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3.
Courier agencies and merchant guilds that operated on a nationwide scale could not withstand the deficits caused by the slowing economy and eventually began to withdraw their branches.
Naturally, those working at the branch ended up with nothing to do, in an already difficult situation.
In the midst of this, a merchant group in Anhui Province posted recruitment notices every day and began absorbing those who had been sitting idle.
That upper guild was none other than the Great Heavenly Guild operated by the Taeeulmun.
The Daecheon Merchant Guild, which had originally operated conservatively, experienced an unexpected golden age as it distributed the rice and grains it had accumulated in its massive warehouses to Gangbuk and Gangseo, to the point where it was short of manpower even after hiring people repeatedly.
Even the rice merchants of each region, who had strong exclusive tendencies, welcomed the expansion of the Daecheon Merchant Guild—which had stockpiled enormous amounts of grain—with open arms.
As the volume of goods distributed increased along with the establishment of a branch, there were frequent instances where rice merchants, who were known for being slow-moving, visited Anhui Province on their own accord.
Of course, it is not as if Jin Taesan, who was the head of the Taeeulmun Outer Hall his entire life, had accumulated grain based on some extraordinary prediction.
It was entirely because Jin So-woon, who had initially taken the Changgung Merchant Group from the Namgung family, wanted to operate the group conservatively.
Although the method of building warehouses and storing goods and accumulated assets from what was already meager wealth did not contribute much to the merchant guild’s profits, Wang Geum-san, who was giving advice, actually welcomed Jin So-un’s policy.
Wang Geum-san, who was wielding his brush, stared blankly at Jin Tae-san.
“I’m really envious of you. Thanks to your wonderful son, you’re making such a lot of money, aren’t you?”
Thanks to this, while other merchant guilds continued their temporary suspension and rested while curling up as much as possible, Jin Taesan truly became the embodiment of Daeungmyo and continued working.
“That is true. Still, Master Wang, you are not in a position to say that. Thanks to your clever daughter, aren’t you making more money than I do?”
Jin Taesan’s office, which was originally so packed with piles of documents that there was no room to even step, had suddenly transformed into a space where numerous people were busily coming and going and working.
And next to him, Wang Geum-san, like Jin Tae-san, had also become the incarnation of Daeung-myo and was working.
Wang Geum-san frowned deeply.
“Why is this because of my daughter? It’s all because of your damn son.”
“Hah! So you are finally giving the nickname ‘Damn it’ to the son you cherished so much.”
The Daecheon Merchant Guild, having received the right to distribute supplies from the Anhui branch of the Martial Arts Alliance, shared the amount of supplies they could not handle alone with the Wang family.
As a result, their already close relationship became even closer, so Wang Geum-san went so far as to buy up all the land around the original Daecheon Merchant Group and build a joint office.
Moreover, as various catastrophic problems arose recently causing issues with the distribution of goods in neighboring provinces, the Daecheon Merchant Group and the Wang Family Headquarters, which originally covered only the Anhui region of the Murim Alliance, were expanding their influence and extending their distribution networks to Henan, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.
Given the situation, even after hiring people repeatedly, there was a shortage of manpower, and the work seemed endless.
“Ah! How about this? I will give you all the rights to the facilities we jointly invested in. In return, you must return one-tenth of the profits to us.”
Although it was a condition that entailed a massive loss compared to the current profit margins in the Anhui region, Jin Taesan firmly shook his head.
The Daecheon Merchant Guild does not suck the blood of others.
“Damn it! Be a little greedy! You’re young!”
“Master Jang, you aren’t that old either, are you!”
The Wang clan, which had faltered after severing trade with Mount Hua and Jianchang, regained its former prosperity by pioneering a new distribution network in the West.
Through trade with the Murim Alliance and the distribution of rice, it has now expanded to the point where it influences the entirety of Gangnam and Gangbuk.
If things continue like this for a few years, we will be able to be called the best trading company in the world, not just one of the three major trading companies.
However, far from showing joy, a deep shadow hung over Wang Geum-san’s face.
“This is not the old age I wanted!”
“Isn’t it only natural for a man to harbor the grand ambition of conquering the world in this one life he lives?”
“I’m totally in my nature to just spend time doing simple things like watching my grandchildren!”
Jin Taesan raised his voice, not wanting to be outdone.
“Do you think I’m any different! Why should I, a warrior by birth, be stuck handling paperwork like this!”
“Hmph! I’ve heard all the stories about how you’ve never seen talent before.”
“Th-What kind of nonsense is that…! I am the father of Jin So-un, whose voice is now ringing out throughout the land! Do you think a tiger can come out of a dog?!”
The two leaders of the Daecheon Merchant Group and the Wang Family Manor were shouting and arguing, but the employees walking around merely shook their heads and did not try to stop them.
It was just that, even while fighting, they were only keenly focused on whether or not the two would stop brushing.
Because the moment the two of them stop brushing, their overtime will be confirmed.
The two people, who had been fuming and venting their anger for quite a while, quickly lost their energy and lowered their voices.
“I heard your son went to Shanxi Province this time?”
“Why are you suddenly distancing yourself? You used to call her ‘our So-un’ so often.”
Jin Taesan snorted, but he still answered the question.
“I heard he went as an envoy for the Murim Alliance this time.”
“Does it even make sense for a mere academy student to be included in the delegation?”
“Well, when was he ever acting on common sense?”
Wang Geum-san stroked his chin with his hand and said.
“Hmm… If you are going because of the rumor that you are close to the Black Sect, that would cause problems.”
Jin Taesan suddenly stopped his brush.
“Why, I ask?”
No matter how much you hate them, a child is still a child, isn’t they?
Wang Geum-san clears his throat and whispers.
“Keep that brush moving. Aren’t the other staff members looking this way? Anyway… isn’t that just how politics is? Even a small flaw gets blown out of proportion.”
“Hmm… then, are you saying that his path to success might be blocked in the future?”
“It might come to a halt.”
That’s good.
“huh?”
This time, Wang Geum-san’s brush stopped.
Because the words of a father who longed for his child’s wealth and glory were astonishing.
Jin Taesan shrugged his shoulders and spoke nonchalantly.
“That guy’s rise to power needs to stop for me to get a job, doesn’t it?”
“…….”
“And to begin with, I have no ambition to expand the trading company significantly. It is enough for me as long as the people of Taeeulmun do not go hungry.”
Although he said that, Wang Geum-san knew.
The fact that Jin Taesan is more worried about Jin So-un than anyone else.
Even looking at the present, that is the case.
Ever since hearing that Jin So-un might be in trouble, hasn’t his already bear-like face turned pitch black like a brown bear?
Wang Geum-san offered comfort with the warmest gaze possible.
“Don’t worry. He’s a smart child, isn’t he? He’ll get through it.”
Did Wang Geum-san’s comfort help?
Jin Taesan, who had been crouching like a sinner, lifts his head.
Move the brush again. Stop trying to cut corners.
“…….”#Actually, I don’t really care how I’m talked about by people.
In my previous life, no matter what I did, I wasn’t even the subject of gossip.
He even peed on his clothes during combat, but that did not become a controversy.
Nevertheless, I do not like the fact that the Dark Way keeps tarnishing my reputation in this life.
I don’t like the nickname at all, but aren’t crazy people constantly swarming around me because of all that bullshit about me being a joint successor of the Black Dao Alliance or whatever?
Actually, I have a kind heart closer to the righteous faction than anyone else!
I’m the only one looking after the shivering servants, right?
After entering the area of Gakmunchae, the anxiety of the Jangjasu grew noticeably.
“They say Gakmunchae is the most vicious in Shanxi Province, don’t they?”
“Is that all? I heard they have the most people, too.”
“Phew… If I had known this would happen, I should have left a suicide note.”
Although every trade carries a risk, for them, who had not felt much burden or threat until now, it was naturally an extremely unsettling situation.
I comforted them and said.
You don’t have to worry too much.
“yes?”
It would be perfect if you even gave a sweet smile to those looking at you with big, innocent eyes.
Where can you find a dark path with ‘goodness’ written on its face like this?
“If a battle breaks out, just stay close to me as much as possible. Then, at the very least, you won’t die or get seriously injured.”
The peddlers nodded earnestly even while trembling.
at that time.
“What is the reason you go out of your way to look after them?”
Hyeoltu, who was tilting his head crookedly from the side, asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Aren’t those just peddlers? I heard you saw them for the first time on this expedition, too.”
Haa. I suppose it wouldn’t make sense from the perspective of a scoundrel with a dark heart.
I answered with a benevolent expression.
A chivalrous hero is meant to uphold justice anytime, anywhere.
“……
A chivalrous hero?
Is this guy picking a fight?
If this keeps happening, there is a limit to how long I can endure, even in a bloody fight.
“I’ve heard more than a couple of rumors about you. Usually, when rumors of that magnitude spread, it’s one of two things: either only part of it is true, or it’s mixed with exaggeration.”
“Why do you exclude cases where everything is false?”
Have you ever seen smoke without fire?
Well then, there is!
Isn’t there clearly an example of a country?
“Then let me ask you something. Why did you suggest going this way? Did you do it because you wanted to fight with Gakmunchae?”
“With the likes of Gakmunchae? What fun would it be for me to fight those bastards?”
Then why did you choose this path when it was obvious that damage would occur?
Bloody Battle narrows his eyes and answers.
“I wanted to see how you and the delegation would respond.”
“What the hell did you say?”
Did you just swear?
Oh my goodness, I unintentionally blurted out my true feelings because I heard such a ridiculous story.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t help but… my true feelings… But is that really the only reason?”
“Besides that, what reason is there to go this way?”
A bloody battle that asks as if actually curious.
I had a lot I wanted to say, but wouldn’t talking to a crazy person just give me a bigger headache?
I just kept my mouth shut.
It looks like Gakmunchae will start appearing soon.
The path leading to the middle of the mountain begins to narrow in a strange way.
The escorts, who had been moving on either side of the carriage as if guarding it, naturally had no choice but to move back and forth, and the length of the procession naturally grew longer.
If you make the path narrow like this, it becomes easier to attack from the high canyons on both sides.
Most of the Green Forest Gangs use this method when collecting tolls.
Although no one sent a signal, everyone knew that the Green Forest Bandits would appear soon.
As I adjusted my grip on the sword, I surveyed the positions of the squires.
I wonder how much further I walked like that.
“Wowwwwww!”
The mountain ridge echoed loudly, and shouts rang out from all directions.
At the same time, crowds filled not only the top of the canyon but also the front and back of the road.
Usually, the bandits who collect tolls only have a few people blocking the path, but it seemed they had gathered everyone they had upon realizing we were unarmed.
Or, they might have known that we were an envoy from the Murim Alliance.
“Greetings. Sangbang Courier Agency greets the Mountain Master.”
“Welcome. I am Son Ho-bang from the Gakmunchae.”
It was customary for the Green Forest Bandit to open the way after greeting and handing over the toll fee, but when the guard did not move, Son Ho-bang frowned.
“Aren’t you planning to pass through?”
“That is…….”
The escort officer is wary of Akbyeongbi.
Then, Akbyeongbi stepped forward.
“Listen, Green Forest Bandits! We are envoys of the Murim Alliance carrying out their duties. Therefore, clear the way.”
“Murim Alliance?”
“A delegation?”
At Akbyeongbi’s words, the whispering voices of the Green Forest bandits could be heard.
“Huh! Green Forest Sect….”
however.
Unlike the ordinary bandits who were flustered, Son Ho-bang, who stood as their representative, did not seem to be particularly bothered.
No, on the contrary, they expressed displeasure at not being referred to as Sanju.
Sanhobang took a step forward and growled.
“If it’s the Murim Alliance, it’s the Murim Alliance. So what?”
“What?”
“This is the mountain of Gakmunchae. If you wish to pass, pay.”
Akbyeongbi also does not back down easily.
How dare they claim a mountain they illegally occupied as their own property?
If you don’t like that, leave your luggage behind.
visor.
As Son Ho-bang drew his sword as if there was nothing more to hear, the bandits spread throughout the gorge began to raise their weapons one by one.
The members of the delegation also began preparing for battle one by one.
Yeom Gwi-bi and Hyeol-tuk, who were watching with interest as if curious about what the delegation would do, also gradually raised their internal energy.
Akbyeongbi warned in a low voice.
If you do not step aside, you will see much blood.
“I’ll know whose blood flows just by looking at it. Kids!”
As soon as Son Ho-bang shouted, boulders began to fall behind the procession.
The boulders that tumbled down quickly blocked our escape route, and we were instantly trapped like rats in a cage. ‘This is going to be harder than expected.’ The canyon was too high, and there were more Green Forest troops than we thought.
At this rate, someone might get killed or injured by a blind weapon. ‘Damn it…’ Tension was rising intensely.
This is a situation where anyone can foresee a clash between the two sides.
I quickly climbed onto the carriage and took a position.
Because instead of dealing with the Green Forest Bandits, we will have to protect the thugs.
Son Ho-bang raises his hand high, as if signaling the start of the battle.
“Gakmunchae, take those bastards right now…!”
He suddenly stopped speaking as he was giving orders.
The Green Forest Bandits, who had been preparing to spring out at any moment, flinched one by one and stopped in their tracks. ‘What is this?’ I felt as though Son Ho-bang, who had been completely absorbed in the battle despite me revealing the name of the Murim Alliance, was somehow staring at me.
there!”
Son Ho-bang’s finger points to this side.
Did you call me?
My bewilderment lasted only a moment.
Are you the Black Flame Dragon?
Son Ho-bang, who calls me by my damn nickname.
Damn it. Why is that nickname coming up again here?
As I nodded with a reluctant expression, Son Ho-bang’s face stiffened.
“You really are the Black Flame Dragon, the leader of the Black Dragon Fortress and the Flower Flame Fortress?”
No, f*ck, why is that story suddenly coming up here?
The delegation and the bloody battle party, who had been preparing for battle with tense expressions just moments ago, also looked at me with bewildered faces.
I answered while trying hard to look away from the stares directed at me.
“I thought you would be older since I heard you subdued Hwaeomchae, but you are younger than I thought…….”
No, I’m telling you, it’s a misunderstanding.
Then Son Ho-bang cautiously asks.
“Did you perhaps come to challenge the Mountain King?”
“That’s not it. I just stopped by by chance while passing through.”
“okay……?”
Son Ho-bang turned his head to one side and parted his lips.
Then he nodded and said.
“I can’t possibly charge a toll to a fellow member of the Green Forest Village. Clear the way!”
No!
I said we’re not comrades, so start the battle quickly!
Contrary to my hopes, the Green Forest Bandits, gripping their weapons tightly, began to retrieve them one by one.
Soon, Son Ho-bang and others who had been blocking the path cleared the way to the sides.
Then he said to me.
“We are listening closely to rumors regarding the Battle for the King that the Green Dragon is waging in Gangnam. Tell them that our Gakmunchae is ready to accept the challenge at any time.”
Indeed, Gakmunchae did not do anything until our group passed by.
Some waved their hands after we passed by.
Although they passed through Gakmunchae peacefully without any battles or tolls, the atmosphere of the guild became even more awkward.
Piercing the quiet atmosphere, the voice of a bloody battle flies in.
“A chivalrous hero? What kind of hero in this world possesses two bandit strongholds?”
Bloody Battle spoke with a look of disbelief for the first time.
I had nothing else to say in response to the bloody taunts, so I did not answer.
No, to be precise, it would be more accurate to say that Ak Byeong-bi’s gaze was so sharp it was stinging, so I couldn’t bring myself to speak.
shit.
To think I’d get caught in Shanxi for something that didn’t even happen in Sichuan.
This time, a bright voice flies in, out of place with the atmosphere.
“Oh! So you are the bandit leader? Then can I become a bandit leader too?”
Dang Seo-hui, who had been obsessed with playing the role of a swordsman until just the day before, suddenly found that his future aspiration had changed to becoming a bandit leader.
No, not that kind of thing.
“I’m curious. How did you become a creditor?”
I don’t know either. It’s just that one day I became a creditor… It’s true.
