More Than Expected (6)
Eun Gil-Sang clasped his hands and spoke.
"In truth, what you received earlier through Lord Song was sent in a rush and in an incomplete state. I beg your forgiveness."
"No, not at all! Thanks to that, I was able to save face with my wife. How could I possibly blame you?"
"Thank you for your understanding."
Eun Gil-Sang deeply bowed his head, then continued.
"This is the highest-grade Self-Dancing Doll. You know how to operate it, of course."
At those words, the Chief Inspector immediately turned the handle and wound up the wheel.
And when he released the wheel, the doll began to move.
"Oh! Ohhh!"
Perhaps because of its outfit, the fluttering sleeves of the doll made it look even more beautiful.
And after a moment, the doll came to a stop.
Once more, Eun Gil-Sang bowed respectfully and spoke.
"And though slightly lower in grade than this one, we have prepared ten more that look no different in appearance. I hope they will be of help to you, sir."
There was a reason for preparing one highest-grade doll and ten others that looked the same but were one grade lower.
Humans are beings driven by desire.
It is only natural to want something better, and so the best was given to the Chief Inspector.
But clearly, these were going to be used for greasing palms. If it were to be revealed that one had a better version, it would become awkward.
And that resentment could end up being directed at the Eunhae Merchant Group.
So this was all prepared to prevent that from happening.
"You, I like you very much. Hahahaha!"
"I'm honored beyond words."
Eun Gil-Sang bowed again with his hands clasped, then raised his head and spoke.
"Forgive me for speaking out of turn, but we have produced exactly one thousand Self-Dancing Dolls at our merchant group. To be precise, one thousand and eleven. Each doll has a small serial number engraved on its back."
"Truly, only that many?"
"Yes. These dolls are not easy to produce, so we decided to limit it to that number."
"Indeed, I can see why."
"And the dolls we make won't stop with just this one. Self-Dancing Dolls that tell different stories will be created, and each time, we will come to visit you."
The Chief Inspector burst into a delighted laugh at Eun Gil-Sang's words.
"Then I shall be able to own every Self-Dancing Doll that tells each story."
"Seeing you pleased brings joy to this old man as well."
"By the way, how much do you plan to sell this for?"
"Ten nyang of silver."
The Chief Inspector nodded at that answer.
The price was quite high for a single doll, but for someone of his status, it wasn't a significant sum.
"A fair price."
Eun Gil-Sang took a piece of paper from the box. It was a thick card, about the size of a palm.
"What's that?"
"This is what we call a Product Certificate. It certifies that this Self-Dancing Doll was properly made and sold by our Eunhae Merchant Group."
"So, it's proof that it's genuine."
"Exactly. And if you bring this certificate to our store, it can be repaired at any time for free."
"If it broke by mistake, it would be upsetting. That's a relief."
A trace of a smile lingered on the Chief Inspector's lips, and after exchanging a few more words, Eun Gil-Sang and Yeon Dami took their leave.
Inside the carriage heading toward the Eunhae Merchant Group branch.
Yeon Dami let out a small laugh.
"Did you see his face just now? The lord's expression was something else."
"I was surprised too, but how could he not be?"
"Still, I'm glad he liked it. I've got a really good feeling about this."
"So do I."
At that moment, Eun Gil-Sang's eyes turned sharp.
"What about surveillance on the other merchant groups?"
"It's underway."
"Good."
When one merchant group releases a new product, the biggest obstacle is none other than the competing groups.
If they engage in sabotage, nothing is more troublesome.
"For now, it looks like they're just watching."
"Naturally. They probably haven't figured things out yet."
"Thanks to establishing good rapport with the Chief Inspector, the pressure from the authorities should be less of a concern."
"Even so, remain vigilant and continue monitoring."
"Of course."
Eun Gil-Sang gazed at the street where the other merchant groups were located, his eyes gleaming with a sinister light.
Even if he was kind and gentle, he was still a merchant.
And more importantly, he was a father.
Which meant Eun Gil-Sang wasn't someone to be underestimated.
If someone dares to ruin what my youngest son has poured his heart into, I won't just stand by.
***
Morning.
I woke up earlier than usual.
Because I'd had a nightmare again last night.
It had been lasting far longer than I expected, but there was still something I was thankful for.
It kept my determination to become the greatest merchant in the world from fading.
Before I knew it, spring had crept closer.
It had already been a month and a half since the Spring Festival passed.
Come to think of it, yesterday was the grand opening of the store in the capital of Hubei Province, and also the debut of the Self-Dancing Doll.
According to Father, the upper class was showing great interest in the doll.
Still, it'll probably take at least two weeks for all of them to sell.
After finishing my training, I headed to the dining room for breakfast.
My family's expressions were bright today as well, and somehow, that settled the restlessness in my heart.
.
.
.
After lunch, the afternoon came.
From Chief of Internal Affairs Yoo's office, the only sounds that could be heard were the turning of book pages and brush strokes writing on paper.
It seemed he had now learned how to work me nonstop until closing time.
Dadadada!
Then, the sound of someone running came.
"Chief of Internal Affairs! The Merchant Lord is calling you!"
The door soon opened, and Jo Youngyoung, the deputy, shouted with an excited expression.
"The Self-Dancing Dolls... they've all, all sold out!"
"...!"
What?
We only started selling them yesterday, and they're already all gone?
It seemed this was turning out to be an even bigger success than I had expected.
***
The capital of Hubei Province.
A red cloth covering the storefront, located slightly off from the main street of the city center, was drawn aside.
On the newly revealed signboard of the shop, the store name was written in elegant golden letters:
[Hongha Luxury Boutique]
[T/L: 홍하 - Hongha/red river.]
It was clearly different from a typical shop.
First, armed martial guards were stationed around the shop, maintaining strict security.
The entire store was lavishly decorated in red and gold.
And there were no goods displayed on stands.
Only a sign placed at the entrance reading [Self-Dancing Dolls Now on Sale].
Even so, people were lined up in front of the store, waiting for it to open.
"Brother, where have you come from?"
"I've come from Zhejiang Province. How about you?"
"I'm from Anhui Province."
"Judging by your bearing, it seems you've been sent by your master."
"That's right. And you?"
"Same here."
"Oh? Me too…"
At that moment, a man standing with a sword at his waist spoke.
"Everyone lined up here has likely been ordered to purchase a Self-Dancing Doll."
"Well, that makes sense. Those who can easily hand over ten nyang of silver wouldn't disgrace themselves by standing in line personally."
"Still, ten nyang of silver for a single doll! Isn't that a bit much?"
"Even if it dances at a set time…"
"No matter how expensive, if it's worth that price, then surely that's why our masters ordered us to get one."
About a month ago, a strange atmosphere began to form, centered around Beijing and Kaifeng.
It became a trend that if you were truly of the upper class, you had to own a Self-Dancing Doll.
That's why so many people were lined up in front of a store that hadn't even opened yet.
A martial guard glanced back and showed a surprised expression.
"The line has already grown tremendously."
"Well, it's limited to just a thousand units, after all."
"And only one per household, they say…"
They gestured toward the notice posted at the store entrance.
So many had asked about it that the announcement was displayed out front.
Then, several men and women wearing long red robes stepped out from the shop.
A man with three silver wave patterns embroidered on his robe stepped forward and spoke.
"Apologies for the long wait. I am Seo Ji-Pyeong, manager of the newly launched Hongha Luxury Boutique under the Eunhae Merchant Group, which handles only the finest products."
He bowed after his greeting, and the staff behind him followed suit.
"Now, we will begin operations. However, for the comfort of those entering, we will allow only five customers at a time."
Thus began the sale of the Self-Dancing Dolls, and by the end of the day, all stock had been sold out.
And that was with only five people being let in at a time—had there been no entry restrictions, they would have sold out in just one hour.
This news was quickly relayed to the main branch of the Eunhae Merchant Group, and Eun Gil-Sang convened a meeting.
***
I was currently at Eunwol Pavilion.
Father had summoned Chief of Internal Affairs Yoo and me upon receiving the news via messenger that the Self-Dancing Dolls had completely sold out.
Everyone present at Eunwol Pavilion wore an expression of excitement.
Naturally so.
It was a business venture we'd only vaguely hoped would succeed, with no real certainty.
But to have everything sold out in a single day?
"First, this success was only possible thanks to everyone's efforts. You all have my thanks."
At Father's words, everyone gave a respectful nod.
Yoo So-Ak spoke.
"From the sales of the Self-Dancing Dolls, we earned a net profit of seven thousand nyang of silver. This is after deducting the costs of purchasing the store, materials, labor, and so on."
"That's substantial."
"From that, per our contract, forty percent will be paid to the craftsman responsible for producing the dolls…"
"That comes to four thousand two hundred nyang."
"Huh…"
At Pavilion Master Yeon's words, everyone blinked in surprise.
Only a thousand dolls were sold, and yet the profit margin was far greater than expected.
Chief Yoo looked at me in admiration.
"You've earned two thousand eight hundred nyang of silver, young master."
"Not all of it is mine."
I smiled and said,
"Forty percent of that belongs to the craftsman, after all."
"Then the rest…?"
"That's a private matter."
To my answer, Chief Yoo asked with a sly smile.
"Have you considered investing in the Eunhae Merchant Group?"
Oh?
That's not a bad idea.
But right now, I have something I need to focus on saving up for.
So, I brushed it off with a light chuckle.
At that moment, Chief of External Affairs Go spoke.
"If this much profit can be made, we should've made ten thousand of them instead."
"That could've been done, but we're not just selling Self-Dancing Dolls once, are we?"
"True."
"We'd only end up creating fatigue among our customers."
Father then asked me,
"So, when do you plan to release the Self-Dancing Doll that contains the story you mentioned? You said the wealthy would be collecting these dolls, but once the novelty wears off, it may lose its effect."
At Father's question, everyone turned their curious gazes to me.
I smiled and answered confidently.
"Just as you said, Father. That's why I plan to release it during the upcoming Dano Festival. By then, the interest shouldn't have faded yet."
"Four months or so… That should be fine."
Father nodded.
"Let's discuss the Self-Dancing Doll again at our next meeting. As for Seoho…"
He paused to look at me, then continued.
"Well, your presence here doesn't seem to be a problem. Ahem, as you all know, next month is the twentieth birthday of my eldest son."
Come to think of it, next month was the day Elder Brother Jeong-ho officially became the Vice-Leader of the merchant group!
Wait a second…
As something crossed my mind, Father went on.
"I plan to formally grant Jeong-ho the position of Vice-Leader. What are your thoughts?"
Pavilion Master Yeon said,
"Since Young Master Jeong-ho completed all practical training with outstanding results, it is only right to do so."
Chief Go added with a hearty laugh,
"To think our Young Master Jeong-ho will officially become Vice-Leader! You must be proud. Hahaha."
"I am indeed very proud."
At the end of last year, Pavilion Master Yeon had declared Elder Brother Jeong-ho's training complete, so he was already qualified to become Vice-Leader.
In other words, this birthday would mark his official appointment.
Father and the others were all chatting and laughing cheerfully as they discussed the upcoming ceremony for Elder Brother Jeong-ho.
But I couldn't bring myself to laugh.
Because I remembered what had happened on that day at the Eunhae Merchant Group—a major incident, and the moment that became Elder Brother Jeong-ho's greatest regret.
He regretted it so much, he brought it up every time he got drunk, calling it "that moment."
He had every reason to feel envious or jealous of my talents, but he never did.
He was the kind of brother who even tried to give up the Merchant Lord position for me.
I didn't want to see him regret something again.
Under the table, I clenched my fist tightly.
I vowed to myself that I would never let anything happen that would make Elder Brother Jeong-ho regret again.