I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 145

I Will Run a Business in the Central Plains From Today On – Episode 145 (145/212)

As darkness deepened, Jo Gwang-yun quietly slipped out of the house. He nimbly leaped onto the roof and swiftly made his way towards the club.

With a single bound, Jo Gwang-yun cleared the high walls of the club, landing in the backyard. Several martial artists hurried towards him.

Recognizing Jo Gwang-yun, they bowed their heads in respect.

“Where is Wi Chung-hyeon?”

“He went inside about half an hour ago.”

“Is he drinking? Are there any courtesans with him?”

“No, he is only drinking tea.”

Jo Gwang-yun addressed one of the martial artists.

“Go and ask him. Tell him a fellow named Jo Gwang-yun is here to see him and ask what he should do.”

“Yes, sir. He doesn’t know the connection between this place and Lord Jang [likely referring to Jang Gwang, a powerful figure].”

“Indeed. Hurry now.”

The man dashed off, and Jo Gwang-yun slowly walked in the direction he had gone.

The messenger returned, bowing slightly as he approached Jo Gwang-yun.

Jo Gwang-yun opened the door to the detached building where Wi Chung-hyeon was alone, drinking tea.

“I’m a little late. There were too many eyes watching.”

Wi Chung-hyeon’s hand, which was holding the teacup, paused.

“Eyes?”

“Someone was following me since I left the palace. They kept watch until a little while ago and then disappeared.”

“Wh-Who? Who were they?”

“Wouldn’t they be working for the Emperor?”

Wi Chung-hyeon’s face paled.

“Wh-Why would the Emperor…?”

Jo Gwang-yun chuckled. He was a bit slow to catch on.

“It’s because of the favor you showed me today, sir.”

“Favor? What favor did I do?”

“Yes. You defended me at the banquet, didn’t you?”

「······Isn’t it because of Master Jo’s innate brilliance?」

Wi Chung-hyeon hurriedly searched his memory, trying to recall the events of the banquet.

“The highest-ranking minister of this country, the Empress’s brother, is now shielding the brother of the Emperor’s favored concubine and a wealthy merchant. What do you think the Emperor makes of that?”

Only then did Wi Chung-hyeon realize the implications. Because of one careless word, the Emperor might think that the two most powerful forces in the country – politics and money – had joined forces.

“So? Could it be that His Majesty has also put people on my tail?”

“That’s unlikely. His Majesty knows you well, so he probably thought there was no need. He probably sees me as a merchant who approached you. He only put people on my tail.”

“Then, what should we do in the future?”

“It’s alright. I’ll be leaving the capital for a while tomorrow on business. There won’t be anything like today again.”

“What? Leaving?”

“Yes. It will take about a year.”

Although the news was sudden, it was fortunate that the Emperor’s suspicion seemed to be a passing thing.

With his worries eased, Wi Chung-hyeon brought up what he wanted to discuss with Jo Gwang-yun.

“Do you know how dangerous your words today were?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m talking about privatization and all that.”

“I was just speaking as a merchant. Why is that dangerous?”

Jo Gwang-yun knew what Wi Chung-hyeon was thinking but pretended not to understand.

“That statement of yours turns all the officials in this country into enemies.”

“Why is that? Please enlighten this ignorant one.”

“Are you really asking because you don’t know? A merchant like you?”

Wi Chung-hyeon felt frustrated and thumped his chest.

“Do you really not know where the salt produced from the salt fields goes?”

“How could I not know? My shipping company always transports that much salt.”

“That’s right. There is a merchant who monopolizes the salt, and that merchant pays a huge sum [a bribe or tax]. That goes straight into the national treasury.”

Jo Gwang-yun had to hold back his laughter.

He knew very well how much money the merchant with the salt monopoly made. And he knew that the bribes that merchants paid to the court officials to obtain and maintain the salt monopoly were enormous.

If everyone started developing salt fields, the enormous vested interest of the salt monopoly would collapse.

“I understand what you mean now.”

“The reclamation of wasteland is an even more dangerous idea. You are clever, so you know what the profit is, right?”

“If wasteland is reclaimed, the people become self-cultivating farmers, right? Most of the tenant farmers will probably become self-cultivating farmers. Then, the landlords who own enormous amounts of land will have no tenant farmers to cultivate their land, so they will be at a great loss, won’t they? Ah, most of the landlords in this country are high-ranking officials, so the loss will be borne directly by the court officials.”

Wi Chung-hyeon understood from Jo Gwang-yun’s attitude.

This guy knew everything and was just playing dumb.

Wi Chung-hyeon had thought Jo Gwang-yun was kneeling before him, seeking his support. But he realized Jo Gwang-yun was merely reaching out his hand, offering a partnership. He knew that Jo Gwang-yun could turn his back at any time and even try to rise above him.

“Master Jo, what was the purpose of telling His Majesty about the privatization you mentioned today?”

Jo Gwang-yun smiled and said.

“It seems like we should share a second sweet cup together, what do you think?” [a metaphor for deepening their partnership and sharing profits].

Wi Chung-hyeon smiled, knowing that Jo Gwang-yun still hadn’t fully committed.

“Then I should prepare the drinking table.”

“It doesn’t necessarily have to be filled with alcohol. I intend to fill the second cup I share with you with salt and land.”

Wi Chung-hyeon blinked.

Salt and land? Wasn’t that the privatization Jo Gwang-yun was talking about? He said he would distribute land and salt to the people, but he was going to fill the cup with that?

“I said that the development of salt fields should be permitted after strict examination. The person who does that examination is the same as having the monopoly.”

Wi Chung-hyeon understood Jo Gwang-yun’s intention.

He meant to wield the licensing rights like a monopoly and make huge profits.

“Of course, more taxes will be collected, so you can submit another memorial [formal written petition] to His Majesty at that time.”

“What kind of memorial are you talking about?”

“A memorial to change the existing salt fields to privatization as well. Then the merchant’s monopoly will disappear, and only the licensing rights will remain. I don’t know who is making huge profits with the monopoly now, but I want you and I to share all the profits from salt in the future. Wouldn’t this be enough for the second sweetness?”

Wi Chung-hyeon’s mouth dropped open.

He was saying that he would take over all the salt in this country.

It couldn’t be described as bold or small. It was utterly reckless.

But Jo Gwang-yun seemed like he would push forward with this reckless thing and make it happen. If he refused the hand he offered, he seemed like he would not hesitate to join hands with another minister and take over all the salt in this country.

Wi Chung-hyeon postponed his decision and asked another question.

“Then what is the intention with the land?”

“If the people reclaim the wasteland and become self-cultivating farmers, the price of the landlords’ land will fall. Buy them all up cheaply at that time.”

“You mean buy the land?”

“Yes.”

“What do I do with the land if I buy it? There are no tenant farmers.”

Jo Gwang-yun smiled again.

“Even if they reclaim a small piece of land and make it fertile, they will have no choice but to sell the reclaimed land after one bad harvest.”

“You mean buy their land too?”

“Of course. Ah… I’m not interested in land. It’s hard to manage farmland.”

“Why did you tell His Majesty such a method if you’re not interested in land?”

“Of course, it was for you.”

This time, Wi Chung-hyeon smiled.

“A merchant puts words in his mouth that could offend the Emperor for the sake of others? Hard to believe.”

“You are not others. Aren’t you the benefactor who takes care of me?”

“Is that so? Then why is having land for me?”

“Power is not shared even between father and son. Isn’t this the nature of power?”

“What does that have to do with land?”

“Land is the source of wealth. If you, in your position in the court, have enormous wealth in your hands, you will hold power for generations. Besides, with me, who you cherish, you will have power that will never be shaken even if the sky falls, won’t you?”

In his entire life, Wi Chung-hyeon had never seen a guy with more greed than himself. And it wasn’t just ordinary greed. It was such great greed that he had never even imagined it.

“Master Jo’s desire for power is so great that this old man can’t keep up, so I’m even afraid.”

Jo Gwang-yun knew what Wi Chung-hyeon was trying to say.

“That’s right. My greed is much greater than yours. Haha.”

Wi Chung-hyeon was dumbfounded when he readily agreed.

“But sir, whether the man who is with you has great ambitions or great greed… If the most important thing is missing, you don’t have to be so wary.”

The most important thing? Wi Chung-hyeon tilted his head and closed his eyes.

A smile appeared on his face as he closed his eyes.

“Since you seem to know it well, I’ll get up now. I have to leave for business early tomorrow morning.”

Jo Gwang-yun bowed to Wi Chung-hyeon.

“I’ll have a drinking table and courtesans prepared as I leave. Enjoy yourself without worry. I’ll pay for the drinks.”

As Jo Gwang-yun left the detached building, Wi Chung-hyeon burst into laughter.

“A guy with great greed who even knows his place – he’s truly a useful guy. Hehe.”

The power of this country belongs to those with brains, ambition, and greed. However, it is often occupied by those born into noble bloodlines.

Jo Gwang-yun is just a commoner.

* * *

Before leaving for Gaebong, Jo Gwang-yun called Gu Seung and gave him firm instructions.

“If something happens in the palace, immediately inform Lord Yun Ju-seong. And be sure to check with Eumyeongmun [likely a secret communication channel or group].”

“Yes, sir.”

“If Yang Ryeo-cheong is in danger, find Jang Cheong-un, who is disguised as a member of the Imperial Guard, and ask him to save her.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

Jo Gwang-yun handed over a piece of paper.

“I will move according to that schedule for now. If something happens that you need to tell me, send a carrier pigeon.”

Jo Gwang-yun entrusted the capital to Gu Seung and departed for Gaebong.

Jo Gwang-yun met Jang Cheon-yang and Yeom Sin in Gaebong.

“This journey to Gangho [the martial arts world] is to promote the power of our Changryongmun [Azure Dragon Gate, a martial arts sect] and the Jo family. I plan to move as splendidly and grandly as possible. If there is a place that has not yet raised the banner of Changryongmun…”

Jo Gwang-yun said to Yeom Sin.

“Crush them.”

Yeom Sin smiled and said.

“Of course. We have shown great favor in the meantime, so we must get the value back. If you only show favor in Gangho, you’ll be called a fool.”

“Shall we depart then?”

The initial departure consisted of only about ten people, but the number increased as they passed through Seongdo.

They traveled around Honam, then through Seoseo and Gansuk.

When they arrived in Sacheon, which they were most curious about, the leaders of the minor factions welcomed Jo Gwang-yun’s group.

“Lord Jo, long time no see.”

“Have you been well?”

“How could there be any problems when the Tang Clan [a powerful and influential clan, often associated with poison and hidden weapons] is not moving?”

Everyone’s expression was good. Since there were no problems, there could be nothing better to expand the power of each faction.

Yeom Sin approached and whispered to Jo Gwang-yun.

“They all raised the Changryongmun signboard. Without exception.”

Jo Gwang-yun smiled and said to the leaders.

“Now we are truly one family.”

“Lord, it’s been a while since we became one family. Haha.”

The leaders also smiled brightly.

“Now, our Great Warrior Yeom Sin will tell you a few things. It’s simple, so please keep it in mind.”

As Jo Gwang-yun left only these words and stepped aside, Yeom Sin smiled and addressed them.

“I, Yeom, am truly happy to be eating in the same pot with all the great warriors.”

“We also consider it an honor to be under the same roof as someone like Great Warrior Yeom.”

The leaders stood up and clasped their hands in respect, and Yeom Sin returned the greeting.

“Thanks to Lord Jo, Changryongmun only needs to focus on martial arts training without worrying about money. It’s a really good environment compared to other factions.”

Yeom Sin, who was speaking with a smile, suddenly changed his expression.

“There is only one thing that the Changryongmun family must uphold. If someone touches our branch that is spread out in Gangho, Changryongmun will attack that place. Even if the place that touched our branch is the Moryong family of Sword Saint Moryong Hwi, or even Sorim [Shaolin Temple, a legendary Buddhist monastery and martial arts center]… We call this simple rule loyalty. It’s not a difficult thing, is it?”

The leaders’ expressions also changed. They knew what kind of organization they belonged to.

End