Chapter 68 – Now It Really Begins

Chapter 68 – Now It Really Begins

It felt like presenting a proposal in front of the chairman.

The eyes of everyone in the Elders' Chamber were directed at San-ho.

“We called you to hear the story directly, so state your opinion on this matter without adding or subtracting anything.”

“Without adding or subtracting?”

“Yes.”

“Truly honestly?”

“I said yes. Speak comfortably.”

Raising his eyebrows slightly, San-ho looked at Tang Hwan and asked.

“Why are you opposing it?”

“…Did you think we would just blindly follow a deal that involves joining hands with the Black Path?”

“That's not it, but I wondered if there was another reason.”

“What?”

San-ho tilted his head, as if it were a matter of course.

“Actually, I don't really understand why you are opposing it. If you look at the numbers alone, such a profitable transaction is rare. Using the waterways is overwhelmingly superior in terms of speed and maintaining quality, but it also resolves the issues of land routes, like the Green Forest, all at once.”

“…”

“The only problem is that the ones transporting the cargo are the Yangtze River Waterway Forts… But since that is carried out through a contract between the Meteor Merchant Guild and the Waterway Forts, it is not a direct contract with the Tang Clan.”

“No matter how double-layered the transaction is, the fact that we are ultimately connected is what matters. This matter will only drag the Tang Clan's honor to the ground.”

“Is the public's perception what is important to us?”

“The wealth and power of the Five Great Families stem from honor. How could it not be important?”

Tang Hwan replied in a low voice to San-ho's innocent gaze.

“Honor… Sure, it's good, and it's important. But it wasn't as if our businesses had only flies buzzing around them because they lacked honor all this time, was it? In my opinion, the higher the Tang Clan's honor, the more our businesses will fall into ruin.”

“…”

An inn famous for poison, and escorts who hid themselves using hidden weapons? A medical outpost that tested lethal doses of poison on patients? Looking at these alone, it was bound to fail. It was a truly paradoxical reality that the poisons and hidden weapons, which had made the Sichuan Tang Clan a prestigious family, acted as detriments to their businesses.

“Where we place our purpose is what is important. Between empty honor and solid practical benefits.”

Tang Hwan exhaled a hollow breath at San-ho's words.

“Ha. Those are audacious words, but… you do have a point. Very well. The Council of Elders will discuss this matter further before making a decision, so you may leave now.”

Instead of heading outside, San-ho opened his mouth again.

“Um, by the way.”

“Do you have more to say?”

“Yes. This is not the end.”

“…?”

“Since we are revamping it, we might as well revamp it completely.”

“…?”

Revamp… completely? What?

A moment of confusion crossed Tang Hwan's face.

“First of all, the Tang Clan's main businesses are divided into three: the tavern, the Medical Pavilion, and the escort agency. Among them, since the Medical Pavilion has become a designated Medical Pavilion of the Martial Alliance, we can gradually expand its scale. The escort agency will also find stability with the new business. Then, what is left is…”

“The tavern?”

Following San-ho's voice, one of the elders answered as if possessed.

“Yes, the tavern. However, from this point on, I believe we need the help of an expert.”

San-ho suddenly posed a question to them.

“Do you know why Drunken Lotus Pavilion is called the greatest tavern under heaven?”

“Is it not because the tavern's facilities are outstanding, and the dishes of the restaurant are renowned as the best taste under heaven?”

One of the Supreme Elders who was listening added his opinion.

“It also cannot be left out that Drunken Lotus Pavilion's Blue Moon Liquor played a part in its reputation.”

“Exactly. Then all we have to do is make the Moonlight Pavilion run by the Tang Clan do the same, right?”

Since Moonlight Pavilion was built by the Tang Clan's artisans, its facilities were just as outstanding as those of Drunken Lotus Pavilion. It was an exceptionally elegant place, from the luxurious wood and furniture to the delicately carved patterns. However, because there were few users, it cost more to maintain.

At San-ho's words, Tang Hwan furrowed his brows.

“What do you mean by that?”

“We invite the chef of Drunken Lotus Pavilion to Moonlight Pavilion.”

“…?”

“Ah, strictly speaking, he isn't the chef, but rather the chef's younger brother… but his culinary skills are just as good. Of course, we can spread the rumor that one of Drunken Lotus Pavilion's chefs has come to Moonlight Pavilion. We can also receive a fixed amount of Drunken Lotus Pavilion's Blue Moon Liquor every year and sell it.”

“What…?”

What on earth was he talking about now?

The elders asked back, doubting their own ears.

“So, if we borrow a bit of Drunken Lotus Pavilion's reputation…”

“I understand what you mean, but there is no way that is possible, is there?”

Tang Hwan cut off San-ho's words and voiced his doubt.

“Why?”

“What do you mean, why? Would the owner of Drunken Lotus Pavilion really permit such a thing?”

The greatest tavern under heaven. Such a grand title was not something any tavern could obtain. Furthermore, wanting to exploit that reputation would be difficult for a tavern owner to accept. No, beyond being difficult to accept, it made no sense since there was no benefit for them.

“Ah, if it's that, it's not a problem. He will probably give permission.”

Yet, San-ho's attitude was nothing but confident.

“Hmph. How do you know that?”

“Well… because he dotes on me a lot?”

Shrugging his shoulders, San-ho continued.

“Really. And as for the Blue Moon Liquor, the shopkeeper—no, the owner of Drunken Lotus Pavilion—proposed it first.”

“What…?”

Tang Hwan and everyone in the Elders' Chamber blinked, unable to understand his words. That proud shopkeeper did so first? Why on earth…?

“To change public opinion created by false rumors, the priority is to cover up the false rumors with something of greater impact. Since there happen to be people who can help us at this timing, there is no need to refuse.”

Chamber Master Tang Hwan had intended to ask San-ho whether it was right to trade with the Waterway Forts. However, once things beyond that poured out of his mouth, the initial problem was no longer a problem.

San-ho knew this fact well.

That in the face of a big problem, other problems became trivial.

That was why he had begun his step-by-step persuasion.

“Just give me permission. I will take care of the rest.”

At the words that drove the final wedge, Tang Hwan, who had been contemplating for a moment, suddenly looked at him.

“…No one has ever asked such a thing of you. So why are you taking on this trouble and risk of your own accord?”

“Isn't it only natural? I am also someone who bears the surname Tang. Everything is for the glory of the family.”

'It would be even better if a gold spoon became a diamond spoon. Since I am the one who will spend it all anyway.'

San-ho, who did not bother to add his internal thoughts aloud, smiled broadly.

“I hate living just passably. I cannot be satisfied with that level. As for me, I want to live extremely well.”

“…”

Faced with the child's inner thoughts, which struck them with candid honesty, they could no longer add any words.

“Well then, please think it over and let me know. I will take my leave now.”

Having finished speaking his mind, San-ho bowed his waist deeply and left the Elders' Chamber.

“…”

Inside the room where a quiet air lingered.

The elders, lost in their own thoughts, did not easily open their mouths.

After a long while.

Tang Hwan, who had been staring blankly at his teacup, raised his head.

“I had temporarily forgotten… the teachings of the ancestors who built the Sichuan Tang Clan into a prestigious family.”

“Be relentlessly greedy. So that no one dares to look down on the Tang Clan. The only things that matter are the family and the safety of our kin.”

Tang Hwan's quiet gaze met Tang Hwa-seon.

“That child's depth of mind is better than ours. Clan Leader, you have raised an excellent child. It is a single tree yielding a hundred harvests; a single tree will bring a hundred benefits.”

“You flatter me. He is still young and lacking, so please look upon him kindly.”

“It is not flattery. There is not a single thing wrong in what that child said. Because of such a mere, empty honor… I almost placed a heavy burden on the children's shoulders as well.”

His bitter voice gradually softened.

“However, seeing that child puts my mind at ease. I look forward to the future of the Tang Clan very much.”

Tang Hwan recalled the gaze of San-ho, who had faced him directly.

Those quiet yet hot eyes.

Whenever he thought of the Tang Clan's future, anxiety always preceded.

He had lamented that the unresolved tasks were growing larger. However, he thought that perhaps… it was they themselves who had built up the size of the things that weighed down their shoulders.

It was a shameful realization.

A realization for them, who had temporarily forgotten what was truly important.

***

Leaving the Elders' Chamber, San-ho returned to the annex.

The annex, which he returned to after a long time, was noisily bustling.

Thanks to guests who were all out of the ordinary, the servant Deok-so broke into a cold sweat as he ran here and there.

Looking around, San-ho caught him and asked.

“Perfect timing. Why is Sawol not in sight?”

“Ah, he went on an errand. He will probably return only after a month or so has passed, so if there is anything you want done, please tell me, Young Master.”

“As long as a month? Just where on earth did he go?”

“I do not know the details either…”

It was then.

Just as San-ho was about to ask Deok-so something more, Yeo Woo-min's sharp scream was heard from inside.

“Kyaaaaah!!!”

“What is it?”

Hurrying toward where the scream was heard, he saw Yeo Woo-min trembling with a pale face.

“W-Wh-What… what is this…?”

His eyes shook as if an earthquake had struck.

“Ah, they are the babies I told you about.”

At San-ho's voice, Torong and Yongyong strode forward as if welcoming him. At that, Yeo Woo-min jumped up.

“Kyaaaaah!!!”

“This is Torong, and that is Yongyong. Aren't they cute?”

“Yes? Yessss?!”

At San-ho's bright voice, Yeo Woo-min merely gaped his mouth without replying.

Amber eyes that pierced into the depths. A snout packed with sharp teeth, and skin as tough as steel. How on earth could there be any cute spot, no matter how hard one looked? Moreover, their low, echoing growls were terrifying enough to make the hair on one's entire body stand on end.

Yeo Woo-min spoke to Tae Ju-ha, who was staring blankly at the two crocodiles.

“Ch-Chief Stronghold Leader, you also seem to be very surprised…”

“Aha, indeed…! From their lovely eyes to their sharp jawlines and charming tails, they are perfect.”

“…?”

“These golden eyes and cat-like voice are just cute beyond measure.”

‘Are we even looking at the same thing?’

Yeo Woo-min gaped his mouth in bewilderment.

Tae Ju-ha was checking Torong and Yongyong thoroughly, unable to contain his admiration.

“To be honest… I thought you were talking nonsense, but it is truly a surprising thing to find it was the truth.”

Turning to San-ho, Tae Ju-ha asked slyly.

“…Could you give just one to me?”

“No.”

“Can you really not?”

“I said no.”

“Sigh, I granted all of your requests! Are you going to act so stingy?”

“But I saved your life, Mister.”

“That is that, and this is this!”

“If you're going to put it that way, why didn't you give me the Red Dragon Ship!”

“What on earth would a guy from the Orthodox path even use that for!”

How did it come to this? Looking at San-ho, who did not yield even a single word, Tae Ju-ha suddenly reflected on his own situation. However, the moment of realization was always already too late.

“By the way, didn't you say you had to leave early?”

At San-ho's question, Tae Ju-ha suddenly burst into anger.

“Ah, how can I leave behind these cuties!”

His gaze could not tear itself away from the crocodile sisters acting cute at San-ho's feet. 'I want them, I want them.' The eyes of the man who loved rare things sparkled.

Grrrr. A pleased sound echoed softly.

The child who was stuck close to San-ho also touched Torong's back as if it was fascinating.

It was then that Do Yi-gyeom, at the window of the wide-open tea room, asked.

“You said you were going to the Council of Elders, did the talk go well?”

“Yes, fortunately, they accepted it well, so I think there won't be any major problems.”

Yeo Woo-min, who was shivering in the corner, looked at San-ho with pleading eyes.

“What a relief! Th-Then, shall we go inside and plan out the goods in earnest…? Please…?”

***

Rumors were fast.

The more bizarre and hard to believe the rumor was, the more so it was.

Only a very short time was needed for the rumors of the Yangtze River Waterway Forts' new business to sweep across the Central Plains.

“Did you hear that rumor? They say the Waterway Forts are opening an escort agency?”

“You crazy man, do you think that makes any sense?”

“Ah, why are you taking it out on me? It is just a rumor I heard too!”

“Ha! I would rather believe that someone spent their vacation at a Green Forest mountain stronghold.”

The merchants sitting together looked at each other and slily added their opinions.

“However, if that were to be true. Isn't this an extraordinary matter? High-quality goods from the west can fetch whatever price is asked.”

If only they could transport goods from the Sichuan and Yunnan regions through the waterways.

Gulp.

Recalling those immense profits, the merchants gulped without realizing it.

Then, a merchant with a grumpy expression spoke.

“If it is true, the Tang Clan, who joined hands with the water bandits, cannot be trusted at all either. For all we know, they might engage in piracy together in cahoots now.”

“Hey, that's not true. Didn't the Tang Clan's Medical Pavilion become a designated Medical Pavilion of the Martial Alliance this time? There's no way a family guaranteed by the Alliance would do that.”

“What? Does that mean the Waterway Forts will stop their piracy now?”

“Bwahaha, of course not. I would sooner believe a dog would stop eating feces!”

A merchant carrying white porcelain suddenly spoke up as if remembering something.

“Ah, right, I also heard they are distributing Drunken Lotus Pavilion's Blue Moon Liquor to Sichuan's Moonlight Pavilion?”

“Tsk, that is the biggest nonsense among everything I have heard lately. Don't you know that even when Jiangsu Province's Great Zhou Merchant Guild begged and implored Drunken Lotus Pavilion like that, they did not yield a single bottle?”

“Maybe it is different since it is a tavern.”

The peddler who had brought up the Great Zhou Merchant Guild looked around and whispered softly.

“There's no way. You know Hwayeong Tower, the most popular place in Hangzhou, right? I heard the tower mistress went to Drunken Lotus Pavilion herself, but the shopkeeper didn't even show his face.”

“My… is there a man who would turn away a beauty of peerless grace at his doorstep?”

“That is what I mean! Unless there is someone more beautiful than her in Moonlight Pavilion, tsk… it is just a rumor.”

The merchants, who had been laughing for a while, gathered their belongings and said.

“Still…”

“Since we never know, shall we go to Sichuan to take a sneak peek?”

“Well… that much should be fine.”

“Then I shall go too…”

Thus, hearing the rumors, the merchants of the Central Plains began to gather in Sichuan one by one.