I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 61

< Same Card, Different Value 2 >

Jo Gwangyun gestured for Zhuge Mogeon, who was taking in the room’s details, to take a seat.

“Tea? Or would you prefer something stronger this late?”

“Tea would be perfect, thank you,” Zhuge Mogeon replied with a polite smile as Jo Gwangyun began preparing the tea.

“You were quite remarkable today. Your boldness was impressive… where does that come from? Is it a result of the Quick Sword Master’s teachings? Or perhaps your family’s wealth?”

“Did I seem that way? I thought the Grand Assembly [a large gathering of martial artists] was a place for open discussion. If we can’t speak our minds, what’s the point of gathering so many people? Wouldn’t it be simpler for the leaders to meet privately?”

“Of course, that’s true, but people often feel intimidated in the presence of those with higher status, wouldn’t you agree? That’s why I asked.”

Jo Gwangyun waved his hand dismissively.

“Martial arts and money are nothing special. My master only checks on my progress occasionally. Department stores and markets are just businesses that collect rent, and battlefields are just about profiting off others, aren’t they? The storage fees are so negligible; I’m destined never to be a truly great tycoon.”

“Your modesty is excessive. How much have the Canglong Clan’s [Azure Dragon Clan] donations enriched the Martial Alliance? Doesn’t that money ultimately come from Clan Leader Jo’s own pocket?”

“That little bit is nothing…”

As Jo Gwangyun casually brushed off the compliment, Zhuge Mogeon’s eyes narrowed slightly.

The donations were far from insignificant. It was difficult to discern whether he was subtly flaunting his wealth or if his standards for ‘rich’ were simply on a different plane than most.

“Well, what brings you here so late? Did the Alliance Leader send you to discipline a presumptuous disciple?”

“Haha, of course not. The Alliance Leader was quite pleased with today’s meeting.”

“Why?”

“Pardon?”

Zhuge Mogeon seemed taken aback by the abrupt question.

“You said the Alliance Leader was satisfied? What was the reason for that?”

“Well… that’s…”

“Because he discovered a spirited young man unafraid to challenge authority? Surely there are plenty of people like me in the Jianghu [the martial arts world]?”

Zhuge Mogeon chuckled, attempting to mask his momentary discomfiture.

“Haha, I believe the Alliance Leader felt that you don’t let anything slide, even with the slightest doubt.”

“Will you clear up my doubts, Great Hero [a respectful title for a skilled martial artist]?”

This time, Zhuge Mogeon posed the question.

“Why? Did you perceive something unusual in the Alliance Leader’s behavior today?”

“It seemed as though he was orchestrating something else under the guise of resolving the Canglong Clan’s issues.”

“Really?”

“Indeed. And it seems Great Hero Zhuge also has his own agenda, or perhaps you’re attempting to undermine the Alliance Leader’s plans.”

Zhuge Mogeon’s smile vanished, and he began toying with his teacup.

After a prolonged silence, he finally spoke.

“I believe one of Clan Leader Jo’s statements holds true.”

“Everything I said is true.”

“We’ll see about that… But the part about your martial arts being weak. That seems to be accurate.”

“Can Military Advisor Zhuge [a strategist or advisor, often in a military context] assess a person’s internal energy or martial arts prowess at a glance? That would imply you’re a martial arts expert?”

“No. As you know, our family is far removed from the martial arts. We only practice enough to maintain our health.”

“Then how can you be so certain that my martial arts are lacking?”

“If you’re intelligent enough to excel at strategy, you lose interest in martial arts and become more interested in martial artists themselves. Do you know why one becomes interested in people instead of martial arts?”

*Although he carries the name Zhuge [referencing Zhuge Liang, a famous strategist in Chinese history], this man is still young. He’s eager to display his knowledge.*

Jo Gwangyun allowed him to continue boasting.

“I’m listening.”

“Just as martial arts are a tool for martial artists, martial artists can also be tools. Why bother training arduously when you can utilize martial artists like pieces on a chessboard when needed? There’s no guarantee that training will even yield results.”

“I see. I never considered it that way.”

“You’re still being modest. Even with rigorous training, you won’t achieve anything without talent. But what if you could control a fully realized martial artist who requires no further testing? Martial arts begin to seem insignificant.”

“That’s because you’re in a position to use righteous martial artists like pieces on a chessboard. I simply lack the talent to achieve anything in martial arts.”

“Aren’t you already using martial artists like pieces on a chessboard?”

Zhuge Mogeon desperately wanted to bring Jo Gwangyun over to his way of thinking. He seemed to believe that was the only way they could have a meaningful conversation.

“Me?”

“Yes. The Canglong Clan, that is.”

“Oh, you misunderstand. The Grand Master of the Canglong Clan is my master, so I’ve become a member of the Canglong Clan. Using them like pieces? That’s absurd.”

As Jo Gwangyun vehemently denied the accusation, Zhuge Mogeon frowned.

“Do you perceive the Martial Alliance as some backwater military academy? Do you believe the Martial Alliance accepted the Canglong Clan solely because of the Quick Sword Master’s reputation? The Beggars’ Sect’s [a fictional information network] intelligence is the Martial Alliance’s intelligence. We are well aware that Clan Leader Jo acquired the Canglong Clan with money.”

Jo Gwangyun, who had been idly touching his teacup, suddenly stood up.

“I suppose alcohol is preferable to tea after all.”

Jo Gwangyun grabbed a bottle of liquor and poured it into the empty teacups. He offered the bottle to Zhuge Mogeon, who politely declined with a slight shake of his head.

Jo Gwangyun took a drink and said.

“Alright, let’s cease this dance and get down to business. Is the Alliance Leader pleased because I paved the way for his ambitions?”

Zhuge Mogeon’s frown transformed back into a smile.

“Indeed. You orchestrated all of this.”

“No. I didn’t initially plan it, but the atmosphere at the meeting today felt peculiar.”

“You were testing the waters?”

“Something like that. Considering the outcome, the sacrifice of three pawns on the chessboard has yielded this result, so it seems it wasn’t a losing gambit.”

“You already suspected?”

Zhuge Mogeon asked cautiously. This was also a form of probing.

“Before Military Advisor Zhuge arrived, I had another visitor. He warned me that many individuals are eager to devour me.”

Zhuge Mogeon’s eyes widened.

“Who was it? Who is this person?”

“It’s someone you know. In any case, the crucial question is whether the Alliance Leader seized the opportunity?”

“Yes. Now, the true culprit behind the Canglong Clan’s troubles will remain hidden. The loser in this power struggle will be branded as the guilty party.”

A power struggle within the Martial Alliance.

Once this conflict truly ignites, one must choose a side, whether they desire to or not. Then the disparity between public perception and reality will become starkly apparent.

“Who do you wish to prevail, Clan Leader Jo?”

“Unfortunately, I’m unfamiliar with the power dynamics within the Martial Alliance. Would you enlighten me?”

“Is it truly necessary to know? Wouldn’t it suffice to simply obtain what you desire? Surely you’re not one to prioritize justification, righteousness, and chivalry?”

“Still, it would be beneficial to have a proper justification.”

Jo Gwangyun scratched his head sheepishly.

“You can fabricate any justification you desire if you emerge victorious. Now, tell me.”

Zhuge Mogeon urged, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Jo Gwangyun slowly raised his hand and pointed at Zhuge Mogeon.

“The Zhuge family, the Nangong family, the Tang family. I understand they operate as a unified entity. The Murong family, the Peng family. They also function as one. The Five Great Families are divided in this manner, correct?”

It was such common knowledge that Zhuge Mogeon didn’t deny it.

“They’ve grown through mutual entanglement.”

The Murong family and the Peng family are connected through marriage. The other three families also share ties from previous generations.

“It appears the individual who can grant me what I desire isn’t from the Murong family or the Nangong family.”

*He doesn’t want the representative families of the two forces?*

Zhuge Mogeon was taken aback.

“Your ambition is excessive. The Canglong Clan can never dominate the Martial Alliance. In fact, you should be grateful simply to maintain your position without being expelled.”

“Oh, you misunderstand. I already explained…”

Jo Gwangyun’s hand, still pointing at Zhuge Mogeon, remained raised.

“Consider this. Have you ever encountered an emperor renowned for their fighting prowess? Countless emperors were so feeble they couldn’t even draw a bow. We don’t even need to look far. Your ancestor, Master Kongming [Zhuge Liang’s courtesy name], who commanded hundreds of thousands of troops, carried a fan instead of a sword, did he not?”

*What Jo Gwangyun truly desires is Zhuge Mogeon himself!*

Zhuge Mogeon was so stunned that he couldn’t respond to Jo Gwangyun’s casual mention of his ancestor.

“I believe the leader of any organization, regardless of size, should be someone who utilizes their intellect.”

“S-Stop with these outlandish tales. The Martial Alliance is not a country, but a martial arts organization.”

Zhuge Mogeon barely managed to stammer out a response.

“If you seek it, there are numerous avenues. I’ve created the opportunity to disrupt the Martial Alliance. So, combine the Zhuge family’s intellect with the Jo family’s wealth and see what you can achieve. If you require power, gather it. The Jianghu isn’t solely comprised of the five great families. Are the Nine Great Sects merely scarecrows?”

*He prefers a simple structure to the complexly intertwined Martial Alliance. If a single force controls the Martial Alliance, and the victor who controls the Martial Alliance is made like Im Bonjae of the Canglong Clan, then the Dosan Sword Forest will no longer be a threat.*

*Instead of being a threat, it’s no different from hiring the most powerful force in the Central Plains as a security company.*

*What Zhuge Mogeon asked about what Jo Gwangyun wanted. It is the strongest private army to safely protect his business.*

*If he could freely use the righteous martial sects that have already established themselves throughout the Central Plains, business expansion would be dozens of times faster than it is now.*

“Consider it carefully and make your decision. If it’s not the Zhuge family, there’s little difference between Nangong and Murong from my perspective.”

Jo Gwangyun cleared the table.

It was a clear signal for Zhuge Mogeon to leave.

He didn’t miss the opportunity to deliver one last remark to Zhuge Mogeon as he rose to depart.

“Power and wealth are intertwined. Wouldn’t it be more fitting for an intelligent individual to possess this advantage rather than a strong one?”

* * *

Zhuge Mogeon, upon returning to the Martial Alliance, collapsed onto his bed as soon as he entered his residence.

He failed to deliver the intended warning and returned with only preposterous notions.

The most absurd aspect was that he had entertained such outlandish ideas and found them somewhat tempting.

Zhuge Mogeon possessed the intellect to fully comprehend Jo Gwangyun’s words.

If the Nangong family and the Murong family are pitted against each other to the point of irreparable animosity, the Five Great Families will be divided in two.

The two warring families will be preoccupied with hindering each other, preventing either from ascending to the position of Alliance Leader.

At that juncture, securing the support of the Nine Great Sects alone would make the seat of the Alliance Leader attainable.

“Military Advisor. Great Hero Nangong is seeking you.”

The voice from outside shattered Zhuge Mogeon’s pleasant reverie.

“Where is he now?”

“He requested your presence in his office.”

Zhuge Mogeon, leaping from the bed, exclaimed.

“Why are you informing me only now! You should have notified me upon my return!”

Zhuge Mogeon hastily made his way to the Nangong family’s office.

“You’re quite late. Did the conversation run long?”

“I apologize. It was late, and I intended to inform you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

Nangong Hyosin, the eldest son of the Nangong family, raised his eyebrows in displeasure.

“Are you unaware of the gravity of this situation? How can you speak so casually?”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright. I’m not blaming you. So, what did that man say?”

*He can’t relay Jo Gwangyun’s words verbatim.*

“He simply reiterated what he conveyed to the Alliance Leader. He stated that he would accept the outcome, whatever it may be.”

Nangong Hyosin’s eyebrows furrowed once more.

“Is that all you managed to ascertain after all this time?”

Zhuge Mogeon found Nangong Hyosin’s irritation particularly grating today.

< Same Card, Different Value 2 > End