I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 146

< Two Cute Families 1 >

Just as the Tang Clan of Sichuan was the overlord of its region, the Azure Dragon Gate held sway over all of Shandong.

Even established sects like the Nine Schools were showing signs of wavering. Those who had experienced the true martial arts of the Nine Schools didn’t even glance at the Azure Dragon Gate’s monetary offers, but those with only fleeting connections couldn’t resist the temptation and switched their allegiance.

However, Shandong Province presented a unique situation.

The Zhuge Family nominally governed Shandong, but lacking significant martial prowess, they had no affiliated branch sects. Meanwhile, the Shandong Yue Family and the Huangfu Family were rapidly rising as new martial powers, proving to be more ambitious than anticipated.

“So, with the Tang Clan of Sichuan in seclusion, they’ve begun to subtly expand their influence, aiming to establish themselves in Shandong Province, gain recognition within the Murim Alliance [a coalition of martial arts clans and sects], and be acknowledged as one of the Five Great Families.”

The branch leaders of the Azure Dragon Gate in Shandong Province seemed to be struggling.

“Especially here, the two families are clashing, intensifying the situation.”

In Hebei Province, the powerful Peng Family kept the Jinju Eon Family occupied. Consequently, the prevailing opinion was that either the Shandong Yue Family or the Huangfu Family would seize the opportunity to become the new Five Great Families.

“With the Namgung gone and the Tang Clan lying low… they’re determined not to miss this chance.”

Jo Gwang-yun listened to the branch leaders’ complaints before speaking.

“Then, have all the small and medium-sized factions in Shandong Province rejected the Azure Dragon Gate’s banner?”

“Yes. Initially, they were warm and welcoming, like allies, but they gradually distanced themselves. Now, over half have announced their withdrawal.”

“What about the remaining ones?”

“If we continue like this, they will all turn away.”

They were cunning. Openly opposing the Azure Dragon Gate could lead to the Namgung Family’s fate, so they targeted the periphery instead.

It was clear they intended to block the Azure Dragon Gate’s expansion and prevent them from gaining a foothold.

“Then, what is the strength of these two families?”

“They are evenly matched, which is why the Zhuge Family is reaping the benefits.”

“Puhaha.”

Jo Gwang-yun couldn’t suppress his laughter.

While securing at least one of them was necessary, trying to involve the Zhuge Family, which had lost its influence, was pointless, even if the ‘Zhuge’ name still held some weight.

Ceasing his laughter, Jo Gwang-yun inquired,

“So, which side has the Zhuge Family taken?”

“They’re in contact with both, but claim they won’t take sides. They say they’d rather seek support from the Murim Alliance if they acquire the resources and politely declined patronage from either family.”

“Zhuge Mo-geon is smart enough to know that. The Zhuge Family will distance themselves from both the Yue and Huangfu families.”

Jo Gwang-yun addressed the branch leaders.

“Tell me frankly what you foresee happening in the future.”

“Even considering all of Shandong Province, it seems difficult for our Azure Dragon Gate to expand. Any attempt to advance, however slight, makes the minor factions that greeted us with smiles yesterday become wary. Some even openly display hostility.”

“Once this period passes, the Huangfu or Yue families may pressure us, leading to another conflict… Lord Jo, could we face a situation like the Namgung Family…?”

Jo Gwang-yun waved his hand.

“That approach is too costly. Even if we win this time, it’s problematic. With two families in Shandong Province, only the observer will benefit. We can’t wage war against both families simultaneously either.”

Even if the two martial families are at odds, they present a united front against the Azure Dragon Gate. Fighting here would result in a pyrrhic victory, yielding no real gain.

“For now, just observe. And remember those factions that rejected the Azure Dragon Gate’s offer of alliance. When they come crawling back, they’ll have to beg on their knees.”

When they come back?

The branch leaders were struck by his words.

“Lord Jo, do you have a plan?”

“You all should continue to protect the Jo Family Estate and focus on martial arts training. I will handle the Huangfu and Yue families.”

Everyone’s faces brightened at Jo Gwang-yun’s confident declaration.

Jo Gwang-yun was known for not making empty promises.

“Brother Yeom.”

“Yes, Lord Jo.”

“I need another favor.”

“Tell me. I will do my best.”

“Arrange a meeting between me and the two families. A dinner or a drinking session would suffice.”

“Understood. I will do so.”

Yeom-shin prepared a fragrant wine to bring when visiting the two families.

* * *

Jo Gwang-yun stood at the entrance of Yongdu Restaurant, reputedly the most luxurious and expensive in Jinan.

Two men approached and whispered in his ear.

“Both families came alone. But…”

“But what? Is there a problem?”

“No. It’s not the family heads, but their children. And one of them is a woman.”

“A woman? Where?”

“From the Yue Family.”

“Is she pretty?”

“Pardon?”

The two men widened their eyes.

“Just kidding, hehe. It’s fine. Given my status in the Jianghu [the martial arts world], their children are a suitable match. I’m not the head of the Azure Dragon Gate, just a secular disciple of Mount Hua. And considering my age too. The only time the family heads would meet me in person would be for a declaration of war or a surrender.”

Jo Gwang-yun straightened his clothes and entered.

Being an expensive establishment, most patrons wore silk attire. Jo Gwang-yun spotted a man and woman in rough martial attire amidst the silk and approached them.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I am Jo Gwang-yun.”

The man and woman pushed back their chairs, stood, and bowed.

“I am Huangfu-hwan.”

“I am Yue Ye-heun.”

The daughter of the Shandong Yue Family wasn’t strikingly beautiful, but she was presentable with a lively face that suited her lithe figure. Huangfu-hwan resembled a scholar with a clean face and delicate hands.

The Huangfu Family was known for its heroic fist techniques, but Huangfu-hwan didn’t display such presence.

Similarly, the Yue Family’s martial arts included spear and fist techniques like the Yue Family Spear Technique and Eagle Claw Hand.

Both families were distant from swordsmanship, making the swords at their waists conspicuous.

He had worried the young man and woman might be rude, but their first impression was of polite, model students, which was reassuring.

“Thank you for coming despite my sudden request.”

“My father sends his apologies for not greeting such a distinguished guest in person, as he is currently indisposed,” Huangfu-hwan said, bowing.

“A distinguished guest? No. It’s more than enough that you, his own children, have come.”

Unexpected.

They were almost too polite.

It was impossible to tell if this was a gesture of alliance or due to his status in the Mount Hua Sect.

After the polite greetings, the three sat and ordered dishes.

“You said you had something important to discuss, what is it?” Yue Ye-heun asked first.

“Ah, yes. Since you asked, I’ll be direct. I’d like your cooperation in establishing my business here in Shandong Province.”

Yue Ye-heun clasped her hands on the table and rested her chin on them.

“You mean the Jo Family Estate?”

“That’s right.”

“Lord Jo, you call it the Jo Family Estate, but isn’t it actually the Azure Dragon Gate taking root?”

“It’s just a minimal force. To protect the Jo Family Estate…”

Huangfu-hwan shook his head.

“If that’s the minimum, then the maximum is enough to swallow the Jianghu.”

“Pardon?”

“Many factions have joined hands with the Azure Dragon Gate. Combining those forces, you can’t call it ‘minimum’.”

Jo Gwang-yun scratched his head and said,

“Is it too much?”

“Very much so,” Yue Ye-heun replied.

“Then what… what should I do…?”

While Jo Gwang-yun feigned a troubled expression, Huangfu-hwan looked serious.

“Lord Jo.”

“Yes.”

“How about withdrawing from Shandong Province?”

A blatant warning hidden behind excessive politeness. Jo Gwang-yun smiled again.

“What happens if I don’t?”

“Martial families don’t fear fighting. They rather enjoy it.”

The heroic spirit hidden behind the scholar’s appearance emerged.

“Oh dear, I absolutely hate fighting… This is awkward.”

Yue Ye-heun frowned at Jo Gwang-yun’s nonchalant attitude.

“The person who annihilated the Namgung Family avoids fighting? Those words don’t suit you.”

“I hate fights with no chance of winning. Facing the two strong families of Shandong at once is a certain defeat.”

“Do you think we will cooperate?”

“Isn’t that the case?”

At Jo Gwang-yun’s question, Yue Ye-heun smiled brightly.

“That’s right. As you know, our two families are in fierce competition. But against an external enemy, we will naturally act as one family.”

“You have already promised. The two families.”

“Isn’t that obvious?”

Jo Gwang-yun tapped the table and pondered.

The two families were straightforward. They didn’t scheme or play word games. They expressed their thoughts directly.

For such people, compromise is better than persuasion.

“Then I’ll only maintain the Jo Family Estate in Shandong Province and withdraw everything else. How about that?”

“Impossible.”

They refused simultaneously, as if rehearsed.

“The beginning always starts small. But once the floodgates open, the water flows freely. Starting with the Jo Family Estate, it’s only a matter of time before the Azure Dragon Gate’s banner flies everywhere,” Huangfu-hwan said, shaking his head.

“Does that mean you intend to drive out even the Jo Family Estate and the Azure Dragon Gate that have already established themselves here?”

“Of course. As you know, we’re encircling the outskirts of the Azure Dragon Gate and trying to isolate it. Once the outskirts are cleared, we’ll strike the Azure Dragon Gate.”

“Oh my. This is no different from a declaration of war.”

“That’s right. If you’re thinking of mediation by the Murim Alliance, give up. Two tigers are competing for supremacy in one region. Three is too many. The Murim Alliance will respect our opinion.”

Jo Gwang-yun chuckled. The corners of the two people’s eyes narrowed.

“Did you just laugh?”

“Ah, such rudeness. Please forgive me.”

“We need to know why you laughed to forgive you or demand an apology.”

Yue Ye-heun seemed to have a rougher personality.

“It’s a bit of a strange thing to say…”

“What’s strange about it?”

“Even if it’s a high and deep mountain, there are no two tigers. One tiger per mountain. If there are two, one is already dead.”

Since it was a sarcastic remark about the two tigers competing for supremacy, the faces of the two people flushed slightly.

“After all, the two families won’t avoid a bloody fight, will they? It should be seen as coexistence. You say two can coexist, but three can’t…” Huangfu-hwan took a breath and calmed himself.

“I’ve heard a lot about Lord Jo’s eloquence. Today, my father repeatedly told me: close your ears and only open your mouth.”

There was no negotiation or compromise. They had only come to convey the Huangfu Family’s will.

“Does Miss Yue also share the same opinion?” Yue Ye-heun nodded.

“There will be no place for the Jo Family Estate or the Azure Dragon Gate to set foot in Shandong Province.”

“I don’t know how much wealth the two families possess, but I’ll give you twice that amount. Is it still impossible?” The two people stared, dumbfounded.

How much money did he have to even consider bribing families as large as those called Se-ga [powerful, influential families] in Shandong with money?

< Two Cute Families 1 > End