Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 335

Jeagal Mun-Ho asked with a smile,

“Does the tea suit your taste?”

“Hmm, it’s quite excellent.”

“Haha, I specially procured the finest tea leaves, knowing that the Clan Leader would be visiting.”

“You seem to have a deep understanding of tea. Those who know nothing think that the most expensive is the best. But when you delve into the details—the weather, the degree to which the leaves are dried, the humidity, the brewing method, and even maintaining the right temperature—the art of tea is endless.”

“Indeed, you are very knowledgeable. I’ve heard that the Clan Leader’s erudition surpasses that of any scholar, and it seems the rumors are true.”

“It’s just a hobby I dabble in. Thanks to my subordinates doing their jobs well, I have some time to explore various interests.”

“How fiercely you must have lived to reach your current position. It’s all thanks to what you have achieved, Clan Leader. You have every right to feel pride.”

“Hahaha.”

The difference between flattery and sincere praise is subtle.

In that regard, Jeagal Mun-Ho truly knew how to treat people. He was never excessive in humbling himself, and while considerate of others, he never spoke insincerely.

Song Guk-Hyeon liked that about Jeagal Mun-Ho. He had expected the head of the prestigious Jeagal Clan and the military advisor of the Murim Alliance [a martial arts alliance] to be a stern person, but he was much more approachable than he had imagined.

Song Guk-Hyeon looked around.

“By the way, for the headquarters of the greatest alliance in the Murim world, the residence of the Alliance’s highest-ranking military advisor is quite modest.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho smiled gently.

“I do not favor excessive adornment. I am also quite busy, so I have no choice but to prioritize practicality over aesthetics.”

He casually mentioned being busy. It was a statement that could easily offend someone with a twisted personality. After all, they were the ones who had requested to meet this busy person.

Song Guk-Hyeon said with a smile,

“I am honored that the busiest person in the Murim Alliance has made time for me.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho waved his hand.

“Please, do not say that. No matter how busy the Alliance’s affairs may be, it is not enough to refuse a private audience with a distinguished guest. Moreover, you are someone who started with nothing and grew into a pillar of the Central Plains economy. I should be the one seeking your wisdom.”

“Hahaha.”

He admired not just the current position but the effort and results the person had achieved. Song Guk-Hyeon liked Jeagal Mun-Ho even more.

Jeagal Mun-Ho asked,

“By the way, what brings the leader of the Central Plains’ greatest bank here without prior notice?”

The Central Plains’ greatest bank.

From the moment he established his bank, Song Guk-Hyeon aimed to be the best in the Central Plains, naming his bank the Central Plains Bank (中原錢莊).

A name that could be considered common or ambitious.

That name had now become a legend. He had entered the world at the age of twelve, and in thirty years, his bank had become one of the three major banks in the Central Plains. Now, at the age of fifty-five, Song Guk-Hyeon’s bank was hailed as the best among them.

A giant who had caused a seismic shift in the continental economy. He had a more ordinary appearance than one might expect from one of the wealthiest men in the Central Plains, but the wisdom and sharpness in his eyes were no less than Jeagal Mun-Ho’s.

Song Guk-Hyeon said in a calm voice,

“There are things more precious than money in this world. One of them is time. Since I came without prior notice to someone who is busy, I thought it best to get straight to the point.”

“Haha.”

“In my work with the bank, I have made quite a few acquaintances. One of them is Master Woo Gong (禹恭), the Left Administration Commissioner (左布政使) of the Henan Provincial Administration Commission (承宣布政使司).”

The Provincial Administration Commission.

While the Regional Military Command (衛指揮使司) was an organization that oversaw the military forces stationed in key areas, and the Provincial Military Command (都指揮使司) was a military administration organization that oversaw an entire province, the Provincial Administration Commission was an administrative organization responsible for the governance of a province.

The Provincial Administration Commission was headed by the Left and Right Administration Commissioners. In other words, Song Guk-Hyeon had ties with the head of the highest administrative body in Henan Province.

“Recently, Master Woo Gong asked me for a favor.”

“A favor?”

“I heard that the Jeagal Clan is inviting officials to inquire about the situation and movements of the government offices.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes gleamed.

Song Guk-Hyeon continued, still calm and composed despite the dangerous words he was speaking.

“Master Woo Gong was quite uncomfortable with that.”

“I see.”

Song Guk-Hyeon’s gaze shifted slightly.

“Can I interpret that answer as confirmation that the Jeagal Clan is indeed monitoring the movements of the government offices?”

Jeagal Mun-Ho gave a wry smile.

“Since you are already certain, there is no need for me to lie to avoid the moment.”

“……”

“Moreover, the head of the Central Plains Bank has come in person. I do not wish to diminish the pleasure of our conversation with pointless lies.”

Song Guk-Hyeon could not help but ask,

“Why are you doing this?”

The Non-Intervention Treaty between the Government and the Murim [martial arts world].

The Empire and the Murim do not interfere with each other. It might sound absurd, but that was the reality.

The Jeagal Clan had unilaterally broken that long-standing treaty, and even readily admitted it.

Song Guk-Hyeon could not understand. Jeagal Mun-Ho was the head of the Jeagal Clan, and a scholar respected in the Confucian community (儒林) for his vast knowledge and deep wisdom.

Why would such a person engage in such a dangerous act?

“Before I explain the reason, may I ask you a question as well?”

“Of course.”

“Clan Leader, are you perhaps engaging in transactions with high-ranking officials?”

Song Guk-Hyeon’s expression changed slightly.

Transactions with high-ranking officials? The expression sounded good, but it meant whether he was bribing them for his own benefit. Of course, the opposite could also be true.

In other words, it was a rather rude remark.

Song Guk-Hyeon remained calm this time as well.

“It would be a lie to say that I have never done so. I have given money to officials from my own pocket.”

“I see.”

“However, I have never engaged in unfair transactions that resulted in significant gains. Nor have I ever embezzled from the bank’s funds.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, it is. While I cannot say that my past is entirely clean, I believe I have lived while maintaining a minimum standard.”

At least in terms of experience dealing with people, he was ahead of Jeagal Mun-Ho. No matter how sharp Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes were, it would be difficult to discern his true intentions if Song Guk-Hyeon was determined to manage his expressions.

“Clan Leader, you are a magnate of the business world. I do not believe you would give money to officials without any benefit.”

“I know you are not interrogating me, but may I know why you are asking such questions?”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face slowly changed.

A blank expression. It was a transformation that made one wonder if a person could change so drastically in one place. Song Guk-Hyeon involuntarily tensed up.

“If the violation of the Non-Intervention Treaty comes to light, many problems will arise. It is not my place to say this, as I am the one who broke the treaty, but it is obvious that the government offices would not want to make this a big issue.”

“……”

“If it were me, or anyone with some experience and understanding of politics, they would have contacted me directly. No matter the circumstances. Yet, they suddenly asked you to convey the message to me.”

“Military Advisor.”

“You asked why I am monitoring the movements of the government offices? I will answer you.”

Whoosh.

A cold killing intent formed in Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes.

In that instant, Song Guk-Hyeon’s face turned pale. Although he had been practicing health cultivation techniques, Jeagal Mun-Ho was a renowned master of the highest order. Facing the murderous gaze of such a master, his mind could not help but waver.

“I received intelligence that there is an impudent group trying to seize control of the government offices. And that this impudent group is a mysterious organization with immense power.”

“……!”

“It has already been confirmed that masters from that organization have infiltrated the Regional Military Commands and Provincial Military Commands as officials. It is hard to believe that they would have missed the Provincial Administration Commission, which is an administrative body.”

The Regional Military Command, the Provincial Military Command, and the Provincial Administration Commission each had different roles.

The three organizations were surprisingly independent of each other, which made each organization extremely autonomous.

That was why Jeagal Mun-Ho could not be certain. If he were certain, he would have already devised a plan on how to manipulate the entire government of Henan Province.

“I will be direct. Did you know about the mysterious organization that is trying to overthrow the Imperial Court and the government offices?”

“N-No, I did not.”

“Is that true? Perhaps you have already joined hands with them?”

“Military Advisor!”

“Or perhaps the officials you are connected with have already been infiltrated by them without your knowledge, and you are maintaining those relationships?”

Song Guk-Hyeon could not easily open his mouth. The atmosphere had suddenly turned hostile, but he also sensed how carefully he had to answer this question.

Jeagal Mun-Ho, who had been staring at Song Guk-Hyeon, soon relaxed his expression and lowered his head.

“I apologize. It was a sensitive matter, and I committed a rude act to test your intentions. I offer my sincere apologies.”

“……”

“However, I still believe that the Left Administration Commissioner’s actions were difficult to understand. That is why I asked, so please forgive my shortcomings.”

Song Guk-Hyeon, looking at Jeagal Mun-Ho with a complex expression, sighed.

“I came here with a light heart, but it seems I will have to stay longer than I thought.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho smiled.

“You were already thinking that far ahead. Your wisdom is indeed remarkable.”

An impudent group was trying to overthrow the Imperial Court and the government offices.

This was information that would shock the world. Yet, Jeagal Mun-Ho had freely shared such information with Song Guk-Hyeon.

In other words, he had no intention of letting Song Guk-Hyeon leave. Not until he was certain that he was not connected to the Divine Flame Church.

Song Guk-Hyeon asked,

“If such a force truly exists, wouldn’t it be better to meet directly with the highest-ranking officials of the government offices?”

“I had no choice but to act aggressively to avoid alerting the enemy.”

“Hmm.”

“Once I am certain about you, I will apologize for my rudeness. You have come a long way, and I have nothing to say.”

Song Guk-Hyeon clicked his tongue.

“As I said, I am not busy. I might as well stay here for a few days and see the Murim Alliance.”

He was definitely not an ordinary person.

In most cases, people would get angry or try to suppress their anger, and of course, they would express their grievances. But Song Guk-Hyeon was not like that. He knew that there was no point in rambling on, and that getting angry would not change the situation.

Knowing something with your head and also understanding it with your heart. That was one of the reasons why Song Guk-Hyeon was able to become a magnate of the business world.

“By the way, the name of that organization……”

It was then.

“Military Advisor. The Myeolsa Army Commander requests an audience.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes changed once again.

“Let him in.”

“Yes.”

A moment later.

Creak.

The door opened, and Yeon Ho-Jeong, wielding a massive axe, appeared.