions, one simply accepts it gratefully.”

The Emperor, who had been listening intently, clapped his hands on his knees and jumped up from the dragon throne.

“Indeed! Always looking far ahead and practicing righteousness is something that must be done regardless of social status or the nobility of one’s profession. For a mere merchant to practice such a way, how admirable. The ministers must also keep this in mind.”

“Your Majesty is too kind.”

Before Jo Gwang-yun could respond, all the ministers shouted in unison and prostrated themselves on the floor. Jo Gwang-yun, unsure of what else to do, also lay flat on the floor again.

“I thought Yang Guifei [Imperial Concubine Yang], who came from humble origins, occasionally spoke so wisely that I found it admirable, but now I see where her intelligence and composure came from. It is thanks to her excellent older brother’s good teaching.”

“Your Majesty is too kind.”

‘One wonders if the ministers spend all day lying on the floor, just repeating “Your Majesty is too kind,”’ Jo Gwang-yun mused.

“Jo Subu [a title of respect], rise.”

Jo Gwang-yun slowly rose and examined the Emperor’s expression. Seeing a very satisfied smile, he felt relieved and let out a deep breath.

‘I’ve passed the first hurdle, I guess.’

“I would like to have more conversations with you, but this is a place to discuss important national affairs, so I must end here.”

Having received the Emperor’s words, the chief eunuch shouted.

“Jo Gwang-yun Subu, leave the court.”

Jo Gwang-yun bowed again and backed out of Euihwa Hall.

Outside, a eunuch was waiting.

“His Majesty has ordered that Jo Subu should visit Yang Guifei’s residence to convey his regards.”

“Thank you, Eunuch.”

“I will lead the way. Please follow me.”

Jo Gwang-yun had expected to see the beautiful scenery of the Imperial Palace, but all he saw were high walls.

It was the result of prioritizing the Emperor’s safety above all else.

After passing through a maze-like path blocked by walls, Haan Palace, Yang Ryeo-cheong’s residence, appeared.

“We greet the Great Man.”

Three women greeted Jo Gwang-yun with meaningful smiles.

“Yes. I heard your hard work is extraordinary. You are doing a great job.”

“Not at all. Everyone in the Imperial Palace takes good care of us, so there are no difficulties.”

“Let’s go in. Guifei-mama [a respectful title for an imperial concubine] is waiting.”

“Yes.”

As they entered the palace, Yang Ryeo-cheong shouted.

“Brother!”

“Guifei-mama, may you enjoy great fortune.”

The eunuch, seeing Jo Gwang-yun kneeling, cleared his throat.

“Then, I will take my leave.”

Hong-yeon quickly placed a silver coin in his hand, and his mouth widened.

Yang Ryeo-cheong spoke to the palace maids and eunuchs standing blankly.

“This is my family’s older brother. You know who he is without me having to say it, right?”

The three palace maids and two eunuchs quickly bowed.

“We greet Jo Daein [another title of respect].”

The owner of the money that Hong-yeon and the other two women had been giving them from time to time had appeared, and their faces were filled with anticipation.

“I have heard of your hard work. Continue to be loyal to Guifei-mama. Then, when you leave the Imperial Palace, you will live a life envied by the world.”

Even the silver coins they were already receiving were considerable, but to hear the benefactor say that he would make them live a life envied by the world, they couldn’t even imagine how much he would give. It was just a little disappointing that it was paid later.

“We are truly grateful for Daein’s words. How could we expect anything in return for serving Guifei-mama?”

After listening to their flattering words for a while, Jo Gwang-yun subtly said.

“I would like to have some private time with Guifei-mama. Would you mind giving us some space?”

“Of course. We will wait outside. Please find us anytime if you need anything.”

As the palace maids and eunuchs left, Yang Ryeo-cheong smiled and said.

“You saw the Emperor in the main hall, right?”

“Yes. It’s been a long time since I was so nervous.”

“It seems like you got through it well.”

“Well, His Majesty’s expression wasn’t bad. More importantly, how are you? Does His Majesty seem satisfied?”

Yang Ryeo-cheong smiled brightly.

“I haven’t even shown one-tenth of my skills yet. I was a virgin, after all. But he doesn’t even let me sleep… You don’t have to worry, Brother. Hehe.”

“Don’t be arrogant and always be careful. It would be a disaster if old habits came out inadvertently.”

“Leave matters between men and women to me.”

Indeed, isn’t she a pro among pros? It’s almost ridiculous to say more.

“How was the inner court?”

“The inner court? Ah… I haven’t even greeted them yet. His Majesty doesn’t allow me to be apart from him for even a moment.”

“Is that so?”

Jo Gwang-yun frowned.

The Emperor’s favor is too excessive. For a young concubine who hasn’t even made her greetings to always be with the Emperor is not only fueling the jealousy of the women but also making them sharpen their knives.

A warning sounded in Jo Gwang-yun’s head.

“Let’s do this. I should go back now.”

“Huh? Already?”

Yang Ryeo-cheong’s eyes widened as he said he was leaving as soon as he sat down without even having a cup of tea.

“If His Majesty asks, tell him this. My brother said that seeing you healthy is enough for him, and if a member of the family stays in the Imperial Palace for too long, it could cause unnecessary misunderstandings, so he left quickly. Understood?”

“Yes. I understand.”

“And I brought a gift. His Majesty is currently busy with official duties in the main hall, so now is the chance. Take the gift I gave you and visit the entire inner court. It’s to pay your respects.”

Yang Ryeo-cheong frowned.

It’s always uncomfortable to meet one’s superiors directly. Moreover, aren’t they in a relationship competing for one man?

“It’s a rite of passage you have to go through anyway. You may not even be able to exchange greetings now because of the Emperor, but how long do you think you’ll be able to stay with the Emperor all day? You’ll have to see them once a day from now on. Now is the perfect time.”

“Because you prepared a gift…?”

“Yes. I filled it with things that any woman would like. Among the women of the inner court, there will surely be someone who will side with you. Make a round with a humble attitude.”

“Yes.”

Jo Gwang-yun got up from his seat.

“I have prepared a special gift for the Empress. I’ll tell you how to use it, so let the Empress know. She’ll probably like it.”

“The Empress has so many precious things that she wouldn’t even look at anything ordinary, would she?”

“This will be different. It’s specially made. Hehe.”

Jo Gwang-yun smiled confidently.

* * *

“Mama [a respectful title for the Empress], Yang Guifei requests an audience.”

The Empress was startled and almost got up. But she couldn’t show a lack of composure in front of her subordinates, so she held back.

“Ask what’s the matter.”

“Yes, Mama.”

After a while, the maid who came running back was a little flushed.

“She says she will accept the punishment for coming to see the Empress Mama only after more than half a month since entering the palace.”

The words “accept the punishment” pleased her.

Everyone in the Imperial Palace knows. Yang Guifei has been held by the Emperor and has not been able to spare a moment, so she has committed no crime and has no punishment to receive.

But to say that she will ask for punishment herself shows that she has a humble attitude.

“Tell her to wait a moment.”

“Yes, Mama.”

The Empress hurriedly began to dress up.

The inner court of the Imperial Palace is a flower garden. Flowers wage war with their beautiful figures instead of swords.

Although the Empress is old, she still has the remaining beauty and the authority that the position of Empress gives her. To face a young beauty, mature splendor was needed.

The Empress began to wear the most expensive jewelry she could find.

After finishing her preparations, the Empress called Yang Ryeo-cheong inside.

Yang Ryeo-cheong, who covered her face with both hands, entered, and the Empress swallowed hard.

The moment to finally confirm the beauty of Yang Ryeo-cheong, which has been the subject of all sorts of rumors.

“This humble servant wishes the Empress Mama great fortune.”

Yang Ryeo-cheong prostrated herself on the floor as soon as she entered the inner palace.

“Although I am an ignorant and young woman, I am well aware that the crime of violating the laws of the Imperial family is severe. I will gladly accept whatever punishment Mama gives me, so please have mercy.”

It was dumbfounding how the young woman was acting like an experienced minister without even showing her face.

The Empress stared at Yang Ryeo-cheong’s back on the floor for a while, then realized there were many eyes around and put on a gentle smile.

“The women of the inner court are like sisters. But the Emperor is the only husband we must serve. We cannot punish you for neglecting your sisters while serving your husband, so I understand Yang Guifei’s heart well enough. Get up now.”

“Thank you, Empress Mama.”

Yang Ryeo-cheong slowly rose, still covering her face with both hands.

“Well, shall we see the face of the youngest member of our inner court? Everyone is praising her beauty.”

“That’s not true. With the moon-like Empress Mama here, this humble servant is just a firefly.”

“Your humility is excessive. Yang Guifei, please raise your head.”

Yang Ryeo-cheong raised her head and slowly lowered her hands.

The Empress almost dropped the teacup she was holding.

And she knew that her long efforts to cultivate herself were in vain.

She had only lightly applied powder. She didn’t draw her lips or eyebrows. She had no jewelry. She appeared wearing only a silk dress without any fancy patterns, tightly wrapping her hair so it wouldn’t fall down, but her own appearance, adorned with all sorts of jewelry and gems, looked rather shabby.

Being young is not her only weapon. Her already mature and stylish body and beautiful face became spears and swords, stabbing the Empress.

The Empress regained her composure.

“The words ‘peerless beauty’ are a perfect fit. Truly beautiful.”

The Empress spoke to the palace maids who were still dazed.

“What are you doing? Quickly give Yang Guifei a seat!”

The palace maids, startled by the Empress’s scolding, brought out a chair and seated Yang Ryeo-cheong.

“Well, how does it feel to serve His Majesty up close?”

Yang Ryeo-cheong focused her mind. From now on, if she misspoke even a little, the remaining days would be difficult.

Yang Ryeo-cheong trembled slightly as she took the teacup handed to her by the palace maid.

She still had to show the appearance of a young child who was afraid of men.

“I am just afraid and trembling.”

“Afraid?”

“Yes. Just the fact that His Majesty, the supreme ruler of this country, is by my side makes my legs tremble…”

“Hoho. You’ll get used to it gradually. It’ll be alright.”

She couldn’t yet tell what kind of signal the Empress’s laughter was.

“Well, I heard that your brother is a great merchant in this country. Is that true?”

“I have only heard what people around me say, so I don’t know exactly. I just stayed at home and did needlework.”

“Needlework? Even though you have such a wealthy brother?”

“The world calls him a great merchant, but at home, he was just a picky brother who kept telling me to be frugal. He said that women don’t need to know about the ways of the world and that it’s enough for them to just prepare vegetables and do needlework.”

The Empress’s face relaxed a little. She remembered what she had forgotten because of Yang Ryeo-cheong’s beauty.

Yang Ryeo-cheong is just a commoner.

< The Rich Level 9 Civil Servant 3 > End